Kirchweih Schamelsberg

Kerwa between Roter Main and Bühlholz

The Schamelsberg district is located in the northwest of the municipality of Emtmannsberg, on the border with the city of Bayreuth, nestled in the hilly landscape of the Upper Franconian district of Bayreuth. Until 1971 an independent municipality, Schamelsberg has belonged to the municipality of Emtmannsberg since 1978, which in turn is part of the Weidenberg administrative district. With just over 100 inhabitants spread across a scattered settlement structure, Schamelsberg is a typical small village on the outskirts of the Bayreuth urban area — tranquility, a beautiful location on the Roter Main, extensive hiking trails through Bühlholz and Haselhöhe are the hallmarks of the place.

First Sunday in August

It is precisely in this rural idyll that the Schamelsberger Kerwa takes place every year on the first Sunday in August. In 2026, this date falls on Sunday, August 2nd. The organizer is traditionally the volunteer fire department Schamelsberg e.V., the only active club structure in the district and the driving force behind almost all village activities. The Kerwa is thus both the most important club festival for the FFW and the central meeting point for the people of Schamelsberg and their neighbors from the surrounding villages.

Franconian Kerwa Tradition

As everywhere in Upper Franconia, the Kerwa is much more than a folk festival: it is a commemoration of the consecration of the original parish church and thus one of the oldest village festivals in the region. On the festival grounds, guests can expect Franconian snack specialties — Bratwürste, Schäuferle, Krenfleisch — along with beer from regional breweries in the Bayreuth region. Music and cozy gatherings are, of course, part of it, as is the traditional raising of the Kerwabaum (Kerwa tree) by the firefighters.

Background: Three Kirchweihen in Emtmannsberg

The municipality of Emtmannsberg observes three Kirchweih dates: Kinderfest in Emtmannsberg on the first Sunday in July, Kirchweih Birk on the third Sunday in July, and finally Kirchweih Schamelsberg on the first Sunday in August. Those spending the summer in Upper Franconia can thus experience typical Franconian village festivals on several consecutive Sundays. The Schamelsberger Kerwa marks the late start to the peak season of the Upper Franconian Kerwa season, which lasts until October.