Sachsenhäuser Brunnenfest
One of Frankfurt's oldest festivals — since 1490 in Alt-Sachsenhausen
About Brunnenfest
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A Festival Since the 15th Century
First documented in 1490, the Sachsenhäuser Brunnenfest is one of Frankfurt's oldest and most traditional Volksfeste (popular festivals). More than five centuries ago, the people of Sachsenhausen celebrated their village wells — because before the introduction of central water supply in the 19th century, public wells were vital for survival. The festival grew out of this well cult, and the festival became a tradition.
Paradiesplatz in Alt-Sachsenhausen
The venue is Paradiesplatz in the heart of Alt-Sachsenhausen — the southern, oldest part of Frankfurt, across the Main river. The narrow cobblestone alleys, the Apfelwein taverns, and the Frauenhofer masonry define the character of the Brunnenfest: it's not a modern open-air event, but a neighborhood festival with historical depth.
Brunnenkönigin and Kerbebaum
The festival follows a strictly ritualized choreography: On the first day, the Sachsenhäuser Brunnenkönigin is crowned and receives homage from friendly guest queens from the Rhine-Main region. On Saturday, the Kerbebaum is paraded through Paradiesgasse with musical accompaniment and ceremonially erected. Cannon shots mark the beginning of the Sachsenhäuser Kerb (fair).
Kerbewecken and Children's Festival
On Sunday, Sachsenhausen is awakened by the «Kerbewecken» — the Brunnen-Schultheiß (well mayor) and the Brunnenkönigin stroll through Alt-Sachsenhausen with a music band. At noon, a children's festival takes place on Paradiesplatz, and in the afternoon, the children's well walk starts from there.
Gickelschmiss to Conclude
The «Gickelschmiss» traditionally concludes the festival on Monday — participants, blindfolded, must smash a clay pot; whoever hits it wins a prize. An ancient custom that still reflects the rural origins of the Sachsenhäuser Kerb.
Brunnenfest — edition 2026
Four days of neighborhood festival in Alt-Sachsenhausen — one of Frankfurt's oldest festivals, organized by the Brunnen- und Kerbegesellschaft Sachsenhausen 1953 e. V. Food and drinks provided by local Apfelwein tavern keepers and associations.
Programme Brunnenfest 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026 — Festival Opening
- Crowning of the Sachsenhäuser Brunnenkönigin at Paradiesplatz
- Reception of friendly guest queens from the Rhine-Main region (homages)
- Festival begins at Paradiesplatz
Saturday, August 15, 2026 — Kerbebaum Day
- Kerbebaum procession with musical accompaniment through Paradiesgasse
- Ceremonial erection of the Kerbebaum
- Cannon shots — beginning of the Sachsenhäuser Kerb
Sunday, August 16, 2026 — Children's Festival and Well Walk
- «Kerbewecken» in the morning — the Brunnen-Schultheiß and Brunnenkönigin stroll through Alt-Sachsenhausen with the Kerb band and music group
- Noon: Children's festival at Paradiesplatz
- Afternoon: Children's well walk starting from Paradiesplatz
Monday, August 17, 2026 — Gickelschmiss
- Gickelschmiss to conclude: Blindfolded, smash a clay pot — hit it and win a prize
- Last day of the festival
Highlights Brunnenfest 2026
- One of Frankfurt's oldest festivals (since 1490)
- Crowning of the Sachsenhäuser Brunnenkönigin
- Kerbebaum procession with cannon shots
- Children's well walk
- Traditional Gickelschmiss to conclude
Prices Brunnenfest 2026
Free admission. Food, drinks, and amusement rides are separate charges.
Practical information — Brunnenfest
Getting There
Subway lines U1, U2, U3, or U8 to Schweizer Platz, then a 5-minute walk. Or trams 15, 16, 19 to Frankensteiner Platz / Schweizer-/Gartenstraße. Difficult by car — parking in Alt-Sachsenhausen is very limited.
Admission
Free. Food, drinks, amusement rides, and participation in the Gickelschmiss are separate charges.
Tip
Visit the children's festival on Sunday afternoon or the Apfelwein taverns on Sachsenhäuser Hauptstraße on Sunday evening — the Brunnenfest is an ideal opportunity for a stroll through Alt-Sachsenhausen.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Brunnenfest
Paradiesplatz, Alt-Sachsenhausen
Paradiesplatz / Paradiesgasse, 60594 Frankfurt am Main