Name: Kulmbach Volksfest 2026
Start: 2026-04-24T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-05-03T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Festplatz am Schwedensteg

Volksfest Kulmbach

About Volksfest Kulmbach

The Kulmbach Volksfest is one of Upper Franconia's traditional spring folk festivals, attracting thousands of visitors to the Schwedensteg fairgrounds each year. For about two weeks, the festival grounds transform into a colorful world of rides, showman stalls, and cozy beer gardens. The Upper Franconian beer town of Kulmbach, in the district of the same name, is known for its brewing culture, so Franconian beer is just as essential at the Volksfest as hearty delicacies, carousels, and a grand opening fireworks display. Families, showmen, and tradition enthusiasts will find a fixed date in the region's event calendar.

Dates 24 Apr — 03 May 2026

Venue Kulmbach (09477)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Volksfest Kulmbach — edition 2026

The 75th Kulmbach Volksfest will take place from April 24 to May 3, 2026, at the Schwedensteg fairgrounds. The opening is on Friday, April 24: festival starts at 2 p.m., official beer tapping by the 3rd Mayor Dr. Ralf Hartnack at 5 p.m., and a grand fireworks display with laser show around 10:15 p.m.

For the 75th edition, the city of Kulmbach invites visitors from Friday, April 24, to Sunday, May 3, 2026, to the Schwedensteg fairgrounds. The festival kicks off on opening Friday at 2 p.m.; at 5 p.m., the 3rd Mayor Dr. Ralf Hartnack will perform the traditional beer tapping. Around 10:15 p.m., a grand firework display combined with a laser show will crown the first evening of the festival. On the following days, visitors can expect a colorful program with around 20 showman businesses, a cozy beer garden with Franconian beer and culinary specialties. In addition to classics like bumper cars and children's carousel, attractions like the »Tornado 4D« and the »Konfetti-Floß« provide variety. Wednesday is family day.

Highlights Volksfest Kulmbach 2026

75th anniversary edition of the Kulmbach Volksfest
Opening fireworks with laser show
Around 20 showman businesses, »Tornado 4D« and »Konfetti-Floß«
Beer garden with Franconian beer
Family day on Wednesday

Programme Volksfest Kulmbach 2026

Program 2026

Fri, April 24, 2 p.m.: Festival begins
Fri, April 24, 5 p.m.: Official beer tapping by 3rd Mayor Dr. Ralf Hartnack
Fri, April 24, approx. 10:15 p.m.: Grand fireworks with laser show
Wednesday: Family day with discounts
until Sun, May 3: Daily festival operations with rides and beer garden

Prices Volksfest Kulmbach 2026

Admission to the fairgrounds is free. Prices for rides, food, and drinks are set by the showmen and caterers. On family day (Wednesday), many rides are discounted.

Practical information

Practical information — Volksfest Kulmbach

Getting There

Kulmbach is located in Upper Franconia on the A70 (Kulmbach/Untersteinach exit) and is accessible via the Bamberg–Hof railway line. From Kulmbach station, the Schwedensteg fairgrounds can be reached on foot in a few minutes.

Opening Hours

On weekdays, the Volksfest usually opens at 2 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. The fairgrounds are closed during the setup and dismantling phases.

Admission

Admission to the fairgrounds is free. Separate prices apply for rides, food, and drinks. Wednesday is family day with reduced prices on many rides.

Tradition since the post-war years

The Kulmbach Volksfest has a history spanning decades and is one of the established spring folk festivals in Upper Franconia. Organized by the city of Kulmbach, it takes place annually on the traditional Schwedensteg fairgrounds. In 2026, the 75th edition will be celebrated – an anniversary that underscores the festival's importance for the beer town in the Kulmbach district.

Beer Town Culture and Festival Operations

Kulmbach is known far beyond the borders of Franconia as one of Bavaria's most important beer towns. This brewing culture is reflected in the cozy beer garden at the Volksfest, where fresh Franconian beer is served. Hearty specialties such as bratwurst, candied almonds, crêpes, and other culinary delights complement the beer, transforming the festival grounds into a place of conviviality.

Rides and Showman Operations

Around twenty showman businesses provide variety: from the classic bumper cars to the children's carousel and modern attractions. Rides like the »Tornado 4D« or the »Konfetti-Floß« provide thrills, while younger visitors have fun at the children's rides. The Korn and Müller showman families have shaped the festival operations for many years.

Opening with Beer Tapping and Fireworks

The highlight of the opening is the traditional beer tapping ceremony, with which a representative of the city leadership officially opens the Volksfest. On the opening evening, a grand firework display – complemented by a laser show – concludes the festival's start. Wednesday is traditionally a discount family day.