421st Nürtinger Maientag 2026

One of the oldest children's festivals in Southern Germany — since 1602

The Nürtinger Maientag is not just a city festival, but one of the oldest children's and local festival traditions in Southwest Germany — documented since 1602. In 2026, the 421st edition will take place from June 12th to 15th, 2026. The festival is referred to in Nürtingen as the city's "national holiday" — an appreciation that shows how deeply the festival is embedded in the city's identity.

Friday, June 12th — Opening Singing and Barrel Tapping

The kick-off on Friday, June 12th, 2026:

• 6:00 PM — Opening singing by Nürtingen school choirs
• 8:00 PM — traditional barrel tapping by the mayor

This officially opens the festival weekend, the Oberensingen fairground opens its gates, and the rides begin operating.

Saturday, June 13th — Bread Distribution and Grand Parade (the centerpiece)

Saturday, June 13th, 2026, is the emotional centerpiece of the festival:

• 10:15 AM — Bread distribution ceremony (traditional distribution of small festival breads to the children)
• 10:30 AM — Grand parade through the city center with 27 groups — school classes, music clubs, cultural groups, historical reenactment groups, themed floats on topics like "Four Seasons" or "Digital Education"

This combination of bread distribution to schoolchildren and the parade reflects the original function of the festival: a school festival that put the city's children at the center. This function is still palpable after more than 400 years.

Sunday, June 14th — Church Service and Carousel Program

Sunday features an ecumenical church service, carousel demonstrations for the children, and jazz entertainment on the fairground. Family-oriented programming at a more relaxed pace after the busy Saturday schedule.

Monday, June 15th — Family Day and Senior Afternoon

Monday, June 15th, 2026, is Family Day: reduced ride prices at the amusement rides and a senior afternoon with catering and entertainment in the festival tent. Thus, the festival complements its children's and family focus with an intergenerational component.

Oberensingen Fairground — Rides and Catering

The main fairground is located in the Oberensingen district, on the southern outskirts of the city. Here, rides for all ages, food stalls, a large festival tent, and a beer garden are spread out. Classic fairground attractions — Ferris wheel, carousels, bumper cars, roller coaster — are complemented by children's rides and interactive activities for young families.

Free Public Transport on Festival Saturday and Sunday

The city of Nürtingen offers free public transport on June 13th and 14th, 2026, within the city limits — a measure to relieve traffic and promote eco-friendly travel. The Saturday market will be suspended due to the parade.

Nürtingen — City on the Neckar

Nürtingen is located in the Esslingen district, on the Neckar river between Stuttgart and Reutlingen. With around 41,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest medium-sized towns in the district. It is also known as the seat of the Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Economics and the Environment and as the birthplace of the philosopher Friedrich Hölderlin (his place of residence, Tübingen, is very close by). The Maientag shapes the city's identity so strongly that many Nürtingers consider the festival more important than any other date in the year.