Walpurgisnacht and Dance into May on Erfurt Cathedral Square
Witches, Maypole Fire, and Dance into May against the Backdrop of Erfurt Cathedral
About Walpurgisnacht Erfurt
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Walpurgis Night in Erfurt – Tradition Meets Spectacle
Walpurgis Night is deeply rooted in Central Germany: the ancient custom dates back to pre-Christian spring festivals, where the clash of winter and summer was symbolized with fires and exuberant dances. In Erfurt, the state capital of Thuringia and the seat of the district of the independent city, Cathedral Square with its unique double church forms one of Germany's most beautiful stages for this festival.
Cathedral Square – Stage, Maypole, and Fire
The expansive Cathedral Square becomes a festival mile: food stalls offer Bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen, mulled wine, and beer. At the center is the Maypole, which is decorated and erected by Erfurt kindergarten children the day before – a modern tradition that anchors the festival in the city's community. As dusk falls over the towers of the Cathedral and St. Severus Church, the real spectacle begins.
An Evening-Long Program
The City of Erfurt relies on a proven dramaturgy: traditional dances by the Thuringian Folklore Ensemble, witch and devil spectacles, the large Maypole bonfire, and finally live music into the night. Families with children find their place in the early evening, while younger guests dance into May with the band Mr. Jam.
Erfurt and Thuringian May Traditions
The festival double of Walpurgis Night / Dance into May is one of the largest Volksfeste at the beginning of the year in Thuringia. While other federal states celebrate Walpurgis mainly in the Harz Mountains, Erfurt has established its own urban variant with Cathedral Square and its central location at the junction of the A4/A71 motorways.
Walpurgisnacht Erfurt — edition 2026
Program April 30, 2026
On April 29th at 1:30 PM, children from three Erfurt kindergartens will decorate and erect the Maypole on Cathedral Square. On April 30th, the festival mile opens around 4:00 PM with food and drinks.
- 6:00 PM–6:45 PM – Opening with the Thuringian Folklore Ensemble: traditional dance around the Maypole.
- 8:00 PM–8:15 PM – Witch and Devil Dance for Children behind the stage: little witches and devils dance with the big ones around the unlit fire.
- 9:15 PM – Grand Witch and Devil Spectacle on the main stage, the highlight of the evening.
- 8:50 PM – Lighting of the large Maypole bonfire (moved earlier for younger guests).
- from approx. 10:00 PM until 1:00 AM – Dance into May with the band Mr. Jam.
Dance into May – May 1st
On May 1st, the large family and sports festival follows on Cathedral Square with over 30 regional sports clubs, an MTB show, pumptrack, airbag jump, and kids' race – carousels and a trampoline facility complement the family program.
Programme Walpurgisnacht Erfurt 2026
April 30, 2026 – Walpurgis Night
- 4:00 PM – Opening of food stalls
- 6:00 PM–6:45 PM – Thuringian Folklore Ensemble (Maypole Dance)
- 8:00 PM–8:15 PM – Witch and Devil Dance for Children
- 8:50 PM – Lighting of the Maypole bonfire
- 9:15 PM – Witch and Devil Spectacle (Main Stage)
- 10:00 PM–1:00 AM – Dance into May with Mr. Jam
May 1, 2026 – Dance into May / Family and Sports Festival
- Over 30 regional sports clubs present their offerings
- Spectacular MTB show, pumptrack, airbag jump, kids' race
- Carousels and trampoline facility for children
Highlights Walpurgisnacht Erfurt 2026
Prices Walpurgisnacht Erfurt 2026
Practical information — Walpurgisnacht Erfurt
Getting There
Take tram lines 2, 3, 4, or 6 to the «Domplatz» stop. Domplatz parking garage is directly at the venue, but tends to fill up early on Walpurgis Night – arriving by public transport is recommended.
Admission
Free. Food, drinks, and rides are subject to payment.
Best Time to Visit
From 6 PM for the stage program, around 9:15 PM for the witch and devil spectacle, from 10 PM for the May Dance with the live band.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Walpurgisnacht Erfurt al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Walpurgisnacht Erfurt
Domplatz Erfurt
Domplatz, 99084 Erfurt