Vatertagshockete Nehren

Swabian Hocketse with Tradition

The 'Hockete' (sometimes spelled 'Hocketse') is the Swabian version of the village summer festival — the name comes from the verb 'hocken' (to squat or sit) and describes the convivial gathering on wooden benches under the open sky. In Nehren, a community of 4,000 inhabitants in the Tübingen district in the Härten region (a plateau southeast of Tübingen), the Liederkranz 1875 singing club has been preserving the tradition of the Vatertagshockete for decades — every year on Ascension Day, the traditional Swabian Father's Day.

2026 Program — May 14th in front of the Community Center

The 2026 Hockete will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM in front of the Nehren Community Center — right in the village center, easily accessible on foot from all parts of the town. It typically stays open until late afternoon, depending on the weather and attendance.

The culinary offerings are classic Swabian and homemade by the club members:

• Grill Station — Bratwurst, Swabian Saitenwurst, steak, schnitzel with side dishes
• Schnitzel with side dishes (bread, potato salad, fries)
• Cold Drinks — Draft beer, non-alcoholic beverages, apple spritzer, water
• Homemade Cakes and Pies by the club's women — often the secret stars of every Hockete
• Coffee and Tea in the afternoon

Liederkranz 1875 Nehren — The Organizer

The Liederkranz 1875 Nehren e.V. is one of the oldest clubs in the community — founded in 1875, it is responsible for the singing and musical life in Nehren. The annual Vatertagshockete is one of the most important sources of income for the club's activities (sheet music purchases, travel for performances, rehearsal equipment) and, at the same time, an important social event for the village. Club members grill, slice cakes, serve beer — and are delighted to welcome every guest.

Father's Day in the Härten Region

In the Härten region (the plateaus east of Tübingen, which include Nehren along with Dusslingen, Gomaringen, and Mössingen districts), Ascension Day is traditionally a day for Father's Day hikes. Many groups walk through meadows and forests with handcarts, beer crates, and musical instruments — often ending their tour at a Hockete. The Nehren Vatertagshockete is one of the well-known destinations for such hiking groups — cozy, Swabian, with homemade food.