Sommerkirchweih Sparneck

Sparneck – Market Town in the Fichtelgebirge

The market town of Sparneck is a small community in Upper Franconia with around 1,000 inhabitants in the southern Fichtelgebirge, located in the Hof district. Despite its size, Sparneck maintains a remarkable festival culture with two annual Kirchweihen: the Sommerkirchweih around Johanni (June 24th) and the Herbstkirchweih (Autumn Kirchweih) in the fall. Both take place on the central market square, combined with a themed market and a market square festival.

Sunday before Johanni – Ecclesiastical Connection

The Sommerkirchweih is closely linked to Johanni Day (June 24th, the birthday of John the Baptist) – an important date in the ecclesiastical calendar, which is celebrated in many rural regions of Bavaria with St. John's bonfires, redcurrant festivals, and Kirchweihen. The Sunday *before* Johanni is the traditional festival day of the Sparneck Sommerkirchweih. In 2026, this falls on Sunday, June 21st, 2026.

Themed Market with Changing Focus

A special feature of the Sparneck Sommerkirchweih is the themed market: Each year, the market is dedicated to a changing focus – such as a baker's market with bread and baked goods specialties, a historic craft market with turners, blacksmiths, and felt makers, or a medieval market. This concept sets the Sparneck festival apart from the typical Franconian Kerwa (Kirchweih) and gives it a new character each year.

Market Square Festival with Catering by Local Clubs

Parallel to the market, the market square festival takes place – with catering by the local Sparneck clubs (sports clubs, fire department, music clubs), live music on the stage, children's activities, and a cozy atmosphere in the historic town setting. The event traditionally begins in the morning with market activities and continues throughout the entire Sunday.

In the Festival Calendar of the Fichtelgebirge

The Sparneck Sommerkirchweih fits into the dense festival calendar of the Fichtelgebirge and the Hof district: many other smaller Kerwas, town festivals in Hof, Münchberg, Schwarzenbach am Wald, and summer festivals organized by business associations are taking place concurrently. Those looking for an authentic, small Franconian Kerwa with a special market character will find it in Sparneck.