Oberhauser Festtage — 100 Years of Musicians + 150 Years of FFW

Two Anniversaries, One Festival Weekend

In 2026, much is coming together for the municipality of Oberhausen on the Lechrain in a southwestern Bavarian microcosm: The Oberhauser Musikanten are celebrating their 100th anniversary, and the Oberhausen Volunteer Fire Brigade is turning 150 years old. Both clubs have shaped the public life of the town for generations — and are using the double anniversary to create a joint festival weekend that goes far beyond the usual club celebration.

Four Days of Program

The festival days start on Thursday, July 9, and run until Sunday, July 12. Thursday evening traditionally marks the start with the opening ceremony, a ceremonial speech, and a cozy festival tent atmosphere. Friday sets a humorous highlight: The Allgäu comedy trio Allgäu Feager performs in the festival tent — a blend of cabaret, folk music, and Allgäu self-irony, a popular format in southern Germany. This is followed by the Blasmusikpower evening with several brass bands in the festival tent.

Festival Parade on Sunday

Traditionally, Sunday is the highlight with the parade of invited clubs through the town. Partner clubs, neighboring fire brigades, and music bands from the entire Pfaffenwinkel and Allgäu regions march from the assembly point to the festival tent — a parade of traditional costumes and brass music that is rarely experienced on this scale. A celebratory church service with a religious commemoration of the anniversary precedes it.

Star March and "Hosenziehen"

The program also includes the star march of the guest bands (converging on the festival tent simultaneously from different points) and a traditional "Hosenziehen" (literally "pants pulling") — a competitive custom among young men, testing skill and endurance. There are also special program items for children, including a coloring page available online before the festival.

Oberhausen in the Pfaffenwinkel

Oberhausen is a small municipality in the Weilheim-Schongau district, located in the Pfaffenwinkel region between the Ammersee lake and the Alps. With around 2,800 inhabitants, the community is characterized by agriculture and tourism; its location on the border with the Allgäu also explains its cultural proximity to Allgäu artists like the Allgäu Feager. The festival days are the largest club event of the year.