The key Franconian beer and folk festivals in 2026 are Erlanger Bergkirchweih from 21 May to 1 June, Annafest in Forchheim in late July and early August, Kulmbacher Bierwoche from 25 July to 2 August, Bamberger Sandkerwa from 20 to 24 August, Nuremberg Herbstvolksfest from 28 August to 13 September and Fürther Michaeliskirchweih from 3 to 14 October. There are also many local Kirchweih festivals and Bockbier tapping events, whose dates should always be checked directly with the town or brewery.
Franconia does not have one single beer festival. It has a whole network of Kirchweih fairs, beer cellar events, beer weeks, folk festivals and Bockbier tapping events. This overview is therefore not a complete calendar of every village Kerwa, but a practical list of the most important and verifiable dates.
Important: dates, opening hours and programmes can change. Always check the official festival page, city/town website or brewery before travelling.
Key Beer and Folk Festivals 2026
| Date 2026 | Festival | Where | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 May - 1 June | Erlanger Bergkirchweih | Erlangen, Burgberg | Twelve-day folk festival on the historic rock cellars. Originated in 1755 and one of Franconia's best-known beer festivals. |
| May - September | Beer cellar season | Fränkische Schweiz, Bamberg, Forchheim and many other places | Not a single event. Many beer cellars open seasonally and depending on weather. Always check opening times directly. |
| 24/25 July - 3 August | Annafest Forchheim | Forchheim, Kellerwald | Traditional festival in the Kellerwald. The official regional event calendar lists 24 July to 3 August, while the Annafest page lists 25 July to 3 August. Please check the final date before visiting. |
| 25 July - 2 August | Kulmbacher Bierwoche | Kulmbach | Large beer festival around Kulmbach beer, Stadl, music and festival operation. |
| 20 - 24 August | Bamberger Sandkerwa | Bamberg, Sand district | Kirchweih in Bamberg's historic Sand district, with stalls, music, river atmosphere and Fischerstechen. |
| 28 August - 13 September | Nuremberg Herbstvolksfest | Nuremberg, Volksfestplatz | Large folk festival near Dutzendteich. Not a pure beer festival, but an important Franconian folk festival date. |
| 3 - 14 October | Fürth Michaeliskirchweih | Fürth city centre | One of Bavaria's largest city Kirchweih festivals, with market, food and drink, rides, harvest parade and Wirtshauskerwa. |
| October - December | Bockbier tapping events | Many Franconian breweries | Local Bockbier tapping events at breweries and inns. There is no single central calendar, so check directly with each brewery. |
| Advent / December | Christmas Bock season | Many Franconian breweries | Seasonal strong beers at the end of the year. This is more a beer season than one single festival. |
What Was Removed
The Schlossgrabenfest in Darmstadt does not belong in a Franconian beer festival calendar. It is a music festival in Hesse and not a Franconian beer festival. A specific regular Coburg Bockbier festival with an official current 2026 date could not be verified reliably online either, so this guide keeps only the general note on Bockbier tapping events in Franconia.
The Kirchweih Tradition
Beyond the big festivals, Franconia has countless local Kirchweih fairs, often called Kerwa or Kärwa. Some take place in cities, many in villages and local districts. They often include festival beer, beer tents, Wirtshauskerwa, music, a Kirchweih tree, parades or local customs.
The season roughly runs from spring to autumn. Many Kerwas happen in summer and early autumn. For travellers, the important point is this: not every Kerwa has its own special beer, and not every small local event has reliable information online. For smaller places, the town website, tourist office, brewery or inn is usually the best source.
Bockbier Season in Franconia
Bockbier tapping events in Franconia are often local brewery or tavern events. They do not share one common date. Some breweries release spring bock, Maibock, autumn bock or Christmas bock. If you travel specifically for Bockbier, check dates directly with the brewery.
The main guide that fits this article
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