Kirchweih Merkendorf

Kirchweih in the Krautstadt

The Kirchweih Merkendorf is the traditional Kirchweih festival of the town of Merkendorf in the district of Ansbach in Middle Franconia, in the Bavarian state of Bavaria. Merkendorf, known as the historic Krautstadt in the Franconian Lake District, celebrates its Kirchweih every year on the first weekend of September. In 2026, the festival falls on the first weekend of September, with Kirchweihsonntag (Kirchweih Sunday) on September 6th.

Customs and Program

The centerpiece is the erection of the Kirchweihbaum. From Friday to Monday, the amusement park is set up in the old town, along with beer and wine tents for young and old. The innkeepers start the Kirchweih as early as Tuesday with dishes featuring the famous Merkendorf cabbage. On Kirchweihsonntag, there will be a festive church service, a traditional concert by the Merkendorf Accordion Group in the market square, and the traditional Krammarkt (market).

Experience History

During the Kirchweih, the local history museum in the Zehentscheune and the Bürger- und Trachtenstube (citizens' and traditional costume room) are open. Thus, the festival combines conviviality with the eventful history of the small, once fortified, yeoman town in the Franconian Lake District.

Winding Down in the Inns

On Monday, the festival concludes with folk song singing and the Kirchweih finale in the inns – including performances by the Wirtshaussänger from Wolframs-Eschenbach at the »Krone«. This is how the Merkendorf Kirchweih traditionally ends in a convivial atmosphere.