Markranstädter Kinderfest
150 Years — One of Germany's Oldest Children's Festivals
About Markranstädter Kinderfest
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1846 — The Birth
On September 27, 1846, at the suggestion of choirmaster and schoolmaster Gottfried Glanz, in agreement with Mayor Rottmann and village pastor Weißbach, the first Markranstädter Kinderfest took place on the Winnenwiese. What began as a small school festival quickly grew into the cultural identity of the city — and survived even the most difficult times.
180 Years of History, 150 Editions
During the war and post-war years (1866, 1870, 1915–1920, 1940–1945), the festival had to be canceled, and from 1976 it even disappeared completely from the local calendar. It was only in 1992 that dedicated citizens brought the tradition back, giving the festival the motto «We Want to Be Children». Since 1904, the artfully decorated floats have been an integral part of the parade — they make the Markranstädter Kinderfest one of the most beautiful local festivals in the region.
Festival Week Under the Motto «Heroes»
The 150th Children's Festival in 2026 is under the motto «Heroes» — an invitation to children and adults to engage with role models, courage, and community. Five festival days will feature sports competitions, cultural events, children's concerts, hands-on activities, and a grand finale fireworks display. Traditionally, the highlight is the parade on Sunday with decorated floats, which leads through the entire city center.
Community Festival in the Leipzig District
Markranstädt is located about 15 kilometers west of Leipzig in the Leipzig district and is quickly accessible via the A38 motorway. The Children's Festival is considered the social highlight of the year — many former residents of Markranstädt return especially for the festival week. Since its revival in 1992, the organizer has been the Markranstädter Kinderfestverein e.V., which works exclusively on a voluntary basis.
Markranstädter Kinderfest — edition 2026
The Children's Festival begins on Thursday and runs until Monday — as is tradition, one week before the start of the Saxon summer holidays. The program is organized on a voluntary basis by the Markranstädter Kinderfestverein e.V. and published on the association's website.
The motto «Heroes» runs like a common thread through all program items: schoolchildren design thematic floats for the parade, sports competitions are themed around «Heroic Deeds», and readings and plays in the cultural program recall real and fictional heroes.
Programme Markranstädter Kinderfest 2026
Planned Festival Week Schedule 2026 (As of Spring 2026)
- Thursday, June 25 — Festival opening at the market square, first stage program, traditional raising of the festival maypole
- Friday, June 26 — Children's sports competitions under the motto «Heroic Deeds», readings, children's disco in the evening
- Saturday, June 27 — All-day stage program with children's concerts, theater performances, and hands-on activities; evening dance party at the market square
- Sunday, June 28 — Grand Parade through the city center with decorated floats from all schools and associations (tradition since 1904); followed by a family festival on the Winnenwiese with games, picnics, and stage program; Evening concert and fireworks finale
- Monday, June 29 — Festival conclusion with children's program, slideshow of the parade, final concert
The day-by-day program will be published by the Markranstädter Kinderfestverein on markranstaedter-kinderfestverein.de.
Highlights Markranstädter Kinderfest 2026
Prices Markranstädter Kinderfest 2026
Practical information — Markranstädter Kinderfest
Getting There
Markranstädt is located about 15 km west of Leipzig, accessible via the A38 (exit Markranstädt) and the B87. Train connection via S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland (S1) from Leipzig.
Admission
The parade and stage program in public areas are freely accessible. Individual events may have an admission fee.
Organizer
Markranstädter Kinderfestverein e.V., contact via the association's website.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Markranstädter Kinderfest al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Markranstädter Kinderfest
Innenstadt Markranstädt und Winnenwiese
Innenstadt Markranstädt, 04420 Markranstädt