Schmalkalder Stadtfest with Hirschessen and Bartholomäusmarkt

Three Centuries of Hirschessen Tradition

The Schmalkalder Stadtfest is the city's largest Volksfest, combining two centuries-old traditions: the Hirschessen, which dates back to a documented donation in 1379 (when the Counts of Henneberg-Schleusingen gifted the city a deer for consumption), and the Bartholomäusmarkt. From August 27th to 30th, 2026, the festival celebrates its 34th edition, transforming Schmalkalden's medieval old town into a vibrant festival mile.

Old Town as a Stage — Altmarkt, Weinmarkt, and More

The historic old town with its half-timbered houses becomes the festival grounds. Two central stages shape the event:

• Altmarkt — Main stage with headline concerts and the reception for the Hirschaufzug
• Weinmarkt — Second stage with an accompanying program
• Villa K — Venue for cabaret and cultural programs
• Totenhofkirche — Atmospheric space for concerts
• «Böhmisches Dorf» — Area with Bohemian atmosphere, food, and music

Live Music of All Styles and Tattoo Convention

The musical program is deliberately broad: from Jazz and Electronic Dance to cover bands and party bands, as well as Folk Music and interactive children's concerts. A Tattoo Convention complements the festival program — tattoo artists from the region and beyond work live in front of the audience. Showmen with rides and food stalls complete the Volksfest experience. A bus shuttle service from Thursday to Saturday facilitates travel from surrounding communities.

The Hirschaufzug — Saturday Festival Parade

The festival's highlight is the Hirschaufzug on Saturday starting at 11 AM: a historic festival parade that reenacts the deer donation of 1379 — with equestrian groups, historical costumes, music bands, and flag bearers from Schmalkalden's clubs. The parade winds through the old town and ends at the Altmarkt, where the ceremonial handover of the deer to the citizenry is followed by the official festival opening.

Schmalkalden — Half-Timbered Town in the Thuringian Forest

The town of Schmalkalden (approx. 20,000 inhabitants) is located in the district of Schmalkalden-Meiningen on the southwestern edge of the Thuringian Forest (state of Thuringia). Its significance in Reformation history — the Schmalkaldic League was founded here in 1531 — and the impressively preserved old town with the magnificent Wilhelmsburg Castle and the late Gothic town church of St. Georg make the town one of Thuringia's most worthwhile destinations. The Schmalkalder Stadtfest is the most emotional opportunity to experience the town and its traditions.