Margarethenfest Bad Schmiedeberg

Town Festival on the Edge of the Dübener Heide

The Margarethenfest is the largest town festival in the Dübener Heide and a central tradition in Bad Schmiedeberg in the Wittenberg district. The spa town on the edge of the Heide bears the name of its patron saint, Saint Margaret of Antioch, in its town history — the festival honours this tradition with three days of live music, a market, and a civic program.

The organizer is the Margarethenverein Bad Schmiedeberg e.V., a civic association with a long tradition. The venues are the market square, the church square, and the "Alte Schulhof" (Old School Courtyard) — this is where the bands play, where the traditional Platanencafé of the Protestant parish opens with homemade cakes, and where families come together.

Speedfolk, Worldbeat, and Medieval Rock

The music selection is unique and lovingly curated. Bands like Aberlour's bring Speedfolk, Worldbeat, Medieval Rock, and Celtic & Folkbeat — a mix that has a loyal following in the Dübener Heide region. In addition, regional cover bands, singer-songwriters, and dance groups perform. Restaurants and cafés in the town centre open their outdoor areas, and the market square becomes the show kitchen of the Dübener Heide.

Bad Schmiedeberg and the Dübener Heide Nature Park

Bad Schmiedeberg is a state-recognized spa town with moor baths and a brine thermal spa. The town lies on the eastern edge of the Dübener Heide Nature Park, which connects Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony between the Elbe and Mulde rivers. The Margarethenverein and its events — including concerts, Advent markets, and summer concerts besides the festival — are the civic life of the town. Visitors to Bad Schmiedeberg in August are best advised to combine the festival with a walk through the Heide or a hike to the moor spring.