Kirchweih Nennslingen

Nennslingen in the Franconian Lake District

Nennslingen is a market town in the south of the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district, located in the so-called Franconian Lake District on the Franconian Jura. Its location between Brombachsee, Altmühltal, and the A6 motorway makes it a hub between Nuremberg and Ingolstadt. The annual Kirchweih (church consecration festival) is the most important social event of the small community — a five-day folk festival with surprisingly wide appeal in the region.

Organizer: JMSV-Nennslingen

Behind the Kerwa is the Jura-Modellsport-Verein Nennslingen e.V. (JMSV) — an association originally known for model aircraft and model sports, but which has become the central player in community life in Nennslingen. The JMSV operates its own airfield, organizes flying days and model sports events, and for years has also organized the Kirchweih as its most important source of income and a community event. An unusual, but functioning, constellation.

Five Festival Days for the Kirchweih

The Kerwa spans five days — from Thursday to Monday. This length is remarkable for a village Kerwa and shows the importance the festival holds in Nennslingen.

Thursday — Parade at the War Memorial

The traditional start is the parade on Thursday evening, August 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting point is the war memorial in the center of the village, from where the procession with clubs, traditional costume groups, and the brass band marches through the village to the festival tent. The official opening of the Kerwa is marked by the tapping of the first beer keg in the festival tent.

Friday and Saturday — Festival Tent Evenings

On the festival tent evenings in the Nennslingen sports hall, brass bands and party bands alternate on stage. The Franconian cuisine prepared by the club's women serves pork knuckles, Schäufele (roasted pork shoulder), bratwurst, Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), accompanied by smooth beer from regional breweries, and in the afternoon, coffee with homemade cakes.

Sunday — Festival Sunday

Festival Sunday features the church service, followed by a Frühschoppen (morning pint with music) and a packed day program in the festival tent. Families come from all over the district, old acquaintances greet each other, and the entire village community sits together.

Monday — Festival Finale

The eve of the Kerwa Tuesday, i.e., Monday, concludes the festival with operations in the festival tent and a final musical performance. A cozy, more family-oriented festival finale.

Franconian Kerwa Tradition

The Middle Franconian village Kerwa upholds traditions that are increasingly rare today. The raising of the maypole, the parade with traditional costumes, the pub life, the shared meals — all of this is consciously lived in Nennslingen. Anyone who wants to experience authentic Franconian club life is in the right place here.

Tip: Combine with the Franconian Lake District

Visitors to the Kerwa can combine their stay with excursions to the Franconian Lake District — Brombachsee, Altmühlsee, Igelsbachsee. Hikes, bike tours, and days at the lake perfectly complement the festival weekend. Overnight stays are possible in Weißenburg, Gunzenhausen, or the surrounding holiday resorts.