Rother Kirchweih

A Kirchweih with Roots in the 16th Century

The Rother Kirchweih is one of the oldest Kirchweihen in Middle Franconia — first documented in 1531. What began as a church patronal festival is now the largest folk festival in the town of Roth (around 26,000 inhabitants, seat of the Roth district administration) and an attraction for visitors from the entire Roth district and the Schwabach – Nuremberg region.

Five Days of Festivities with Clear Dramaturgy

The Kirchweih traditionally spans five days at the Festplatz Roth in the town center:

• Friday — Opening in the evening with a concert by the Stadtkapelle Roth (Town Band Roth), entry into the festival tent, and beer tapping at 7 PM.
• Saturday — Festival activities with live bands (“Frankenbengel”, “Stodlrocker”, “Klostergold”, “The Moonlights”, “Alpinschlawiner”, “Partykracher” rotate throughout the festival days).
• Sunday — In the morning, the Rother Kirchweihlauf around the Festplatz (24th edition in 2026), festival activities in the afternoon and evening.
• Monday — Clubs' Day with a grand parade through Bahnhofstraße into the town center to the Festplatz, with over 40 participating clubs from Roth and the surrounding area.
• Tuesday — Closing with a fireworks display at 10 PM.

Festival Tent, Rides, and Bands

The large festival tent at the Festplatz serves festival beer and Franconian specialties (sausages, chicken, fish on a stick). On the Festplatz, rides for young and old complement the folk festival program — carousels, bumper cars, Ferris wheel. The musical entertainment in the festival tent changes daily, featuring regional cover bands as well as classic party bands.

The Rother Kirchweihlauf

A special feature of the Rother Kirchweih is the Rother Kirchweihlauf — a fun run around the Festplatz and town center, which traditionally starts on the festival Sunday at 9 AM since 2003. The 24th edition in 2026. Thus, the Kirchweih combines the convivial festival tent program with a sporting element for the whole family.

Roth — Capital of a Middle Franconian District

Roth is a medium-sized town in Middle Franconia on the edge of the Franconian Lake District, about 25 km south of Nuremberg. The town is also known for the DATEV Challenge Roth (world-class triathlon). The Kirchweih is the largest festival in the town's own event calendar and the identity-defining summer event for its citizens.