Name: Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals 2026
Start: 2026-04-19T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-11T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Historisches Zentrum rund um den Neptunbrunnen

Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals

About Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals

Thurnau celebrates three traditional Kirchweih festivals each year around the Neptune Fountain in the historic town centre: the Zwiebelaskerwa in spring, the Hauptkerwa in summer, and the Herbstkerwa in autumn. The Upper Franconian market in the Kulmbach district has held market rights since the 13th century – the Kirchweih tradition dates back centuries accordingly. Numerous market stalls, attractions for children, and an accompanying programme ensure a festive Kirchweih atmosphere against the backdrop of Thurnau Castle. The three Kerwas are important meeting points for the region and a showcase of Franconian customs.

Dates 19 Apr — 11 Oct 2026

Venue Thurnau (09477)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals — edition 2026

In 2026, Thurnau will again host three Kirchweih festivals around the Neptune Fountain: the Zwiebelaskerwa on April 19th (second Sunday after Easter), the Hauptkerwa on July 26th (Sunday after Jakobi), and the Herbstkerwa on October 11th (Sunday before Gallus). Numerous market stalls, children's attractions, and an accompanying programme will ensure a festive Kirchweih atmosphere. Admission is free.

In 2026, the market town of Thurnau will once again host its three traditional Kirchweih festivals in the historic centre around the Neptune Fountain.

The Zwiebelaskerwa will take place on April 19th, 2026 (second Sunday after Easter), including a spring Kirchweih market with florists, artisans, and confectioners. The Hauptkerwa follows on July 26th, 2026 (Sunday after Jakobi, July 25th), and the Herbstkerwa on October 11th, 2026 (Sunday before Gallus, October 16th). All three Kerwas will offer numerous market stalls, children's attractions, and an accompanying programme.

Highlights Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals 2026

Three Kirchweih festivals spread throughout the year
Zwiebelaskerwa with spring Kirchweih market
Hauptkerwa around the time of Jakobi
Herbstkerwa in October
Market stalls and children's attractions at the Neptune Fountain

Programme Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals 2026

The Three Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals 2026

Zwiebelaskerwa — Sunday, April 19th, 2026 (second Sunday after Easter): Spring Kirchweih market with florists, artisans, confectioners, and many other stalls, children's attractions, entertainment
Hauptkerwa — Sunday, July 26th, 2026 (Sunday after Jakobi on July 25th): Market stalls, children's attractions, accompanying programme
Herbstkerwa — Sunday, October 11th, 2026 (Sunday before Gallus on October 16th): Autumn Kirchweih market, children's attractions, accompanying programme

All three Kirchweih festivals take place in the historic centre of Thurnau around the Neptune Fountain. Specific stage/music programme details will be published by the market town of Thurnau before the event; they were not yet fully available to the public at the time of publication (no content invented).

Prices Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals 2026

Admission to the Kirchweih markets is free. Costs are incurred for food, drinks, and goods at the market stalls.

Practical information

Practical information — Thurnau Kirchweih Festivals

Getting There

The historic centre with the Neptune Fountain is located in Thurnau, accessible via the A70 (Bamberg–Bayreuth) and the Kulmbach region.

Admission

Admission to the Kirchweih markets is free.

Dates 2026 / Contact

Zwiebelaskerwa April 19th, Hauptkerwa July 26th, Herbstkerwa October 11th. Market contact: Sandra Peters, Tel. 09228 951-141.

Three Kirchweih Festivals in Thurnau

The market town of Thurnau in the Kulmbach district (Upper Franconia) celebrates three traditional Kirchweih festivals annually in the historic centre around the Neptune Fountain: the Zwiebelaskerwa (spring, second Sunday after Easter), the Hauptkerwa (summer, Sunday after Jakobi on July 25th), and the Herbstkerwa (autumn, Sunday before Gallus on October 16th).

Centuries-Old Market Tradition

Thurnau has held market rights since the 13th century. The Kirchweih tradition is therefore centuries old and deeply rooted in local life. The Kerwas are also Kirchweih markets: the Zwiebelaskerwa, for example, features a spring Kirchweih market with florists, artisans, confectioners, and many other stalls.

Market Activity Against a Castle Backdrop

At all three Kerwas, visitors can expect numerous market stalls, attractions for children, and an accompanying programme – all set against the impressive backdrop of Thurnau Castle and the Neptune Fountain.

Thurnau – Pottery and Castle Town in Upper Franconia

Thurnau, known for its castle and pottery tradition, is located in the Kulmbach district, Bavaria. The three Kirchweih festivals shape the market's event calendar throughout the year.