30th Lauterer Vugelbeerfast

Three Decades of Erzgebirge Festival

When the first cool October winds blow across the Western Erzgebirge hills and the rowan trees ("Vugelbeer" in the Saxon dialect) bear their red berries, it's time for the Vugelbeerfast in Lauter-Bernsbach. What began as a town festival in 1997 has developed into a three-day family celebration – supported by a network of local clubs that have shaped the festival concept for decades. In 2026, the Vugelbeerfast celebrates its 30th anniversary edition.

Meeting of Dignitaries with 30 Queens

A special program highlight for the anniversary: the meeting of dignitaries. The aim is to bring together 30 dignitaries from various regions of Saxony and beyond – the Rowan Berry Queen, Mining Queen, Harvest Queen, Wine Queen, Asparagus Queen, and many more. An extraordinary gathering of queens and representatives that showcases the diversity of regional tradition in Saxony.

Four Stages for Regional and National Acts

The program is spread across several festival areas with four stages. Regional and national artists, traditional music groups, and show acts alternate. Classical brass music meets modern Schlager, traditional Erzgebirge music meets cover bands.

Market, Crafts, Church, Children

Four miles characterize the festival procession through Lauter: the Market Mile with colorful autumn sales stands and regional delicacies; the Crafts Mile with woodturners, carvers, and other Erzgebirge artisans at work; the Church Mile with exhibitions and musical contributions from local communities; the Children's Mile with bouncy castles, play stations, and craft activities.

Fireworks for the Anniversary

The highlight is the musical anniversary fireworks display on Sunday evening – a pyrotechnic spectacle for the 30th anniversary. Colorful effects over the nocturnal Erzgebirge.

Lauter-Bernsbach, the Western Erzgebirge, and the Erzgebirgskreis District

Lauter-Bernsbach is located in the Erzgebirgskreis district, in the Western Erzgebirge between Aue and Schwarzenberg. The town was formed in 2017 through the merger of the two municipalities of Lauter and Bernsbach. The Vugelbeerfast is one of the most community-oriented Erzgebirge festivals – not a large-scale event, but a genuine participatory festival.