Mühlhäuser Stadtkirmes
One of Germany's largest funfairs and the most traditional folk festival in Northern Thuringia
About Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen
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The Whole Town Celebrates
Mühlhausen is one of the most important medieval imperial cities in Thuringia — and home to one of Germany's largest folk festivals. The Mühlhäuser Stadtkirmes has existed in documented form since the late 19th century and is organized by the Traditionsverein Mühlhäuser Heimatfeste e.V. For ten days, showmen, clubs, and "Kirmesgemeinden" (festival communities) transform the old town, especially the Blobach (central festival grounds), into a continuous festival mile.
Kirmesgemeinden — The Soul of the Festival
Unlike a pure showman's funfair, the Kirmesgemeinden play a central role in Mühlhausen: district and club communities (e.g., "Weg zum Eigenheim", Kirmesgemeinde Spielmannszug) contribute their own program points, parades, dances, and musical contributions to the Kirmes. Each Kirmesgemeinde has its own character and traditions — together they carry the festival.
Traditions in a Fixed Order
- Opening on the first Friday — Kirmes cake, children's singing, traditional tapping of the first keg of beer
- First Weekend — Grand parade of the Kirmesgemeinden on Sunday through the old town
- Weekly Program — daily rides, stage programs, concerts
- Closing Sunday — Grand Kirmesbrennen (festival burning), traditional burning of a symbolic Kirmes doll as conclusion
Medieval Setting
The venue is the Blobach and the historic old town with its preserved city walls, towers, and St. Mary's Church. This backdrop gives the Mühlhäuser Stadtkirmes a unique character — funfair plus medieval atmosphere. Admission is free.
Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen — edition 2026
Program of the 149th Stadtkirmes August 28–September 6, 2026
The Stadtkirmes has followed a proven format for generations. Opening on Friday afternoon, then daily program until the closing Sunday with the Kirmes burning.
Opening Friday, August 28, 2026
- Kirmes cake distribution in the old town
- Cheerful children's songs from Mühlhausen schools
- Traditional tapping of the first keg of beer by the mayor
- Opening of rides and stages at Blobach
First Weekend August 29–30
- Grand parade of the Kirmesgemeinden on Sunday through the old town
- Stage programs by the Kirmesgemeinden (dances, music, marching bands)
- Catering at club stands
Weekly Program August 31 – September 4
- Daily rides open from the afternoon
- Special family programs, children's play festivals
- Club evenings of the Kirmesgemeinden
- Concerts by regional bands on the stages
Closing Weekend September 5–6
- Saturday — last big festival evening with live bands and dancing
- Sunday — Kirmes burning as a festive conclusion
Detailed program of the Kirmesgemeinden at traditionsverein-mhl.de.
Programme Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen 2026
Key Dates August 28–September 6, 2026
- Fri, Aug 28 — Opening with Kirmes cake, children's songs, keg tapping
- Sun, Aug 30 — Parade of the Kirmesgemeinden through the old town
- Mon, Aug 31–Fri, Sep 4 — Daily weekly program
- Sat, Sep 5 — Grand festival evening
- Sun, Sep 6 — Kirmes burning, conclusion
Highlights Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen 2026
- 149th edition of the Mühlhäuser Stadtkirmes
- Parade of the Kirmesgemeinden on the first Sunday
- Kirmes burning as a symbolic conclusion
- Setting of the medieval imperial city of Mühlhausen
Prices Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen 2026
Free admission to the festival grounds. Rides and food/drinks with individual prices.
Practical information — Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen
Getting There
Mühlhausen is located in the Unstrut-Hainich district in western Thuringia, about 50 km west of Erfurt. Directly accessible by train from Erfurt, Gotha, or Göttingen. By car: A4 (exit Eisenach-West), then B249.
Admission
Free admission. Rides and gastronomy with individual prices.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Stadtkirmes Mühlhausen
Blobach und Altstadt Mühlhausen
Blobach und Altstadt, 99974 Mühlhausen, 99974 Mühlhausen/Thüringen