Volksfest Feldkirchen-Westerham

A Bavarian Wiesn in the Mangfall Valley

The Volksfest Feldkirchen-Westerham is a major event among Upper Bavarian middle-sized folk festivals. It takes place every year in the week of Mariä Himmelfahrt (August 15th) and lasts for ten days. The organizer is the gymnastics club TV Feldkirchen 1903 e.V., which is also responsible for managing the festival grounds. The municipality of Feldkirchen-Westerham is located in the district of Rosenheim, picturesquely situated between the Mangfall river, the Innsbruck railway line, and the foothills of the Alps.

Beer Tapping, Concert and Parade

The opening on the first Saturday features the Standkonzert (open-air concert) by the Vagen music band with free beer at 4 PM, the grand parade of local clubs at 5 PM, and the traditional Bieranstich (beer tapping ceremony, "Ozapf'n") by Mayor Johannes Zistl at 6 PM. The Maßkrugs (liter beer mugs) then flow over the counter; the atmosphere in the beer tent quickly picks up with cheerful Bavarian brass music and dancing on the benches.

Volksfest Run, Kesselfleischessen, Fireworks

On Sunday (the second festival day), the traditional Volksfestlauf (folk festival run) – a popular fun run around Feldkirchen – begins. Monday features the rustic Kesselfleischessen, a Bavarian specialty of boiled pork and root vegetables. On Tuesday, a spectacular Brillantfeuerwerk (fireworks display) delights the audience at nightfall, illuminating the entire festival grounds and the Mangfall Valley.

Stoahem, Dirndl Maßkrughem and Family Program

On the second Saturday, the Bavarian skill competitions take place: Stoahem (men's stone throwing) and Dirndlmaßkrughem (women's beer stein throwing) – both highly emotional, very photogenic competitions with trophies and prizes. In addition, there is a free children's program throughout the festival weekend with a bouncy castle, craft stations, and games, plus two grand dance evenings and a family afternoon with reduced prices for parents and children.

Seniors' Afternoon and Flea Market

On Wednesday, seniors (aged 65 and over) are invited for coffee and cake in the beer tent – a lovely, accessible tradition that makes the Volksfest a multi-generational event. On the final Sunday, a large flea market opens on the festival grounds at 8 AM; the festival concludes with the *Blaskapelle Bruckmühl* brass band, rounded off by a raffle with attractive prizes.