Neuendettelsau Kirchweih

Neuendettelsau — Diakonie Town in Romantic Franconia

Neuendettelsau is a municipality with around 8,000 inhabitants in the Middle Franconian district of Ansbach, located in Romantic Franconia between Nuremberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The town is known nationwide as the headquarters of Diakonie Neuendettelsau ("Mission EineWelt") — founded by Wilhelm Löhe in the 19th century — and for its theological college. Despite this diaconal-ecclesiastical character, the community cultivates vibrant traditions, which culminate in the annual Kirchweih.

Five-Day Festival Schedule

The Kerwa traditionally runs for five days around the first weekend of July: Thursday to Monday. The kick-off is the "Kerwa-Ausgraben" on Thursday — a Franconian custom where the "Kirchweihhans" is symbolically dug up, accompanied by Franconian roast in local inns and an initial shooting event at the train station. On Friday, the amusement park opens, a shooting competition takes place, and in the evening, the mayor and the festival host tap the official beer keg with brass music. Afterwards, the Kirchweihbaum is erected — a highlight of every Franconian Kerwa.

Parade and Kirchweihlauf on Sunday

Sunday is the highlight day: In the afternoon at 2:30 PM, the grand Kirchweih parade starts at Heilsbronner Straße / corner of Birkenhofstraße and proceeds via Heilsbronner-, Haupt-, Bahnhof-, and Rampenstraße back to Hauptstraße to the Löhehaus. Around 20 groups — traditional costume associations, music bands, floats, clubs — are participating. Registration for 2026 is required by April 30th at the latest via the municipality of Neuendettelsau. In parallel or in the morning, the Neuendettelsau Kirchweihlauf takes place, a DLV-certified 10 km road race with a regional profile. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Protestant St. Nikolai Church opens its doors for the "Open Church for Night Owls" format with Taizé music — a special feature that acknowledges the religious context of the Diakonie town.

Conclusion on Monday

Monday provides a relaxed conclusion with a cozy festival breakfast, music, and the last rides on the amusement park. Residents of Neuendettelsau and guests from the entire Ansbach district use the day to come together again without the hustle and bustle of the weekend. With the "Kerwa-Eingraben" (Kerwa burying) late Monday afternoon, the Kirchweih officially ends — until the next first weekend of July.