Kirchweih Markt Erlbach

Bartholomäus-Kirchweih in a Middle Franconian Market Town

Markt Erlbach is a historic market town in the district of Neustadt a.d.Aisch-Bad Windsheim in Middle Franconia (Bavaria), located in the Aischgrund region. Like most Franconian market communities, Markt Erlbach celebrates its annual Bartholomäus-Kirchweih — named after the Apostle Bartholomew, the patron saint of the parish church of St. Bartholomew. The Kirchweih date follows St. Bartholomew's Day (August 24th) and is set for the last weekend in August before this date, from Friday to Monday.

The Grafflmarkt — Highlight on Kärwasonntag

What sets the Kärwa Markt Erlbach apart from other Franconian Kirchweihen is the Grafflmarkt: a large flea market on Kärwasonntag from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. "Graffl" is a Franconian word for junk, bric-a-brac, all sorts of things — and that's exactly what's offered here: antiques, rustic furniture, traditional costumes, crockery, books, collectibles, tools, toys, jewelry, lamps, musical instruments. The market attracts visitors from the entire Middle Franconian region. Stall registrations for exhibitors will be accepted from June 2026.

Classic Kärwa Program with Franconian Specialties

Alongside the Grafflmarkt, the classic Franconian Kärwa program defines the weekend: Festival tent on the fairground at Frankenstraße with beer service and live music (mostly regional brass bands and cover bands), Parade on Kärwasonntag, Franconian specialties (Schäuferla, Bratwürste, Kärwakrapfen). On Kärwamontag (fair Monday), the traditional Bärenausjagen (bear chasing) is performed — a humorous custom that concludes the festival weekend.

Five Other District Kirchweihen

Markt Erlbach comprises several districts, five of which maintain their own Kirchweih — each with a fixed calendar date and its own tradition: Jobstgreuth on the 3rd Sunday after Easter (Gasthaus zur Linde), Linden on the 4th Sunday after Easter (village center), Mosbach on the Sunday after Ascension Day (Gasthof Im Aurachgrund), Eschenbach on the 3rd Sunday in July (Gasthaus Wick), and Losaurach on the 2nd Sunday before August 24th (sports field). Those who want to experience the diversity of Kirchweih traditions can visit a Markt Erlbach Kärwa almost every second Sunday from April to August.

Atmosphere and Regional Significance

The Kärwa Markt Erlbach is deeply rooted in Franconian club life. It is organized by local Kärwagesellschaften (fair societies), which pass on the customs from generation to generation. Bratwurst and beer stands are run by clubs — proceeds go into the club treasuries for youth work, traditional costume care, and club activities. The Kärwa is therefore not a tourist event, but part of the social fabric of the market community.