Grand Kurpark Festival with Illumination

Double Anniversary 2026: 200 + 100 Years of Spa Town

2026 is a double anniversary year for Bad Mergentheim. 200 years ago — in 1826 — shepherd Franz Gehring discovered the Karlsquelle spring, laying the foundation for the later spa town. 100 years ago — in 1926 — Mergentheim received the title 'Bad' (Spa). The town is celebrating this anniversary with a comprehensive program of events throughout 2026. The highlight is the Grand Kurpark Festival on Saturday, July 18, 2026, which draws a diverse crowd to the baroque Kurpark starting at 3:00 PM.

Three Stages in the Kurpark

The Kurpark Bad Mergentheim, one of Germany's ten most beautiful parks at 134,000 square meters, provides the stage for a diverse program. Three stages are spread across the expansive area: the main stage at the concert pavilion (Pop, Rock, Schlager), a second stage in the Japanese garden (Jazz, Acoustic Acts), and a third stage near the fountain (Classical, Chamber Music). The programs run concurrently from afternoon until late at night, allowing visitors to switch between stages according to their mood.

Gastronomy and Regional Specialties

Stalls from regional caterers from Bad Mergentheim and the 'Liebliches Taubertal' (Lovely Tauber Valley) are spread throughout the festival grounds. Classics like Maultaschen, grilled pork belly, Bratwurst, and Schäufele are served alongside Franconian specialties — Schäufele with sauerkraut, Mainfranken wine, and Tauber wines from Klosterhof Bronnbach. For sweets: Apple strudel, Franconian 'Schultüten' (cone bags), and Black Forest gateau. Cocktail stands from the Kurhotel bars maintain the upscale standard that Bad Mergentheim upholds as a spa resort.

15,000 Candles — The Illumination

The undisputed highlight of the festival is the illumination after dark. Around 15,000 colorful candles are distributed throughout the park — in the flowerbeds, along the paths, around the fountains, in the Japanese garden, and along the illuminated water features with musical accompaniment. The combination of warm candlelight, the scent of the rose garden, and the baroque architecture of the Kurhaus creates an extraordinary ambiance. Many visitors come specifically for the illumination at 9:30 PM.

Children's Program

Families are also a target audience for the festival: a dedicated children's area with a bouncy castle, face painting, craft stations, child-friendly theater, and a mini-disco with a DJ runs in the afternoon from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The spa administration also organizes guided tours of the park, explaining the 200/100-year anniversaries, the Japanese garden, and the historical significance of the springs.