Wertheimer Michaelismesse

The Michaelismesse — Wertheim's Volksfest par excellence

The Wertheimer Michaelismesse is the annual highlight in the event calendar of the Main-Tauber city — as the city administration itself states. For ten days in early October, Wertheim's city center with its festival grounds transforms into a traditional fairground and folk festival mile: rides and carousels, a market, culinary diversity, an amusement park, and a customs program. The 2026 edition runs from October 2nd to 11th — from Friday to the Sunday of the following weekend.

The Opening — Cannon Shot and Parade

The Michaelismesse traditionally begins with the Schützenruf (marksmen's call) and a grand parade through Wertheim's old town. The parade proceeds from a central assembly point to the main festival grounds, bringing together local clubs, traditional costume groups, music bands, and showmen in a closed procession. The cannon shot marks the symbolic start of the festival days and has been central to the opening staging of the fair for decades.

Ten Days of Program — Rides, Market, Tradition

During the main phase, there are rides for young and old — from the Ferris wheel and carousel to modern roller coasters and free-fall attractions. The Krämermarkt (market) brings classic craftspeople and traders to the city center; gastronomic stands offer Wertheim and Franconian specialties — wild boar sausage, Schäufele (pork shoulder), Bockwurst, Franconian wine. The showmen's section is coordinated by the city's market master, Carmen Saalmüller.

Castle Illumination and Grand Fireworks to Close

The Michaelismesse concludes with the castle illumination followed by grand fireworks — one of the most atmospheric closing sequences of all Southern German autumn fairs. Wertheim Castle on the hill above the city is illuminated, and the fireworks rise from the festival grounds or the Main riverbank, reflecting in the water. Thousands of visitors come to Wertheim specifically for this closing evening.

Wertheim — Main-Tauber City in Baden-Württemberg

With around 22,000 inhabitants, Wertheim is the northernmost city in Baden-Württemberg, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers in the Main-Tauber district. The city is regionally known for its Wertheim Castle — one of Germany's largest and best-preserved castle ruins — as well as for the Wertheim Village outlet (designer outlet center) and its glassmaking tradition. The Michaelismesse takes place in the immediate vicinity of the historic old town with its half-timbered buildings and the Tauber bridge — the castle overlooks the events from above.