Schwarzenbach Wiesenfest

223 Years of Wiesenfest in Upper Franconia

When Schwarzenbach an der Saale celebrates its Wiesenfest in mid-July, it's not just any folk festival: 2026 marks the 223rd edition – a tradition dating back to the early 19th century. From July 17th to 20th, 2026, the sports field at Friedrich-Ebert-Straße and Lohbachstraße will once again transform into a classic Upper Franconian festival ground with a festival tent, carousels, live music, and everything that belongs to a traditional Wiesenfest.

The School and Heritage Festival of the Fichtelgebirge

Wiesenfeste are an Upper Franconian specialty: they have their roots in the school and heritage festivals of the 19th century and are a firm fixture in the summer calendar in many towns between Hof, Bayreuth, and Wunsiedel. With its 223 years, Schwarzenbach is one of the oldest and best-known examples of this tradition – a festival passed down from generation to generation, in which almost the entire town participates.

Four Days of Festival Tent and Amusement Rides

As with a classic Wiesenfest, the program is divided into a festival tent area with live music, brass band music, and catering, as well as an amusement section with carousels, rides, and stalls. The traditional beer tapping on Friday evening marks the start, on Sunday the historical parade of schools, clubs, and dignitaries is the highlight, and on Monday the festival concludes with Family Day.

Schwarzenbach – Small Town with Great Tradition

Schwarzenbach an der Saale is located in the northern Fichtelgebirge, between Hof and Marktredwitz, in the far northeast of Bavaria, near the borders with Saxony and the Czech Republic. The town with just under 6,000 inhabitants has a long industrial history (porcelain, textiles), and the Wiesenfest is one of the most important social events of the year – a festival where locals and former residents regularly find themselves at home again.