Lorscher Johannisfest

In Front of the World Heritage Site

Lorsch Abbey has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991 – and is one of the most important monastic buildings of the Carolingian era north of the Alps. The famous Königshalle (King's Hall) from the 9th century is the town's landmark and a must-see for every visitor. Right in front of it, on Karolingerplatz, the town of Lorsch sets up its oldest Volksfest in June: the Johannisfest.

The Tradition of the Weekend Before St. John's Day

The Johannisfest is traditionally celebrated on the weekend before St. John's Day (June 24th) – a date widely observed in Southern Germany, dating back to the summer solstice and the feast day of John the Baptist. In 2026, the festival falls from Friday, June 19th to Monday, June 22nd. Even in a rather cool late spring week, the weekend brings long daylight hours – and thus ideal Volksfest conditions.

What to Expect

The Johannisfest is a classic Central Hessian-Southern Hessian Volksfest: a festival tent with a stage, regular beer and wine service, amusement rides (chain carousel, bumper cars, children's carousels), a creative market with crafts and regional art, plus culinary stands with local cuisine. Live bands play every evening.

Dodgeball Tournament on the Klosterwiese

A special feature of Lorsch: On Sunday, June 21st, 2026, starting at 4 PM, the Johannisfest hosts a dodgeball tournament on the Klosterwiese – right next to the World Heritage site. Clubs, youth groups, and circles of friends compete against each other; admission is free, and the outcome is secondary. You rarely get more village community in the shadow of the Königshalle within a festival program.

Fireworks to Conclude

As with classic Southern German Volksfests, the Johannisfest also ends with a grand fireworks display on Monday evening. Karolingerplatz, in the shadow of the Königshalle and the monastery complex, is particularly crowded then – many locals from Lorsch and guests from the Bergstraße region come specifically for the finale.