Over 440 years of tradition — all primary school children sing and dance in the market square
The Memmingen Children's Festival boasts a tradition spanning over 440 years. The earliest documented mention dates back to a council protocol from 1571; the custom originated from a spring school procession. To this day, it remains one of the largest and oldest children's festivals in the region and a symbol of identity for the Swabian city of Memmingen.
At 9:15 AM, all children from Memmingen's primary schools gather in the market square. Following church services, songs ring out from over 2,000 children's voices, accompanied by dances and a welcome address by the Lord Mayor. Five primary schools each perform a dance on the stage in the market square — the Theodor-Heuss-School traditionally performs the "Mautanz" (guild dance).
In the afternoon, at 1:30 PM, the colorful children's parade forms up at Hallhof and marches through Maximilianstraße, Roßmarkt, Lindauer Straße, and Bodenseestraße to the stadium grounds, where the festival concludes with games and entertainment.
The Children's Festival is closely linked to Memmingen's Fishermen's Day, another major traditional festival in the city. In 2026, Fishermen's Day will be held on July 21st, and the Children's Festival on July 23rd — both festivals shape Memmingen's festival week in high summer.
The 2026 edition follows the traditional schedule: singing and dancing in the market square in the morning, followed by the grand parade to the stadium grounds in the afternoon. The festival is part of Memmingen's festival week, which includes Fishermen's Day on July 21st.
The song selection includes, among others, "Aufsteh'n, aufeinander zugeh'n" as a choral piece, the Swabian song "Handy Cap", the international "I like the flowers" (in German and English), and "Alle Pinguine" as a modern summer song; the closing song is "Weckruf" by Adalbert Maier.
The complete Children's Festival program will be available from early July 2026 at the City Information Office.
Memmingen is located in the Allgäu region, easily accessible via the A7/A96 motorways and by train (Memmingen main station). The event locations (market square, city center, stadium grounds) are centrally located.
The Children's Festival is a public city festival; attending the market square program and the parade is free.
July 23, 2026: From 9:15 AM, assembly, singing, and dances in the market square; from 1:30 PM, parade from Hallhof through the city center to the stadium grounds. The Children's Festival program will be available from early July at the City Information Office. Organizers: City of Memmingen and the Memmingen Primary Schools.
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