Obstwiesenfestival Dornstadt

Obstwiesenfestival — three days Free & Outdoors on the Lerchenberg

When the Lerchenberg near Dornstadt is enveloped in concerts, cinematic magic, and camping atmosphere on the third weekend of August, the Obstwiesenfestival (OWF) is back. From August 20th to 22nd, 2026, the largest free outdoor festival in the Alb-Donau district takes place—a concept with a tradition in Southern Germany: free admission for all program points, financed by sponsors, voluntary catering, and camping fees. Experience three days of festival atmosphere without financial worries, nestled in the fruit orchard landscape of the Swabian Jura.

Music Program Over Three Days

The musical program is spread across two stages and is deliberately eclectic—ranging from Indie Rock to Punk, Hardcore, and Singer-Songwriter to Brass Bands. For years, the organizers have focused on a mix of regionally known acts and national bands from the German indie scene. Thursday starts with a relaxed opening featuring a film night, Friday brings the main festival concert program late into the night, and Saturday, with a yoga session at 11 am and Bavarian brunch (with brass music), is a family-friendly day with bands starting at noon until deep into the night.

Film Night on Thursday

The festival kicks off on Thursday, August 20th, 2026, with the Film Night: Doors open at 7 pm, starting at 7:30 pm. Two films are usually shown on a large open-air screen—a mix of indie classics, documentaries, and current festival films. With a blanket, folding chair, and a beer from the stand, you can enjoy the evening under the starry sky of the fruit orchards—a peaceful start before the more intense concert weekend.

OWF-Kids and Family Program

The Obstwiesenfestival is explicitly family-friendly. Starting Saturday afternoon at 1 pm, the OWF-Kids program runs with craft activities, games, face painting, a small juggling workshop, and age-appropriate concerts. Waffles and popcorn are available at children's prices. The yoga program on Saturday morning is also family-friendly—you can participate with children, as the style is gentle and beginner-friendly. The family aspect distinguishes the OWF from many other free festivals and makes it particularly popular in the Alb-Donau district.

Camping and Catering

The Lerchenberg offers a campsite directly at the festival grounds. Camping costs €50 online (€60 at the box office), including €15 in catering vouchers. Generators are prohibited (nightly quiet hours). Food and drinks are available on the festival grounds at fair prices—no outside food or drinks are allowed in the festival area (except for the camping section), and cannabis consumption and pets are not permitted (the area borders a military restricted zone). Bag size is limited to DIN A4 maximum.

Dornstadt and the Alb-Donau District

The municipality of Dornstadt is located in the southern Alb-Donau district, on the plateau of the Swabian Jura north of Ulm. With around 8,000 inhabitants, it is a rather quiet community surrounded by agricultural landscapes—fruit orchards, fields, and small forests. The Lerchenberg is a hill on the plateau; in the festival setting, the typical Jura landscape becomes part of the atmosphere. You can reach Dornstadt from Ulm in 15 minutes by car or by DING bus.