Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest
The longest folk festival in Saxony-Anhalt — eleven days between tradition and fun
About Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest
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Eleven Days of Celebration — A Zerbst Tradition
If you ask the people of Zerbst which event is indispensable in the annual calendar, the answer is clear: the Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest. From July 31 to August 10, 2026, it will take over the town for eleven days, from the festival grounds to the city center and the Stadthalle. It is the longest folk festival in the state of Saxony-Anhalt — and one of the largest events of its kind in the entire region.
Zerbst/Anhalt is located in the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district, about halfway between Magdeburg and Dessau-Roßlau. The former residential city of the Princes of Anhalt-Zerbst has a rich history — Catherine the Great of Russia grew up in Zerbst — and a vibrant club life, which finds its climax in this festival.
Shooting Tradition and Pferdemarktlotterie
The Heimat- und Schützenfest combines two old Zerbst traditions: the Schützenfest (shooting festival) with shooting competitions, king proclamations, and a shooting parade — and the Heimatfest (homeland festival) with the famous Pferdemarktlotterie, which has been part of the city for centuries. Shooting clubs from Zerbst and the surrounding villages march through the city in historical uniforms on the first weekend, and the king's shooting crowns a new shooting king and queen.
Folk Festival Atmosphere with All the Trimmings
Spread over the eleven days, you'll find the full program of a classic folk festival on the festival grounds: amusement rides and game stalls (carousels, swing boats, shooting galleries, snack stands), a festival tent with live bands and dance evenings, and culinary offerings with Bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen, candied almonds, and draft beer. Several evenings feature fireworks illuminating the night sky over Zerbst.
The program is accompanied by sporting events, club performances, a family day, and special themes on individual days. The Stadthalle Zerbst hosts concerts and dance events — well-known German artists like Vincent & Fernando have performed here.
Civic Festival with Club Life
What makes the festival special is its strong integration with the city's clubs. Shooting clubs, sports clubs, community churches, kindergartens — everyone gets involved. The Heimat- und Schützenfest is therefore more than just an amusement park: it is a collective civic celebration where the people of Zerbst celebrate their own way of life.
Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest — edition 2026
The festival combines shooting festival and homeland festival traditions with a classic folk festival program. The eleven-day duration makes it the longest folk festival in Saxony-Anhalt and one of the largest events of its kind in the state.
Programme Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest 2026
Opening Weekend (July 31 – Aug 2)
- Friday — Opening with keg tapping ceremony
- Saturday — Shooting parade through the city
- King's shooting and shooting ball
- Concerts in the festival tent and Stadthalle
Main Week (Aug 3 – Aug 8)
- Pferdemarktlotterie
- Family day with reduced prices for amusement rides
- Live music in the festival tent
- Sporting events
Closing Weekend (Aug 8 – Aug 10)
- Grand fireworks display
- Coronation parade
- Closing ball in the Stadthalle
Attractions throughout the Festival
- Amusement rides and game stalls on the festival grounds
- Festival tent with daily changing program
- Culinary stands
- Concerts and dance evenings in the Stadthalle Zerbst
A detailed daily program will be published from July 2026 on stadt-zerbst.de.
Highlights Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest 2026
Prices Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest 2026
Practical information — Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest
Getting There
By car via the A2 (Ziesar exit) or the B184. By train to Zerbst station, then a 15-minute walk to the festival grounds.
Duration
Eleven days from Friday, July 31 to Monday, August 10, 2026. Program items are spread throughout the entire period, with main attractions on the weekends.
Admission
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Individual events in the Stadthalle and on the festival grounds are ticketed (concerts, dance evenings). Amusement rides at folk festival prices.
Highlights
Opening with keg tapping ceremony, shooting parade, king's shooting, Pferdemarktlotterie, fireworks. The exact daily program will be communicated from July 2026 via the City of Zerbst.
Families
Family day with reduced prices for amusement rides. Special offers for children.
Accommodation
Guesthouses and hotels in Zerbst and the surrounding area. Many are fully booked well in advance during the festival days — reserve early.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Zerbster Heimat- und Schützenfest
Festplatz und Innenstadt Zerbst
Festplatz Zerbst, 39261 Zerbst/Anhalt