62nd Rastenberger Kirschfest

62 Years of Kirschfest

The Rastenberger Kirschfest dates back to 1964, making it one of the most traditional town festivals in the Sömmerda district of Thuringia. Originally conceived as a harvest festival for the cherry farmers around Rastenberg — the town is located in a region where cherry trees shape the landscape — it has grown into a general town festival over the decades. The Traditionsverein Rastenberg e.V., which organizes the festival, visibly preserves this history: the program alternates between tradition (connection to cherry harvest, marquee culture, dance) and more modern elements.

New Venue for 2026 — The Sports Field

A new feature for 2026: The Kirschfest will take place at the Rastenberg sports field for the first time — an expansion of the previous festival grounds, which have outgrown the capacity of the market square. The large festival marquee will be located on the sports field, with carousels, rides, and food stalls nearby. The traditional human foosball tournament — teams compete against each other on a giant football table with human 'figures' — will also take place on the sports field. The relocation allows for a broader program offering without the constraints of the narrow market square.

Four Days of Marquee and Family Program

The program runs from Thursday to Sunday. Thursday evening marks the festival's start with an opening ceremony and the first dance event. Friday and Saturday feature main concerts by regional bands, dancing in the marquee, and carousel operation. Sunday is Family Day with a morning pint, children's program, and a relaxed conclusion. The human foosball tournament — Rastenberg's trademark — is spread over the weekend with preliminary rounds and the final on Saturday.

Rastenberg in the Sömmerda District

Rastenberg is a small town in the north of the Sömmerda district in central Thuringia, on the edge of the Hainich Nature Park. With just under 2,000 inhabitants, it is unusually small for a Volksfest (public festival) — which contributes to the family-friendly character of the Kirschfest. Those who are here know most of the visitors; the festival is a community celebration rather than an anonymous large event.