When does the 76th Bamberger Sandkerwa take place?

The Sandkerwa 2026 runs from August 20 to 24, 2026. The official festival operation begins on Thursday and ends on Monday.

Where is the festival area located?

The festival mostly takes place in the Sand area of the Bamberger old town, as well as at Markusplatz and Kranen.

How much does admission cost?

Entry is through the festival badge. The festival badge costs 6 euros and is valid for all five days, the day badge costs 3 euros.

Is there camping at the Sandkerwa?

No official camping areas are designated for the Sandkerwa. Accommodations in Bamberg and early booking are recommended.

What is the best way to get to the festival?

Public parking garages, P+R offers, and city buses are recommended. There are additional bus and shuttle services to the Sandkerwa.

What program highlights are known?

The fixed highlights include the fishing tournament, the parade to the Kirchweih tree, live music in the fest garden, and the children's afternoon.

Bamberg's Sandkerwa ignites five days full of tradition, music, and old town magic

Name: 76. Bamberger Sandkerwa
Start: 2026-08-21T15:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-08-25T01:59:59+02:00
Location: Sandgebiet

76. Bamberger Sandkerwa: When Bamberg becomes a festival mile for five days

The 76th Bamberger Sandkerwa will once again make the heart of the old town beat from August 20 to 24, 2026. In the Sand area, around Sandstraße, at Markusplatz and at Kranen, Franconian tradition merges with a lively festival atmosphere, music, enjoyment, and the special sense of community that has characterized this folk festival since 1951.

Tradition that goes straight to the heart

The Sandkerwa is one of the largest and most beautiful folk festivals in Bavaria and represents a rare mix of Kirchweih, old town festival, and multi-day experience. Its roots go back to the consecration of St. Elizabeth's Church in the Sand; from this, a festival was created that continues to fill the historic streets of Bamberg with life and attracts well over 200,000 visitors each year.

Fishing tournament, parade, and Franconian way of life

Highlights include the fishing tournament on the Regnitz, the parade to the Kirchweih tree, the children's afternoon, and daily live music in the fest garden at Leinritt. Additionally, Franconian specialties, beer garden moments, rides, and the typical buzz of voices that only a real old town festival can produce. Those who experience the Sandkerwa get not a polished event from the shelf, but a lived festival culture with character.

Organization with experience and clear processes

The Sandkerwa is organized by the Bamberger Sandkerwa Veranstaltungs GmbH. The official organization relies on fixed opening hours, access controls, information on accessibility, and a well-thought-out travel and parking concept. For visitors, this means: great atmosphere, but with structure, safety, and a professionally managed festival area.

Travel, parking, and comfort

The Stadtwerke Bamberg recommends public parking garages, P+R offers, as well as additional bus services and night connections for travel. In the immediate vicinity of the Sand area, it is usually crowded, so arriving early pays off. Free drinking water at several fountains in the city center provides additional relief on warm August days.

Festival magic between Regnitz and Little Venice

It is the backdrop that makes the Sandkerwa unique: narrow alleys, historic facades, views of Little Venice and the old Bamberg create a setting that needs no staging. Here, this rare feeling of being part of a grown festival community arises, where tradition, music, and encounters naturally belong together.

Conclusion: Bamberg celebrates its most famous folk festival

The 76th Bamberger Sandkerwa promises five days full of old town flair, customs, music, and enjoyment. Those who want to experience Franconian festival culture live will find one of the most distinctive folk festivals in southern Germany. Mark your calendar now and don’t miss the Sandkerwa 2026 in Bamberg.