Southern Germany's Biggest Harvest Festival Kicks Off in Fürth

Fürth's traditional Michaelis-Kirchweih Harvest and Street Festival, with a history spanning over 900 years, will be held from October 3-14, 2026. The Fürth Turkish Union will also take part in the traditional walking parade at the massive event, which is one of Southern Germany's largest street and church fairs.

Fürth Michaelis-Kirchweih, one of Southern Germany's largest and most established traditional festivals, is preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors again in 2026. The Harvest and Street Festival, with a history of approximately 900 years, will transform Fürth city center into a giant festival ground for a full 12 days between October 3 and October 14, 2026.

In the festival area, stretching from Fürther Freiheit to the town hall, public entertainment, a fair, market stalls, regional traditions, and harvest celebrations will come together. Farmers will present the region's harvest products to visitors, while various institutions and organizations will also participate in the traditional parade.

One of the notable participants in this year's parade will be the Fürth Turkish Union. The Fürth Turkish Union, an important representative of the Turkish community in Fürth, will contribute to cultural diversity by participating in the traditional procession.

Opening to be held on October 3

The traditional opening ceremony of Michaelis-Kirchweih will take place on October 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM in front of the Fürth City Theater.

During the opening program, Fürth Mayor Dr. Thomas Jung, the Dean, and the Harvest Queen will deliver speeches. The official ceremony in Theater Square will also be accompanied by band music rising from the town hall tower.

Following the program, the traditional tapping of the first beer barrel will take place at 11:00 AM. Afterward, visitors will be offered free beer tasting.

Approximately 1.5 Million Visitors Annually

The stalls and amusement rides in the festival area will be open to visitors daily between 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

Michaelis-Kirchweih extends through Fürth city center, starting from Fürther Freiheit and continuing via Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße, Friedrichstraße, and Königstraße to Königsplatz.

The massive festival, spread over an area of approximately 55,000 square meters, welcomes around 1.5 million visitors each year. With this characteristic, Michaelis-Kirchweih is among the most important traditional public festivals not only for Fürth and Bavaria but also throughout Southern Germany.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Fürth Michaelis-Kirchweih has also been part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018.

The festival, considered Southern Germany's largest street church fair, is also known as the “Queen of Franconian Church Fairs.” The event is often referred to by the public as the “Mother of Church Fairs.”

The festival's origins date back over 900 years to the celebration of the consecration of St. Michael's Church. Over time, the celebrations, born from religious and local traditions, have transformed into a major public and street festival that attracts millions of visitors today.

New Amusement Ride in 2026: “Flipper”

Some innovations also await visitors in the 2026 Michaelis-Kirchweih program.

This year, the new “Flipper” amusement ride to be set up in Fürther Freiheit will be one of the festival's significant innovations. The official program for 2026 includes a total of 11 major amusement rides, attractions, and play areas.

Fürth Turkish Union in the Parade

Among the participants in the traditional parade in 2026 is the Fürth Turkish Union.

The parade will also feature the Münnerstadt Youth Brass Band, the Esselbach Brass Band, and the Dambach Workshops affiliated with Lebenshilfe Fürth.

Furthermore, SV Fürth-Poppenreuth will make a special appearance in the parade to mark its 75th anniversary.

The participation of the Fürth Turkish Union in this important traditional event will once again highlight the Turkish community's contribution to the social and cultural life of the region.

Wedding Raffle to be Held

As part of Michaelis-Kirchweih, the traditional wedding raffle will also take place in 2026.

Some changes have been made to the application process this year. Couples where at least one spouse resides in Fürth, has married in Fürth, or will marry in Fürth are eligible to participate in the raffle.

Applications must be completed by October 4, 2026.

The draw to determine the winning couple will take place on October 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM in front of the Fürth City Theater.

Special Program for Children on Family Day

As part of the festival, Family Day will be held on Tuesday, October 13.

Visitors will be able to benefit from discounted prices on amusement rides. Additionally, a special entertainment program for children will be held in front of the Fürth City Theater.

Details regarding the children's program are expected to be announced in the coming days.

With its approximately 900-year history, UNESCO cultural heritage status, millions of visitors, and rich entertainment program, Fürth Michaelis-Kirchweih will once again open its doors on October 3 as one of Southern Germany's largest traditional festivals. The participation of the Fürth Turkish Union in the parade during the 12-day massive event holds particular significance for the Turkish community's involvement in the festival.

Taner TÜZÜN/ NÜRNBERG