Volksfest Eichstätt

The Folk Festival of the Altmühltal

The Volksfest Eichstätt is the traditional summer folk festival of the episcopal city of Eichstätt in the Eichstätt district (Upper Bavaria, Bavaria). For ten days between late August and early September, the festival grounds are transformed into a small Bavarian Wiesn – with a beer tent, amusement rides, regional delicacies, Franconian wine, festival beer, and a program ranging from brass music to cover bands. The event is organized by the Volksfestausschuss Eichstätt e.V., based at Am Haselberg in Eichstätt.

Beer Tent and Amusement Rides

The beer tent is the centerpiece: cozy brass music during snack time, lively party and cover bands in the evenings, and show bands on peak weekends. Around it, the latest amusement rides, shooting galleries, an amusement park for families, and a dining area with Bavarian and Franconian specialties.

Highlights of the Festival Program

• Bauernerchta – traditional farmers' evening with folk music
• Family Day with Children's Parade – reduced prices on amusement rides, program for families
• Sports Sunday – boxing matches in the beer tent, half marathon “Volksfestlauf" through the Altmühltal
• Day of the Clubs – performances and beer tent programs by Eichstätt clubs
• Grand Parade with the Wiesnkönigin (Fair Queen) and traditional costume groups
• Coronation of the Wiesnkönigin and proclamation of the Festival Marksman King

Eichstätt and the Altmühltal

Eichstätt, with around 13,500 inhabitants, is the seat of a bishop and home to the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt – the only Catholic university in Germany. The city is located in the heart of the Altmühltal Nature Park, one of Germany's largest nature parks, known for its Jurassic limestone cliffs, the meandering Altmühl valley, and its history as the seat of the Prince-Bishopric of Eichstätt. The folk festival has regional significance beyond the city and attracts guests from the neighboring municipalities of Lenting, Böhmfeld, Wettstetten, Großmehring, and Denkendorf.

History and Tradition

The folk festival is in the tradition of Bavarian Wiesn festivals: regionally rooted, intergenerational, with a clear mix of folk festival classics (beer tent, amusement rides, festival beer) and modern elements (cover bands, boxing in the tent). Admission to the festival grounds is free.