Kulmbach Old Town Festival

Kulmbach — the Beer Capital of Upper Franconia

Kulmbach, with its approximately 26,000 inhabitants, is the district capital of the Kulmbach district in Upper Franconia and is traditionally considered one of Bavaria's most important beer brewing cities. Four breweries (Kulmbacher, EKU, Mönchshof, Reichelbräu) have been united over the years into Kulmbacher Brauerei AG — one of the largest breweries in Franconia. The historic old town with its medieval core, the Plassenburg castle overlooking the city, and the burgher houses form the spectacular backdrop for the Old Town Festival.

A Summer Highlight Since 1979

The Kulmbach Old Town Festival was launched in 1979, making it one of the oldest old town festivals in Upper Franconia. The event is organized by the Tourism & Event Service of the City of Kulmbach in cooperation with the street representatives of the individual old town alleys. This structure — each street organizing its own festival catering with its own character — is what makes the festival so special: the atmosphere changes from alley to alley, each street has its own stage, its own musical focus.

Live Music Throughout the Old Town

Up to twenty bands perform on various stages throughout the old town during the three festival days. The musical spectrum ranges from Upper Franconian brass band music to rock cover bands and singer-songwriters, as well as reggae, funk, and occasional electronic DJ sets in the backyards. Those who simply let themselves drift through the old town will experience new musical moods every hour.

Kulmbach Festival Beer and Franconian Cuisine

Culinary-wise, Kulmbach beer naturally dominates — freshly tapped from several varieties of the Kulmbach brewery. Accompanying this are Franconian specialties such as Schäufele (pork shoulder), Bratwurst (grilled sausage), Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), Krenfleisch (meat with horseradish), and the famous Franconian cheese bread. The festival caterers in the individual alleys each offer different specialties, making a culinary tour through the old town a journey through Franconian gastronomic tradition.