Stadtfest Altenkirchen
17th edition of the Altenkirchen City Festival, for the first time over three days with live bands, funfair and Sunday opening hours
About Stadtfest Altenkirchen
17th Edition — Three Days for the First Time
The Altenkirchen City Festival has continuously developed since its beginnings and, in its 17th edition in 2026, is being held as a three-day festival for the first time. Previously, it traditionally took place over two days — extending it to Friday, May 1st, a public holiday, opens up additional programme possibilities and eases the often very dense weekend schedule.
Stage at Schlossplatz
As in previous years, the main stage will be set up at Schlossplatz, the central historic square of Altenkirchen's town centre. In 2026, the cover band Hörgerät, the Westernhagen tribute band westernBEhagen, and Alex im Westerland will perform here. The bands cover a wide musical spectrum — Hörgerät plays a mix of rock and pop classics, westernBEhagen is dedicated to the repertoire of Marius Müller-Westernhagen, and Alex im Westerland provides schlager and party classics in the style of Heino hits and Westerwald songs.
Funfair at Mühlengassen Parking Lot
Parallel to the stage at Schlossplatz, a funfair with rides, stalls, and confectionery stands will be set up in the parking lot on Mühlengasse. Carousels, small swings, and classic funfair attractions are aimed at families with children. Snack, crêpe, and sweet stalls complement the funfair.
Sunday Opening Hours
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, will feature Sunday opening hours — Altenkirchen retailers will open their shops from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering festival-goers the opportunity to combine browsing the festival with shopping. This mix of festival culture and shopping experience is one of the proven success factors of the Altenkirchen City Festival.
Altenkirchen — District Capital in the Westerwald
Altenkirchen (Westerwald) is the district capital of the Altenkirchen district and, with around 6,500 inhabitants, is one of the important administrative and commercial centres in northern Rhineland-Palatinate. The town is located between the Siegtal valley and the Westerwald and is well connected by road via the B 256 and by the Westerwaldbahn railway to Cologne, Siegen, and the Rhineland. The City Festival strengthens this central function and makes Altenkirchen an attraction for the entire region in May.
Stadtfest Altenkirchen — edition 2026
2026 Programme
The main points of the programme are confirmed:
- Fri, May 1st, from 2:00 PM — Opening at Schlossplatz
- Sat, May 2nd — Main programme until midnight with stage concerts
- Sun, May 3rd, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM — Family programme, shops open 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Live Bands — Hörgerät, westernBEhagen, Alex im Westerland
- Funfair at Mühlengasse parking lot all three days
Tickets and Admission
Admission to the festival is free. Food and drinks will be sold at usual festival prices.
Programme Stadtfest Altenkirchen 2026
Schedule for the Three Days
Friday, May 1st, from 2:00 PM
Opening of the City Festival at Schlossplatz. Stalls in the town centre are fully set up. First stage slot in the late afternoon, followed by the main concert in the evening. Opening of the funfair at the Mühlengasse parking lot with rides.
Saturday, May 2nd
Full festival day with catering in the town centre, performances on the stage at Schlossplatz, funfair operations, and accompanying cultural programmes. Main concert on Saturday evening with one of the three main bands — Hörgerät, westernBEhagen, or Alex im Westerland. Continues until midnight.
Sunday, May 3rd, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Family day with morning pint, lunch catering, family entertainment, and the last stage performance. The Sunday opening hours from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM allow for shopping in Altenkirchen's stores. The festival concludes in the late afternoon.
Live Bands 2026
Hörgerät brings a broad mix of rock and pop classics to the stage. As a tribute band, westernBEhagen is dedicated to the repertoire of Marius Müller-Westernhagen with classics like 'Sexy', 'Freiheit', or 'Hier kommt Alex'. Alex im Westerland provides schlager and party classics in the style of Heino hits and Westerwald songs.
The detailed programme with exact stage times and stall locations is available on the website stadtfest-altenkirchen.de and on the programme PDF flyers.
Highlights Stadtfest Altenkirchen 2026
- 17th edition, for the first time a three-day festival from May 1st to 3rd, 2026
- Live bands Hörgerät, westernBEhagen, and Alex im Westerland
- Funfair at Mühlengasse parking lot for families
- Sunday opening hours 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Free admission throughout Altenkirchen town centre
Prices Stadtfest Altenkirchen 2026
Practical information — Stadtfest Altenkirchen
Dates and Times
- Friday, May 1st, 2026 from 2:00 PM
- Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 until midnight
- Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (shops open 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Locations
Stage at Schlossplatz, funfair at Mühlengasse parking lot, stalls throughout the town centre, 57610 Altenkirchen (Westerwald).
Admission
Free.
Getting There
By car via the B 256 or the A 3 (exit Siegen-Süd, then B 62) or the A 45 (exit Freudenberg, then B 62/B 256). By train via the Westerwaldbahn (Au-Altenkirchen) and bus.
Tips
Early arrival is recommended, especially for Saturday evening. Families will benefit from the quieter daytime hours with the funfair.
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