Stadtfest Baunach – Blues and Jazz Festival

Baunach – A Small Town with a Musical Tradition

Baunach is a small town of around 4,000 inhabitants in the north of the Landkreis Bamberg (Upper Franconia, Bavaria), situated on the river Baunach, in the valley between Haßbergen and Steigerwald. The town, with its historic Old Town, castle, and palace gardens, boasts a vibrant festival culture: the summer festival on the first weekend of July has been a firm fixture for years – alternating annually between the Stadtfest (town festival) and the Blues and Jazz Festival.

An Alternating Format with a Clear Rhythm

The Town of Baunach consciously opted for the annual alternation several years ago: one year, a Stadtfest with a broad music and entertainment program; the next year, a Blues and Jazz Festival focusing on live bands from the regional and national blues and jazz scene. This keeps the festival fresh each year while maintaining a reliable date. 2025 was the year for the Stadtfest, and 2026 will feature the Blues and Jazz Festival.

Schlossgarten – A Unique Setting

During the Blues and Jazz Festival, the Schlossgarten becomes the main stage. The romantic grounds of Baunach Castle provide an ideal open-air backdrop – with grassy areas for sitting, shade, and an atmosphere that distinctly sets the festival apart from the larger urban stages in Bamberg or Würzburg. While the Sparda-Bank Blues & Jazz Festival in Bamberg (running concurrently at the end of July / beginning of August) features over 60 bands and attracts 150,000 visitors, Baunach remains intimate and community-oriented.

From the Market Square into the Old Town Alleys

In the Stadtfest year, the Old Town, with its historic half-timbered houses, transforms into a festival mile. Street musicians perform in various squares, club courtyards open their doors for refreshments, artisans showcase their work, and in the evening, an illuminated Old Town promenade creates a romantic ambiance. Food trucks and a truck stage at the market square host the first major concerts on Friday evening.

Family Program and Sunday Tradition

Sunday is traditionally family day – supported by Sparkasse for the 2025 Stadtfest. Activities for children, discounted prices at stalls, and extended festival hours until 10 PM make Sunday the cozy highlight of the weekend.