Name: Spanferkelfest Unterwellenborn 2026
Start: 2026-05-14T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-05-15T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Festplatz Herthumstraße

Spanferkelfest

About Spanferkelfest

The Spanferkelfest Unterwellenborn is a traditional spring Volksfest (public festival) in the municipality of Unterwellenborn in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district (Thuringia). The focus is on the traditionally spit-roasted suckling pig, prepared and served at the festival grounds on Herthumstraße. This culinary highlight is accompanied by live music, a festival tent, and convivial gatherings of the village community. The festival is a fixed date in Unterwellenborn's event calendar.

Dates 14 May — 15 May 2026

Venue Unterwellenborn (16073)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Spanferkelfest — edition 2026

The Spanferkelfest Unterwellenborn 2026 takes place on May 14 and 15 at the Herthumstraße festival grounds. For two days, the spit-roasted suckling pig is the focus, complemented by a festival tent, live music, and convivial gatherings. Free admission.

Program May 14–15, 2026

The exact schedule for 2026 will be published in spring on the municipality of Unterwellenborn's event page. Based on previous years, the festival spans Thursday evening (eve of Ascension Day or bridge day) and Friday.

What to Expect

Traditionally spit-roasted suckling pig — the festival's main dish
Festival tent with catering, draft beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
Live music or DJ in the evening, dancing in the festival tent
Conversations and meetings of the village community

Detailed program 2026 on unterwellenborn.de.

Highlights Spanferkelfest 2026

Traditionally spit-roasted suckling pig
Festival tent with live music and catering
Meeting point for the village community in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt region

Programme Spanferkelfest 2026

Typical Schedule

Day 1 (Thu, May 14) — Festival tent opens in the afternoon, suckling pig from late afternoon, evening program with music
Day 2 (Fri, May 15) — Festival continues, further catering, winding down

Prices Spanferkelfest 2026

Free admission. Food and drinks with individual prices.

Practical information

Practical information — Spanferkelfest

Getting There

Unterwellenborn is located about 5 km east of Saalfeld/Saale, easily accessible via the B281. By train to Saalfeld, then by bus or taxi. By car: A9 (exit Lobenstein/Schleiz), then head north.

Admission

Free admission. Food and drinks with individual prices.

Suckling Pig Tradition in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt Region

In southern Thuringia, on the eastern edge of the Schiefergebirge and in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district, the Spanferkelfest Unterwellenborn is an established part of the municipality's Volksfest calendar. The venue is the festival grounds on Herthumstraße — the central event space where the children's carnival, May festival, and other village festivals also take place.

Suckling Pig as the Main Attraction

The suckling pig is traditionally slow-roasted on a spit over an open fire. Over hours, the typical crispy crust forms — its aroma wafts across the entire festival grounds. It is served with classic side dishes: rolls, mustard, sauerkraut, or potato salad. The feast is accompanied by a festival table with draft beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Music and Sociability

A live band or DJ entertains in the festival tent in the evening, creating a dancing atmosphere and spring mood. The Spanferkelfest is primarily a meeting place for the village community — typical of the Volksfest culture of Central Thuringia: less show, more communal dining. Families, club members, and citizens from the surrounding districts meet here to kick off the season.