Stadtfest Calau

Calau — the City of Gates and Jokes

Calau is an old Niederlausitz town in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district, founded in the 13th century. With just under 8,000 inhabitants, it is manageable but has a strong regional identity: in German-language joke collections, "Calauer" has become a distinct term for puns and wordplay. The town celebrates this tradition annually with a joke festival. Geographically, Calau lies on the edge of the Spreewald, with the old town center, St. Marien Church (brick Gothic), and the historic market square, which forms the main stage for the city festival.

The City Festival — Three Days of Niederlausitz Festival Culture

The Stadtfest Calau has a long tradition of taking place on the third weekend of August. It is the biggest event of the year in the town and attracts visitors from all over the Spreewald and Upper Lusatia (Oberlausitz). The market square and adjacent streets are transformed into a festival mile for three days: stage with live music, stalls, food and drinks, carousels, and rides for children.

2026 Program — Rockpirat, The Jailbreakers, and Antenne Brandenburg

In 2026, the regionally known cover bands Rockpirat and The Jailbreakers will perform on stage — bands that have an audience in Niederlausitz and southern Brandenburg. The moderation will be provided by RBB Antenne Brandenburg, the regional radio station. The Calau Local History Museum opens its doors on Saturday and Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00, telling the history of the town and the region. A special attraction: the St. Marien church tower can be climbed every full hour from 13:00 to 17:00 — with views of Calau included.

Free Admission, Niederlausitz Hospitality

Admission to the city festival is free, and the atmosphere is family-friendly. Here you will experience Niederlausitz festival culture in its authentic form: down-to-earth, communicative, with local relevance. Anyone who wants to spend a whole day in Calau should plan a visit to the local history museum, the market square, and the climb up the church tower — and then listen to the stage when the bands play on Saturday evening.