46th Castle and Children's Festival Aulendorf

The Castle as a Festival Backdrop

Aulendorf Castle — an 18th-century Baroque residence in the heart of the town — forms the backdrop for the 46th Castle and Children's Festival on August 15th and 16th, 2026. The festival event extends over several venues: the riding hall, the castle courtyard, the castle garden, and the so-called Hexeneck form distinct program areas with different stages and themes.

Children's Program at the Center

As the name suggests, the children's program is at the heart of the festival. Play stations, creative craft activities, performances, a carousel, bouncy castles, and face painting fill the riding hall and the castle garden. Aulendorf schools and kindergartens contribute program items, and many local clubs offer hands-on activities for the youngest festival visitors.

Large Flea Market in the City Center

The traditional flea market stretches along Hauptstraße, Bachstraße, and Kolpingstraße — one of the festival's well-known highlights. A separate children's flea market area gives young sellers the opportunity to offer their own toys, books, and collectibles. Those who wish to sell on the market day can register with the city administration in advance.

Music on Several Stages

On both festival days, a varied music program runs on several stages: regional brass bands and traditional costume groups, cover bands, DJs, and selected international acts. The atmosphere shifts from a "Frühschoppen" (morning pint) concert in the castle courtyard to a DJ party in the Hexeneck in the evening. The Aulendorf clubs operate catering stands and offer Upper Swabian specialties — Schäufele, Saitenwürstle, Käsknöpfle, along with sweets and soft drinks.

Aulendorf — Castle Town in Upper Swabia

The town of Aulendorf, with around 11,000 inhabitants, is located in the Ravensburg district in the Upper Swabian Schussental valley. The Baroque castle and its park are among the most beautiful ensembles in Upper Swabia. With the Aulendorfer Schwabentherme, the town is also a spa resort. The Castle and Children's Festival has been the highlight of the Aulendorf festival calendar for over 100 years — in 2026, in its 46th edition in its current organized form.