4. Steinheimer Bierfest

Steinheim in the Höxter District

Steinheim is a small town with about 13,000 inhabitants in the Höxter district, on the eastern edge of the Teutoburg Forest and at the transition to the Weser Uplands. It is known for its sandstone finds (Steinheim is the namesake of an entire geological layer), the historic parish church of St. Marien, and the nearby Externsteine in Horn-Bad Meinberg. A typical East Westphalian small town with a market square, half-timbered houses, and small shops.

The Beerfest as a Young Format

The Steinheimer Bierfest is a young event format: 4th edition in 2026, thus originating in the early 2020s. The town of Steinheim is the organizer, with a classic concept: regional breweries from Westphalia and the Weser Uplands present their beers with stands and sales, supplemented by food stalls offering bratwurst, potato pancakes, burgers, and vegetarian options, live music on a small stage, and a continuous Volksfest format over three days.

Three-Day Festival Rhythm

Friday, May 29, 2026

Festival opening in the late afternoon with a welcome address by the mayor and the tapping of the first keg. First brewery stands open, food offerings start, stage with the first live band in the evening.

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Main festival day with full capacity of all brewery stands. Tastings of individual breweries (upon registration), live music with local and regional bands in the afternoon and evening. Highest visitor frequency.

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Family Day with a calmer atmosphere, brunch offerings in the morning, lunchtime concert on the stage, festival conclusion in the late afternoon.

Beer Selection

The selection of breweries focuses on the Westphalian beer landscape: Pilsener, Helles, Hefeweizen, classic lagers, and occasionally craft beers from smaller manufacturers. East Westphalia traditionally has a strong brewing culture (Warsteiner, Veltins, Krombacher in the wider region), but the beer festival deliberately highlights smaller breweries.

Discover Steinheim

Those visiting Steinheim for the beer festival can also visit the Externsteine (one of Germany's most famous rock formations, approx. 20 min. away), the region's sandstone quarries, or Pyrmont Castle (15 min. away).