Name: Plankenfelser Kerwa 2026
Start: 2026-08-13T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-08-17T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Ortsmitte Plankenfels

Plankenfelser Kerwa

About Plankenfelser Kerwa

The Plankenfelser Kerwa is a traditional Franconian Kirchweih (church consecration festival) in the Franconian Switzerland. It is celebrated on the Sunday after August 15th. The Kerwasburschen and -madla (young men and women responsible for the festival) of Plankenfels celebrate the custom with the Kerwabaum (maypole), dancing, catering, and sometimes bizarre rituals. The highlight is the closing of the Kirchweih with the procession of the Kerwasburschen and -madla, followed by the Kerwapredigt (sermon) – with free admission. Plankenfels is located in the district of Bayreuth in Upper Franconia.

Dates 13 Aug — 17 Aug 2026

Venue Plankenfels (09472)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Plankenfelser Kerwa — edition 2026

The Plankenfelser Kerwa 2026 will be celebrated from August 13th to 17th, traditionally on the Sunday after August 15th. The Kerwasburschen and -madla celebrate the custom with the Kerwabaum, dancing, and catering; the highlight is the Kirchweih closing with a procession and Kerwapredigt.

The Plankenfelser Kerwa 2026 takes place from August 13th to 17th – the Kirchweih is traditionally celebrated on the Sunday after August 15th. The Kerwasburschen and -madla of Plankenfels maintain the customs with the erection of the Kerwabaum, dancing, catering, and conviviality. On Saturday, August 15th, a Flunkyball tournament will take place. The highlight is the Kirchweih closing with the procession of the Kerwasburschen and Kerwasmadla through the village, followed by the humorous Kerwapredigt. Admission is free.

Highlights Plankenfelser Kerwa 2026

Traditional Franconian Kirchweih in the Franconian Switzerland
Kerwabaum, dancing, and bizarre Kerwa rituals
Kirchweih closing with procession and Kerwapredigt
Free admission

Programme Plankenfelser Kerwa 2026

Program 2026

August 13–17, Sunday after August 15th
Erection of the Kerwabaum, dancing, catering
Saturday, August 15th: Flunkyball tournament
Kirchweih closing: Procession of the Kerwasburschen and -madla, Kerwapredigt

Prices Plankenfelser Kerwa 2026

Admission is free; costs are incurred only for food and drinks.

Practical information

Practical information — Plankenfelser Kerwa

Getting There

Plankenfels is located in the Franconian Switzerland in the district of Bayreuth. Arrive by car via the A9 (exit Pegnitz) or Bayreuth and continue on regional roads.

Admission

Admission to the Kerwa and the Kirchweih closing is free; costs are incurred for food and drinks.

Tip

The Kirchweih closing with procession and Kerwapredigt is the traditional highlight – usually at the end of the Kerwa weekend.

Franconian Kirchweih in the Franconian Switzerland

The Plankenfelser Kerwa is a traditional Franconian Kirchweih in Plankenfels, a municipality in the district of Bayreuth in the administrative region of Upper Franconia in Bavaria. Plankenfels is located in the scenically charming Franconian Switzerland. The Kerwa (Kirchweih) is one of the most important village festival traditions in this region and is organized by the Kerwasburschen and -madla of Plankenfels.

Date and Customs

It is celebrated on the Sunday after August 15th. The Kerwasburschen and -madla maintain the traditional customs with the erection of the Kerwabaum, dancing, catering, and conviviality. Characteristic are the sometimes impressive, sometimes bizarre costumes and rituals with which the Kerwa is celebrated.

Kirchweih Closing

The highlight of the Plankenfelser Kerwa is the Kirchweih closing: a procession of the Kerwasburschen and Kerwasmadla through the village, followed by the humorous Kerwapredigt. Bizarre, witty rituals mark the end of the Kerwa. Admission is free.

Significance in the Region

The Plankenfelser Kerwa is a living example of Franconian Kirchweih customs and a fixed date in the summer festival calendar of the Franconian Switzerland. It combines village community, tradition, and humor into a unique festival.