Neuhauser Zeltkirwa

Neuhaus an der Pegnitz — historic market at Veldenstein Castle

The market town of Neuhaus an der Pegnitz is located in the Nürnberger Land district (Middle Franconia), at the confluence of the Pegnitz river and at the transition between Franconian Switzerland and the Hersbruck Alb. The landmark is Veldenstein Castle, which towers over the town on a rocky outcrop. With around 3,000 inhabitants, Neuhaus is a small but traditional Franconian market community.

The Franconian Zeltkirwa

The Neuhauser Zeltkirwa is a classic Franconian Kirchweih in the form that has shaped Franconian Switzerland and the Hersbruck Alb for generations. It is organized by the local Kirwaverein Neuhaus — known by the nickname »Kirwaleut Neuhaus« (Instagram: @officialkirwaleut). The venue is a large festival tent — hence the name »Zeltkirwa«.

First Weekend of October

The Kirwa traditionally falls on the first weekend of October. In 2026, this will be Sunday, October 4th, 2026 — but the festivities begin on the Friday or Saturday before. Like all Franconian Kirchweihen, it follows a proven multi-day schedule.

Kommunenbier — Brewing Tradition Since the 16th Century

A special feature of Neuhaus is the Kommunenbier (communal beer) — a brewing tradition that dates back to the 16th century and is still maintained in Neuhaus today. Citizens with old brewing rights are allowed to brew their own beer, which is traditionally served at the Kirchweih and other local festivals. This tradition, in its current form, is unique in Germany today and represents an important cultural identity of Neuhaus.

Classic Kirwa Schedule

Like all Franconian Kirchweihen, the Neuhauser Zeltkirwa follows a firmly structured multi-day schedule:

• Friday — Tapping of the keg, opening in the festival tent with brass music
• Saturday — Party band or disco night, well-attended festival evening
• Sunday — Church service, parade of the Kerwasburschen and Kerwasmadla through the town, raising of the Kerwabaum (festival maypole), dance performance, wagon races, festival tent operations until late
• Monday (if part of the program) — Frühschoppen (morning pint), Kirwa burial in the evening (humorous farewell to the festival)

Kerwasburschen and Kerwasmadla

The main participants of the Kirwa are the Kerwasburschen (unmarried young men of the town) and the Kerwasmadla (unmarried young women). They organize the parade, dance performance, and Kerwabaum, wear traditional Franconian costumes, and lead the processions.

Significance in the Franconian Kirchweih Landscape

Neuhaus is listed as a distinct Kirchweih destination on the supra-regional platform fraenkische-kirchweih.de. The Neuhauser Zeltkirwa is regularly featured prominently in the n-land.de calendar of Kirchweihen and festivals.