On Friday, September 19th, the area around the Insel Schütt will transform into a glowing festival grounds with Franconian delicacies, a children’s program, and music. At 5:30 PM, the 53rd Old Town Festival in Nuremberg will be inaugurated with the traditional tapping of the first beer barrel on the Insel Schütt. Around twelve breweries are participating this year. What’s new is that this year, celebrations can last longer than usual – namely, three weeks instead of two. The Old Town Festival this time doesn’t end until October 5th. The setup of the festival village already began last week.
New Youth Fischerstechen (Jousting) at the Nuremberg Old Town Festival
The traditional Fischerstechen (a jousting competition) on the Pegnitz River is a fixed part of the Old Town Festival. Two opponents stand on long planks attached to boats and try to push each other into the water with lances. Many visitors watch the spectacle year after year. This year it takes place on Saturday, September 20th, starting at 2 PM. For the first time, a week later (on September 27th at 2 PM), there will also be a youth jousting event. Children between 10 and 16 years old can participate. Michael Hagl, chairman of the Altstadtfest Nürnberg e.V., explained at a press conference that they want to foster new talent to future-proof the tradition.
Culinary Offerings at the 2025 Nuremberg Old Town Festival
The “Market of Hospitality” on the Insel Schütt is open in any weather, emphasized innkeepers’ spokesperson Christian Wagner at a press conference. Cozy huts will serve around 15 different types of beer. A Weißwurst breakfast (Weißwurstfrühschoppen) is available every day, and on weekends even with live music.
Old Town Festival 2025 in Nuremberg: Program for Families and Music Fans
The “Family Market” on Hans-Sachs-Platz offers numerous activities for children. For example, there will be face painting on all three Sundays. Additionally, a play park, amusement rides, and several interactive activities will be available on site.
Music fans can enjoy nine free concerts and events in the Katharinenruine (St. Catherine’s ruins). Gian Carlos Navea, known from the TV show “The Voice of Germany,” will perform with his band on October 4th at 7 PM. Furthermore, the Water Police Shanty Choir (September 24th, 7 PM) and the “Frankenbänd” (September 25th, 7 PM) will take the stage. On September 26th (7 PM), the theme at the Katharinenruine is “Opera House meets Old Town Festival.” According to program organizer Billing, young singers from the State Theater are expected to perform.
Old Town Festival on the Insel Schütt in Nuremberg: A Festival with Tradition
The festival has been organized by the Old Town Association since 1971. Michael Hagl, chairman of the Altstadtfest e.V. association, along with around 40 volunteers, put on the major festival every year. As Hagl stated to t-online in a press conference, this is about Nuremberg tradition being kept alive by an association that works purely on a voluntary basis. He says: “We want to be a festival by citizens, for citizens.” The festival is financed through donations, pin sales, the sponsor N-Ergie, and the revenue from the association’s own mulled wine stand at the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market).
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