Korbach Old Town Culture Festival

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.