32nd Wasserturmfest Schwarzheide 2026

Schwarzheide — A Chemical Town with Volksfest Tradition

Schwarzheide, with just under 5,800 inhabitants, is a relatively young town in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district, located on the southern edge of the Lusatian lignite mining region. The town grew in the 1930s around BTS Brabag Schwarzheide (now BASF Schwarzheide) as a planned industrial city. The Wasserturm (water tower) from the 1930s is an architectural landmark of the town — and the namesake for the annual Volksfest.

32nd Edition — Three Days of Programming

From Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 20th, 2026, the 32nd edition of the Wasserturmfest will take place — the Volksfest has existed in this form since 1994. The event starts daily from 5 PM; the stage runs late into the evening, with fairground attractions open longer.

Fairground — Rides for Everyone

The fairground is the heart of the festival. Classic Volksfest attractions are expected: carousel, Ferris wheel, roller coaster, dodgems, grabber machines, shooting gallery. Most family rides are tailored for younger children — Schwarzheide is a family town, not a big-city festival. The fairground usually opens an hour before the stage program and closes an hour after.

Friday Highlight: Fireworks

The traditional highlight on the first day of the festival is the Friday fireworks — usually around 10 PM or 11 PM, over the festival grounds at the Wasserturm. The choice of Friday is programmatic: This ensures the weekend's highlight doesn't come only on the last day and gives both residents and visitors an incentive to come on Friday evening.

Stage Program and Family Offerings

On the stage, cover bands, regional acts, and dance performances alternate on all three evenings. Expected genres: Schlager and party hits on Friday and Saturday, children's and family programming during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Food stalls offer classic Volksfest fare (Bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen, Crêpes), along with local beer and cocktails. Free admission to the festival grounds; rides have separate charges. Organizer is the town of Schwarzheide (Ruhlander Straße 102, 035752/85-0).