Event Details
Welcome to Sandkerwa 2027 in Bamberg
From 19 to 23 August 2027, Bamberg's historic Sand district turns once again into a lively street festival. Sandkerwa (also called Sandkirchweih) is one of Bavaria's largest and most traditional folk festivals, drawing over 200,000 visitors every year into the narrow lanes around Sandstraße. The festival marks the consecration of the small St. Elisabeth church; it has been a fixed part of Bamberg's summer since 1951.
Highlights
- Five days of folk festival in the heart of Bamberg's old town
- Traditional Fischerstechen (jousting on boats) on the Regnitz river by Little Venice
- Raising of the Kirchweihbaum (festival tree) by the master craftsmen guilds
- Proclamation of the Sandschützenkönig or Sandschützenkönigin (festival king or queen)
- Live music across several stages: Festgarten am Leinritt, Elisabethenplatz, Katzenberg, Schranne
- Franconian beer culture featuring Bamberg's famous smoked beer
- Amusement park with rides at Markusplatz
- Organ concert in the cathedral and a festival church service at Elisabethenplatz
Program
Sandkerwa traditionally opens on Thursday with a children's afternoon at the Festgarten am Leinritt followed by the official opening in the evening. On Friday, a parade moves from Markusplatz to the site of the Kirchweihbaum, followed by its raising in front of Little Venice and the proclamation of the festival king or queen. Saturday brings the Fischerstechen on the Regnitz and an organ concert at the cathedral, while Sunday centers on the festival church service at Elisabethenplatz. Throughout all five days, live music plays daily at several spots across the Sand district, alongside numerous beer stands from Bamberg's breweries pouring their famous smoked beers, most notably Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier. The festival traditionally closes with fireworks on Monday evening.
Tickets
Entry to Sandkerwa is free. Visitors are encouraged to support the event through a voluntary festival badge, available in advance at several outlets in Bamberg and directly at the entrances to the festival grounds. Food and drinks are paid for individually at the many stands.
Visitor Tips
- The lanes in the Sand district get very crowded in the evenings; arriving early is worthwhile.
- Public transport by bus or train is recommended, as parking in the old town is limited.
- Don't miss trying Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier; the brewery sits right in the middle of the festival area.
- Music ends daily at 11 PM, with last call around 12:30 AM.
- Avoid bringing large bags, as security checks take place at the entrances.
