Franconian Kirchweih on the third weekend of August — Kirwaboum with a 25-meter tree and cannon shots in Schönberg near Lauf an der Pegnitz
The Franconian Kirwa tradition differs from its Bavarian or Upper Palatinate counterparts primarily through the self-confidence of the local "Kirwaboum" (young men who carry the festival) and through spectacular customs surrounding the Kirwabaum. The Schönberg Kirwa sets standards here: a 25-meter-high tree (taller than in most neighboring communities), erected with a well-rehearsed team choreography and accompanied by cannon shots — a demonstration of collective strength that echoes throughout the Pegnitz Valley.
Schönberg is a district of the town of Lauf an der Pegnitz in the Nürnberger Land district. Lauf an der Pegnitz itself is one of the larger towns in eastern Middle Franconia, located about 20 km east of Nuremberg on the A 9 motorway. Schönberg is situated on a hill above the Pegnitz Valley and retains the character of a Franconian village despite being incorporated into the town. The Kirchweih is THE annual major event of the district.
A Schönberg Kirwa without Vuuglsuppn is unthinkable. The "Vuuglsuppn" (literally: bird soup — a hearty Franconian festival soup whose exact recipe each club keeps secret) has been the festival dish of the occasion for generations. Accompanied by draft beer, Franconian sausages, Schäuferla (pork shoulder), sauerkraut, and of course, ham sandwiches.
The Schönberg Kirchweih typically runs for five days, from Thursday to Monday. Highlights include: Erection of the Kirwabaum (Friday), parade of clubs (Saturday), festive church service (Sunday), visiting clubs as guests, and the final day with a Frühschoppen (morning pint) and "Kirwa-Beerdigung" (Kirwa funeral) on Monday. Accompanying program: dancing in the festival tent, games for children, tombola.
The Kirwaboum Schönberg are a classic Franconian festival club — supported by the youth of the district, passed down from generation to generation, and closely networked with the shooting club, fire department, and traditional costume club. The 2026 edition is one of the older Schönberg Kirwa traditions and is representative of the vibrant folk festival culture in the Nürnberger Land.
The Schönberg Kirchweih has followed a fixed schedule for decades: the third Sunday in August, preceded by a festival weekend. The local press (Nürnberger Nachrichten / N-Land) confirmed August 14th-18th for 2025; for 2026, this corresponds to August 13th-17th, 2026.
Final times for program items (tree erection, parade, festive church service, festival tent program), guest appearances, and bands will be published in the weeks before the Kirwa via the local press and the Kirwaboum Schönberg. The status of the 2026 edition is "scheduled" — before any specific visit, dates should be confirmed through local sources.
Schönberg is located northeast of Nuremberg, within the district of Lauf an der Pegnitz. By car via the A 9 (Lauf exit) or via the B 14. By S-Bahn line S 1 from Nuremberg to Lauf (right bank of the Pegnitz), then by bus or a approx. 20-minute walk / taxi to Schönberg.
Free admission. Food and drinks available at the festival tent and restaurant (beer approx. 5 EUR/liter, Vuuglsuppn 5-7 EUR, Schäuferla 12-15 EUR).
Approx. August 13th – 17th, 2026 (3rd weekend of August 2026). Core festival: Friday to Sunday with tree erection and parade; extended to 5 days from Thursday to Monday.
The festival takes place predominantly outdoors; the festival tent offers shelter in case of rain.
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Festwiese / Ortsmitte Schönberg (Ortsteil Lauf an der Pegnitz)
Ortsteil Schönberg, 91207 Lauf an der Pegnitz, 91207 Schönberg