Korbach Old Town Culture Festival
Hanseatic city of Korbach celebrates culture on four stages – 90% of events with free admission in the historic half-timbered ensemble of the city center
About Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach
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Hanseatic City of Korbach – Gothic and Half-Timbered Architecture
Korbach is the district town of Waldeck-Frankenberg in the Hessian Sauerland region. As a former Hanseatic city, it boasts a long tradition: the historic city center with its double ring of city walls, the Gothic town hall, and the Renaissance half-timbered houses is an architectural gem. This very setting is what makes the Old Town Culture Festival so special.
Since 1998 – Successor to the First Hessian State Festival
The Old Town Culture Festival was established in 1998 as the successor to the first Hessian State Festival, which had taken place in Korbach. The one-off state festival thus became an annual Korbach tradition, now over 25 years old.
2026 from July 2nd to 5th
The 2026 edition runs from July 2nd to 5th, 2026 (Thursday to Sunday). The dates follow a fixed rule: the festival always takes place on the weekend of the first Sunday in July.
Four Stages with a Spectrum of Music
Spread across the old town are four stages where bands and solo artists perform. The musical spectrum is deliberately broad: Jazz, Blues, Pop, Folk, Rock, and even Power Metal. In addition, there is comedy, small theater, and cabaret in halls, courtyards, and squares.
Arts and Crafts Market and Gourmet Mile
An important component is the arts and crafts market with stalls from the region and across Germany. The Gourmet Mile offers culinary specialties: regional delicacies from the Waldecker Land, international street food, wine, and beer. Street performers – jugglers, musicians, mimes – liven up the half-timbered alleys.
Over 90% Free Admission
A hallmark: over 90% of all events with free admission, and access to the festival mile is also free. This positions the AKF (the official abbreviation) as a deliberately accessible format – culture should be available to everyone.
Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach — edition 2026
Four days of culture in the half-timbered ensemble of the Hanseatic city of Korbach. Evening concerts on four distributed stages, comedy and cabaret programs in halls and courtyards, arts and crafts market in the alleys, gourmet stands in the squares, street performers everywhere.
Programme Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach 2026
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 — Opening
- Evening kickoff with first live music on the stages
- Opening of the arts and crafts market
- First gourmet stands open
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 — Festival Day
- Full operation of the four stages
- Live program: Jazz, Blues, Pop, Folk, Rock
- Comedy and cabaret evenings in halls
- Street performers in the half-timbered alleys
- Gourmet Mile fully open
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 — Main Visitor Day
- Main visitor day with full operation of all program points
- Power Metal concert on one of the stages
- Small theater performances
- Enhanced street art program
- Arts and crafts market with all exhibitors
Sunday, July 5th, 2026 — Wind-down
- Morning concerts (Frühschoppen) in the morning
- Children's program in the afternoon
- Choir music in the churches
- Wind-down in the late evening
Four Stages — Music Spectrum
- Jazz and Blues
- Pop and Rock
- Folk and Singer-Songwriter
- Power Metal Special Unit
- Choir Music and Classical
- Cabaret and Comedy
Arts and Crafts Market
- Jewelry
- Wood and Leather Crafts
- Ceramics
- Textiles
- Regional Specialties
Gourmet Mile
- Waldecker Specialties
- International Street Food
- Regional Wines and Beers
Highlights Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach 2026
- 4 stages with a broad music spectrum up to Power Metal
- Over 90% of all events free of charge
- Arts and Crafts Market
- Gourmet Mile
- Street performers in the half-timbered alleys
- Since 1998 – Successor to the first Hessian State Festival
Prices Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach 2026
Over 90% of events are free. Access to the festival mile is free. Food and arts and crafts from stalls are available for purchase.
Practical information — Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach
Date 2026
Thursday, July 2nd to Sunday, July 5th, 2026.
Location
Historic city center of Korbach, 34497 Korbach (Waldeck-Frankenberg district, North Hesse). Four stages spread across the old town.
Getting There
By train: Korbach station (terminus of the Burgwaldbahn line). By car: A44 exit Diemelstadt-Rhoden, then B252 to Korbach.
Admission
Over 90% of events are free. Access to the festival mile is also free. Arts and crafts and food from stalls are available for purchase.
Application for Exhibitors / Artists
Applications to Denis Heller, [email protected], including stall dimensions, power requirements, and audio sample (for musicians).
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Altstadt-Kulturfest Korbach
Historische Altstadt Korbach (4 Bühnen)
Historische Altstadt, 34497 Korbach