Neumarkter Frühlingsfest

Tradition Meets Family Festival in the Upper Palatinate

Since 1979, the Neumarkter Frühlingsfest has ushered in the early summer in the district town of Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate every year on Ascension Day. Organized by the city of Neumarkt itself, the festival charmingly combines a classic Bavarian Volksfest with a spring fair, a large animal show, and a lively closing competition that attracts attention far beyond the region.

The Große Jurahalle as the Heart of the Festival

Unlike many Volksfests in Bavaria, the beer tent events do not take place in a classic festival tent, but in the Große Jurahalle, one of the most well-known event halls in the Upper Palatinate. With the adjoining beer garden facing the fountain, an atmosphere is created that oscillates between a rustic inn and a large festival tent stage. Music is played, celebrated, and danced here daily.

Spring Fair, Amusement Rides, and Animal Show

Parallel to the actual Volksfest, the spring fair runs on the weekend, presenting regional exhibitors with products related to gardening, household, and lifestyle. On the festival grounds, amusement rides like the Dschungel Train, carousels, and stalls create a classic Volksfest atmosphere. A special highlight for families is the animal show with a petting zoo on the final day.

The Donkey Race – A Regional Cult Event

For 21 years now, the Neumarkter Donkey Race on Sunday afternoon has been the highlight of every Frühlingsfest. Teams from local clubs compete against each other to get the stubborn four-legged animals moving around the festival track – a spectacle with high entertainment value and large crowds. The reigning champion fights anew for the crown each year.

Opening Ceremony and Family Afternoon

The festival traditionally opens on Wednesday evening with the beer tapping ceremony by the mayor. Friday is dedicated to the family afternoon, with reduced prices on amusement rides – a format that parents and grandparents from the entire district take advantage of.