Kirchweih Neukenroth — Stockheim

A True Franconian Kirchweih

The Kirchweih Neukenroth is not a tourist event, but a well-established, lively Franconian Volkskirchweih, supported by the folk costume association 'Zechgemeinschaft' Neukenroth (founded in 1985, 40th anniversary in 2025). The association preserves the Frankenwald costume, folk dances, and Kirchweih customs with Plantanz, a festive parade, and marquee operations. One of the most vibrant Kirchweihen in Upper Franconia.

When and Where

The Kirchweih traditionally takes place on the third Sunday in October — in 2026, this is October 18th; the entire festival weekend runs from Thursday, October 15th to Monday, October 19th. The festival venue is the Zecherhalle at Straße 'Am Schwarzenbach 4 A' in 96342 Stockheim-Neukenroth — the association's own festival hall. Having its own festival hall is rare for a folk costume association in the Frankenwald and signifies the high level of commitment from its members.

What Happens at a Franconian Kirchweih

• Beer Tapping Ceremony: on the opening evening, with brass music in the festival tent
• Plantanz: the traditional Kirchweih dance, with participation from the association's children's and adult dance groups
• Festival Service: on Kirchweih Sunday in the parish church, followed by a procession to the Zecherhalle
• Costume Parade: through the streets of Neukenroth with participation from regional associations
• Folk Dance Groups: performances by the association's children's, youth, and adult groups
• Festival Tent Operations: Franconian delicacies, bratwurst, roast pork, draft beer, accompanied by live music from Franconian bands
• Nachkirchweih: a traditional follow-up celebration 5 Fridays later

Neukenroth and Stockheim — Mining History

Stockheim (approx. 4,700 inhabitants) is officially named 'Bergwerksgemeinde Stockheim' (Mining Community Stockheim). Until 1968, hard coal was mined here — Stockheim was Bavaria's only hard coal mining area. Neukenroth is one of the districts that keeps the old mining tradition alive through local history and folk costume associations like the 'Zechgemeinschaft' ('Zeche' refers to mining). Today, the town thrives on small businesses, agriculture, and its proximity to the Frankenwald Nature Park.

Frankenwald — The Quiet Center

The Frankenwald in northeastern Bavaria, between Coburg, Hof, and the Thuringian border, is one of Germany's quietest low mountain range regions. Forests, small valleys, old hammer mills, ski resorts in winter, hiking trails in summer. The Kirchweih Neukenroth is an opportunity to immerse yourself in this almost forgotten Franconian landscape — away from the tourist crowds, with real people, real tradition.