Kempten for Culture Lovers: Top Events Throughout the Year
Kempten for Culture Lovers: The Most Important Upcoming Events (End of 2026 & Outlook 2027)
Kempten is not just a place to visit – the city can be experienced through its event calendar: as a jazz chord in spring, as a buzz of voices at the city festival, as a meeting place during the festival week, or as a sea of lights in Advent. This overview bundles exclusively upcoming dates from today onwards and helps you plan your personal cultural year in Kempten.
What is still to come in Kempten in 2026 (Advent & New Year's Eve)
For late autumn and winter 2026, two dates are particularly in focus in Kempten: the Shopping Night and the New Year's Eve Run. Both formats are different, but each gives the end of the year a special atmosphere – one urban and lively, the other sporty and communal.
Kempten Shopping Night (28.11.2026)
The Shopping Night relies on extended opening hours and a city event atmosphere. For culture lovers, the evening is especially worthwhile if you combine it with a walk through the illuminated city center and a detour to the Christmas market.
- Date: 28.11.2026
- Character: City center event with activities and evening operations
New Year's Eve Run (31.12.2026)
If you want to end the year actively, the New Year's Eve Run is a sporty community format. As a spectator, you experience the city in motion; as a participant, you should inform yourself early about the route, start times, and registration (details may change annually).
- Date: 31.12.2026
- Character: Running event to close the year
Spring 2027: Kempten Jazz Spring
Kempten Jazz Spring (24.04.–02.05.2027)
The Kempten Jazz Spring is one of the defining music festivals in Kempten's cultural year. For several days, the program is typically spread across different venues in the city – from classic concert evenings to formats that combine jazz with other styles.
- Period: 24.04.–02.05.2027
- Why it's worth it: A good opportunity to experience Kempten in the evenings "from stage to stage" and to combine culture with gastronomy and city center flair.
- Planning tip: Check the detailed program (venues, ticketing, possibly supporting events) in the official event calendar early.
Summer 2027: City Festival, Allgäu Festival Week and Roman Festival Cambodunum
In summer, Kempten shows its open, sociable side. Squares and streets become meeting places, and several major formats offer a mix of music, cuisine, tradition, and city life.
Kempten City Festival (02.–03.07.2027)
The City Festival transforms the city center into a meeting zone with a live program for two days. Usually, there are several stages and a wide range of offerings, from family programs to evening concerts. If you want to experience Kempten "in full swing," this is the right time.
- Period: 02.–03.07.2027
- Character: City center festival with music, stalls, and cuisine
- Planning tip: For arrival and parking, it is worth checking temporary traffic regulations, which are often published around city festivals.
Allgäu Festival Week (07.–15.08.2027)
The Allgäu Festival Week is Kempten's big summer highlight. Depending on the edition, it combines a folk festival atmosphere with exhibitions, encounters, and accompanying program points. Culture lovers often appreciate the mix: you can switch between music, regional presentations, and city center life without changing location.
- Period: 07.–15.08.2027
- Character: Major event with a mixed program (details in the official program)
- Planning tip: If you want to attend specific evenings, wait for the published daily program and then plan tickets/reservations.
Roman Festival Cambodunum (31.07.–01.08.2027)
The Roman Festival Cambodunum focuses on Kempten's Roman roots. On the grounds of Roman Cambodunum, history and crafts are usually presented in a particularly vivid way – a format well suited for families and those interested in history.
- Period: 31.07.–01.08.2027
- Character: History and experience festival with educational offerings
- Planning tip: Find out in advance about program points and times for tours/demonstrations so you can catch the highlights.
Autumn 2027: CLASSIX, Art Night, Dance Autumn & Sports and Family Day
Autumn in Kempten is ideal for anyone who likes a dense cultural program: classical music, visual arts, contemporary dance, and participatory formats are comparatively close together.
CLASSIX Kempten (18.–26.09.2027)
CLASSIX Kempten stands for chamber music with an international focus. For visitors, the festival is particularly attractive because it often offers the chance to combine several concerts in a short period – ideal for a cultural weekend.
- Period: 18.–26.09.2027
- Character: Classical and chamber music festival (program depends on the edition)
- Planning tip: Pay attention to different venues and start times if you plan to attend several evenings in a row.
Kempten Art Night (Please check the official calendar for the date)
The Art Night turns Kempten into a parcours through studios, galleries, and cultural venues for one evening. Since specific times and participating locations can change with each edition, the official event calendar is crucial for planning.
- Note: The specific date for 2027 is determined by the published city calendar.
- Character: Open art venues, exhibitions, and evening program (depending on the edition)
Kempten Dance Autumn (15.–24.10.2027)
The Kempten Dance Autumn puts contemporary dance in the spotlight. Performances are often complemented by talks, workshops, or introductions – especially helpful if you want to discover dance as a curious newcomer.
- Period: 15.–24.10.2027
- Character: Festival for contemporary dance (details in the program)
- Planning tip: If there are audience talks or introductions, it's worth attending them – they significantly enhance the experience.
Sports & Family Day (18.09.2027)
The Sports & Family Day is a participatory format where clubs and initiatives present offerings and invite you to try them out. For families, newcomers, or guests, this is an uncomplicated way to get to know Kempten through encounters and activity.
- Date: 18.09.2027
- Character: Action day with trial offers (depending on the program)
Planning: How to Use the Kempten Event Calendar Effectively
The periods mentioned are intended as advance planning. Events may change organizationally (e.g., program, times, venues, admission). The information from the official organizer pages is always binding.
- Check first, then book: Especially for festival formats (Jazz Spring, CLASSIX, Dance Autumn), it is worth waiting for the published program.
- Secure accommodation early: Around major events like the City Festival or Festival Week, occupancy can increase.
- Plan city center evenings: Advent dates are well suited for combinations (Christmas market + Shopping Night + gastronomy).
- Accessibility & family info: If you depend on it, specifically look for information on access, seating, children's programs, and quiet areas (often specified separately for each event).
Sources
- City of Kempten (Allgäu) – official website / event information — Date and program publications (accessed 2026-11-04)
- Allgäu Festival Week – official website — Program details, opening hours, information for visitors (accessed 2026-11-04)
