Kirchweih Baudenbach

Sunday after Maria Birth

In Baudenbach, in the district of Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim, Kirchweih is traditionally celebrated on the Sunday before Lamberti (September 17) or the Sunday after Maria Birth (September 8) – both calculation methods lead to the same date. In 2026, the Kirchweih will therefore fall on September 13. It commemorates the consecration of the Protestant St. Lambertus Church, whose patronage is dedicated to Saint Lambert of Maastricht. The church is the defining building of the small market town, which is documented as a settlement as early as the 14th century, but whose roots historians trace back before the year 1000.

Six Weeks of Kerwa Season

A special feature of Baudenbach is its staggered Kirchweih tradition: after the main Kirchweih in Baudenbach has been celebrated, the districts follow at two-week intervals. Hambühl celebrates one week later, Frankenfeld fourteen days after Hambühl, and finally Roßbach with Mönchsberg and Höfen at the end of October (October 30 to November 1, 2026). Thus, the Kerwa season in the municipality of Baudenbach extends over about six weeks – a unique piece of living tradition in the Franconian Aischgrund.

Kirchweih Fir Tree, Parade, and Schlachtschüsselessen

The festive opening takes place on Thursday or Friday with the erection of the Kirchweih fir tree: a decorated fir tree, often 20 to 30 meters high, is erected in the market square with the help of the entire village. On Kirchweih Sunday, after the Protestant festive service in the Lambertus Church, the traditional parade with traditional costume groups, club flags, and music bands takes place. A highlight is the hearty Schlachtschüsselessen with Kesselfleisch (cauldron pork), fresh Bratwürste (sausages), and "Bluts- und Leberwürst" (blood and liver sausages) – the Franconian version of a butcher's feast. Carousels spin in the market square, shooting galleries and stalls offer Wuchtelteig (a type of dough), Schaumküsse (meringue kisses), and Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

Live Music in the Festival Tent

In the festival tent – often set up in the market square or on an adjacent meadow – the local brass band provides the musical accompaniment. On Kirchweih Monday, bands play, often with Schlager (pop music), party music, and Franconian folk songs. Beer is traditionally served by a Franconian brewery from the region. The Kirchweih concludes at the latest with the "Ausgehen" on Tuesday with Wuchtelteig and Frühschoppen (morning pint).

Baudenbach – Market Town in the Aischgrund

The municipality of Baudenbach, with around 1,000 inhabitants, is located in the north of the Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim district, about 20 kilometers northwest of Neustadt and 50 kilometers west of Nuremberg, in the hilly Aischgrund region. Baudenbach's old market rights date back to the Middle Ages. Today, the municipality is characterized by agriculture, carp pond farming (typical for the Aischgrund), and small crafts. The Kirchweih here is not a tourist spectacle, but a living village tradition – a real insider tip in the Franconian Kirchweih calendar.

Program Highlights at a Glance

• Erection of the Kirchweih fir tree on Thursday or Friday
• Sunday, September 13 — Festive service in St. Lambertus Church
• Parade with traditional costume groups and club flags
• Schlachtschüsselessen with Kesselfleisch, Bratwürste, liver and blood sausages
• Carousel, stalls, and sales stands in the market square
• Live music in the festival tent with brass band and party band
• Frühschoppen on Kirchweih Monday