Kempten
Großer Kornhauspl. 1, 87435 Kempten (Allgäu), Deutschland
Allgäu Festival Week | Program 2025 & Tickets
The Allgäu Festival Week is Kempten's fifth season – a lively mix of trade fair, cultural days, and local festival right in the city. Between the city park, Königsplatz, and the exhibition halls, a unique world of music, enjoyment, encounters, and regional diversity is created every year. The 74th edition took place from August 9 to 17, 2025, including the opening evening on August 8. During the day, the trade fair invites exploration with exhibition halls, outdoor areas, and the popular House of Allgäu Values; from late afternoon and evening, tents, beer gardens, and the city park stage fill with brass music, pop, dance, and regional acts. Thanks to clearly regulated opening hours, designated parking spaces, and shuttle connections, getting there is relaxed. Those planning their visit can find the program, exhibitor directory, and overview map online – as well as ticket prices, entry times, and notes. This quickly turns a visit into an Allgäu experience with a high return factor.
Program 2025: Stage Times, Opening Evening, and Highlights in the City Park
The 74th Allgäu Festival Week traditionally started in 2025 with the opening evening on Friday, August 8, from 7:00 PM. The first day of the fair was Saturday, August 9, and the last day was Sunday, August 17. The heart of the cultural part is the daily performances on the city park stage, which is usually played from about 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Thus, the festival week combines the role of a regionally rooted fair with information booths, product innovations, and consulting offers during the day; in the evening, it transforms into a city festival with concerts, traditional costumes, dance, and surprise moments. In 2025, the interactive program overview on the official website provided day-specific navigation through all events – from brass bands to dance groups to bands and special acts. A much-noticed program point was the Musical Monday in cooperation with the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein, which brought musical hits and soloists to the city park stage for audience participation. According to press reports, dozens of formations performed during the festival week: including 28 music bands, 37 bands and singers, as well as 17 dance groups; additional stage shows such as radio specials, moderation, and interactive actions were included. The program structure follows a clear rhythm: for families, there are child-friendly offers and discovery tours during the day; in the afternoon and evening, performances in the tents and on the city park grounds attract visitors. The final weekend is traditionally among the busiest days – in 2025, the light festival concluded with thousands of candles and lanterns, creating a festive highlight. Due to the central location, short distances are a given: those wishing to switch from the fair to the stage program can reach all zones on foot. Conveniently, the daily overview helps to plan favorite acts in time. Those wanting to delve deeper can use the fair journal with editorial contributions and the overview map to find halls, outdoor areas, and stages more quickly.
Tickets and Prices: Day Ticket, Evening Ticket, Online Advantage, and Entry Rules
For 2025, the festival week communicated transparent prices and time slots. The day ticket cost 9.50 euros; as a limited-time online action until August 1, the day ticket was available for 9.00 euros. Discounts were indicated at 8.00 euros (7.50 euros online until August 1) – for children aged 7 to 15 years, severely disabled persons (with the mark B, the accompanying person is free), and seniors aged 65 and over. Families benefited from the family ticket (22.00 euros; online until August 1, 21.00 euros) for two adults plus their own children up to and including 15 years. For a short midday visit, there was a 3‑er midday ticket (10.00 euros) valid between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM from Monday to Thursday; this allowed for a compact fair tour to fit comfortably into the lunch break. The evening ticket cost 6.00 euros and was valid from 4:00 PM, on the opening evening (August 8) from 7:00 PM. Important for planning: evening tickets were only valid on the respective solution day and non-transferable. Additionally, the clear rule “no re-entry” applied – anyone leaving the grounds cannot re-enter with the same ticket. This ensures reliable visitor management and increases safety during peak times. The entry limit during evening operations was a maximum of 10:30 PM. Additionally, the festival week communicated compact opening hours: fair 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, stage approximately 12:00 PM–11:00 PM, gastronomy 10:00 AM–12:00 AM. For orientation, the visitor service on the grounds (e.g., at Gate East) served where guests could clarify questions and drop off or pick up lost items. Convenient for families: children up to and including 6 years had free access during the day when accompanied by adults. Those wanting to take advantage of the quiet fair times should plan their visit in the morning; those seeking atmosphere and concerts should choose the late afternoon or evening. Thanks to online information about prices and times, the stay could be specifically coordinated – from exploring the fair to a cozy beer garden stop to the evening stage program.
Dates 2026 and Outlook: August 8–16, Poster Competition and Exhibitor Registration
After the successful 74th edition in 2025, Kempten is looking ahead to 2026. The official homepage early confirmed the period from August 8 to 16, 2026. Thus, the festival week remains true to its August tradition, making planning easier for exhibitors, gastronomy, and visitors. At the same time, typical preparations began, such as the exhibitor registration documents for 2026, the poster competition, and calls for snack stands (2026–2028). The poster competition is not only a design tradition but creates a recognizable image motif year after year that generates anticipation in the city and region – from postings in display cases to social media adaptations. For companies and institutions, the early registration phase offers the chance to secure suitable booth spaces – whether in one of the exhibition halls, in thematic zones like the market hall, or in the outdoor area. Visitors benefit from the stable structure: recurring highlights like the city park stage with a program until about 11:00 PM, culinary islands, traditional dance and costume performances, and participatory offers for families form the familiar framework. At the same time, the offering continues to develop: trends from crafts, tourism, mobility, and regional cuisine find space alongside cultural collaborations – for example, with the Musical Monday in 2025. Those planning for 2026 should take a timely look at the program overview and the fair journal as soon as they are published. This allows for individually suitable visit days to be chosen – from weekdays with a calmer fair flow to weekends with a denser evening program. The topic of arrival remains planable: the parking spaces and shuttle connections have proven effective and will be updated during the event period. In short: 2026 will build on the organization and experience quality that impressed in 2025 – with early available information and a setup that combines both Allgäu tradition and modern event logistics.
Exhibitors, Market Hall, and the House of Allgäu Values: Diversity in Halls and Outdoor Areas
A significant appeal of the Allgäu Festival Week is its fair DNA. In 2025, around 270 exhibitors presented themselves in 12 exhibition halls – plus a significantly expanded outdoor area that was particularly in demand this year. The thematic range extends from regional products and manufacturers to leisure, tourism, and mobility, as well as services, education, and start-ups. Those wanting to orient themselves in the dense offering can use the fair journal with the exhibitor directory and editorial contributions. It consolidates information on focal points, innovations, and actions and additionally refers to the overview map. A strong crowd puller was again the market hall as the “House of Allgäu Values” in 2025. In cooperation with Allgäu GmbH, around 80 partners showcased the region's diversity throughout the week – from gourmet producers and craftsmen to clubs and museums to employers and service providers. Daily changing actors ensured that a second visit to the fair was worthwhile: always discovering, trying, participating, and engaging in conversation. For families, interactive stations are available, and for key players, there is professional exchange in the regional network. For exhibitors, the central location in Kempten plays to their advantage: walking distances are short, the duration of stay is high, and the transition from the fair visit to the evening program is seamless. In 2025, the outdoor area was additionally in high demand – with practical demonstration opportunities, greater visibility, and an atmosphere that combines fair atmosphere and summer festival. The interplay of halls and outdoor areas makes the festival week a hybrid form that is rarely found: focused and informative during the day, emotional and community-building in the evening. With the fair journal, exhibitor directory, and overview map, visitors quickly find their topics – whether enjoyment and regionality, leisure and culture, or economy and career.
Access and Parking: Five Parking Lots, Shuttle Every 20 Minutes, and Short Distances
The central location is a significant advantage of the Allgäu Festival Week, while it also requires good traffic management. In 2025, five parking lots were available, strategically distributed throughout the city and connected by shuttle: P1 Ice Stadium (stop Oberwang/Dachser, shuttle bus North to Residenzplatz/Gate North), P2 Power Plant “Peak Load” on Kottener Straße (stop Kottener Str./Keselstr.; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), P3 Wiesstraße, formerly Küchenarena (stop Bahnhofstraße/Hochschule; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), P4 Kempten Central Station parking lot, paid (stop Hauptbahnhof; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), and P5 P+R Kempten – Bühl East on Ignaz-Kiechle-Strasse (stop Ignaz-Kiechle-Strasse P+R; line 11). The festival's shuttle buses served the parking lots daily between 9:50 AM and 6:50 PM every 20 minutes. This allows fair guests to reach the grounds without searching for parking and without stress; the walking distance from the drop-off point to the entrances is short and signposted. Those arriving by train can use the parking lot at the main station (P4) or continue on foot or by city bus towards the city center. Bicycle parking spaces are located in the city center; the festival announces information about temporary closures and access routes at the start of the event on its channels. Tip for day visits: arrive early and first visit the exhibition halls when it is still quieter; later switch to the city park when the stage ramps up. This distributes the time ideally and avoids peaks at the entrance. For guests with mobility impairments, it is worthwhile to take a look at the current visitor information; there, pathways, entry regulations (e.g., bag sizes during evening operations), and service points are explained. Through the combination of P+R, shuttle, and city location, the arrival is overall uncomplicated – and those staying in Kempten can reach many areas on foot anyway.
City Park Stage, Light Festival, and Visitor Numbers: How the Festival Week Vibrated in 2025
The emotional framework of the festival week is formed by the city park – here, the fair atmosphere meets the outdoor feeling of a summer evening. The stage is played from about 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering a range from traditional brass music to pop covers and dance performances. In 2025, alongside the daily program points, several highlights attracted audiences: the Musical Monday brought musical sounds to the Allgäu; numerous bands, orchestras, and dance groups performed in the evenings. According to press reports, the lineup during the week included 28 music bands, 37 bands/singers, and 17 dance groups – supplemented by moderation, radio specials, and action formats. Traditionally, the light festival on Hildegardplatz is considered a festive conclusion, which in 2025 shone with around 9,000 candles, 200 lanterns, and a small ground fireworks display. Overall, the festival week remained a crowd puller: for 2025, about 150,000 visitors were reported, with an interim count on the penultimate day at 143,000. For comparison: in 2024, the number was around 146,500; previous years often ranged between 150,000 and 180,000; the historical record dates back to 1988 with 203,544 guests. This magnitude explains why clear entry windows and the renunciation of re-entry for safety reasons are necessary: they keep pathways clear, facilitate visitor management, and enable orderly evening operations when the stage plays until 11:00 PM and gastronomy is open until 12:00 AM. For photo fans, the city park at dusk is recommended: when the lights come on and the stage sends beams of light over the lawns, the imagery that makes the Allgäu so iconic in August is created. Those wanting to collect memories will also find motifs at the exhibition halls, in the market hall, and at the entrances – for example, when traditional costume colors mix with the poster motifs of the respective edition. Thus, the festival week connects regional identity with an urban summer experience.
Sources:
- Allgäu Festival Week – Interactive Program Overview 2025 (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Tickets, Prices & Times (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Parking & Shuttle (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Fair Journal & Overview Map (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Homepage 2026 with Dates & Calls (Official Website)
- TRENDYone – More than 150,000 Visitors 2025, Program Numbers & Light Festival
- Allgäuer Zeitung – Balance 2025: 150,000 Visitors
- Allgäu GmbH – House of Allgäu Values (Partner & Market Hall)
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Allgäu Festival Week | Program 2025 & Tickets
The Allgäu Festival Week is Kempten's fifth season – a lively mix of trade fair, cultural days, and local festival right in the city. Between the city park, Königsplatz, and the exhibition halls, a unique world of music, enjoyment, encounters, and regional diversity is created every year. The 74th edition took place from August 9 to 17, 2025, including the opening evening on August 8. During the day, the trade fair invites exploration with exhibition halls, outdoor areas, and the popular House of Allgäu Values; from late afternoon and evening, tents, beer gardens, and the city park stage fill with brass music, pop, dance, and regional acts. Thanks to clearly regulated opening hours, designated parking spaces, and shuttle connections, getting there is relaxed. Those planning their visit can find the program, exhibitor directory, and overview map online – as well as ticket prices, entry times, and notes. This quickly turns a visit into an Allgäu experience with a high return factor.
Program 2025: Stage Times, Opening Evening, and Highlights in the City Park
The 74th Allgäu Festival Week traditionally started in 2025 with the opening evening on Friday, August 8, from 7:00 PM. The first day of the fair was Saturday, August 9, and the last day was Sunday, August 17. The heart of the cultural part is the daily performances on the city park stage, which is usually played from about 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Thus, the festival week combines the role of a regionally rooted fair with information booths, product innovations, and consulting offers during the day; in the evening, it transforms into a city festival with concerts, traditional costumes, dance, and surprise moments. In 2025, the interactive program overview on the official website provided day-specific navigation through all events – from brass bands to dance groups to bands and special acts. A much-noticed program point was the Musical Monday in cooperation with the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein, which brought musical hits and soloists to the city park stage for audience participation. According to press reports, dozens of formations performed during the festival week: including 28 music bands, 37 bands and singers, as well as 17 dance groups; additional stage shows such as radio specials, moderation, and interactive actions were included. The program structure follows a clear rhythm: for families, there are child-friendly offers and discovery tours during the day; in the afternoon and evening, performances in the tents and on the city park grounds attract visitors. The final weekend is traditionally among the busiest days – in 2025, the light festival concluded with thousands of candles and lanterns, creating a festive highlight. Due to the central location, short distances are a given: those wishing to switch from the fair to the stage program can reach all zones on foot. Conveniently, the daily overview helps to plan favorite acts in time. Those wanting to delve deeper can use the fair journal with editorial contributions and the overview map to find halls, outdoor areas, and stages more quickly.
Tickets and Prices: Day Ticket, Evening Ticket, Online Advantage, and Entry Rules
For 2025, the festival week communicated transparent prices and time slots. The day ticket cost 9.50 euros; as a limited-time online action until August 1, the day ticket was available for 9.00 euros. Discounts were indicated at 8.00 euros (7.50 euros online until August 1) – for children aged 7 to 15 years, severely disabled persons (with the mark B, the accompanying person is free), and seniors aged 65 and over. Families benefited from the family ticket (22.00 euros; online until August 1, 21.00 euros) for two adults plus their own children up to and including 15 years. For a short midday visit, there was a 3‑er midday ticket (10.00 euros) valid between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM from Monday to Thursday; this allowed for a compact fair tour to fit comfortably into the lunch break. The evening ticket cost 6.00 euros and was valid from 4:00 PM, on the opening evening (August 8) from 7:00 PM. Important for planning: evening tickets were only valid on the respective solution day and non-transferable. Additionally, the clear rule “no re-entry” applied – anyone leaving the grounds cannot re-enter with the same ticket. This ensures reliable visitor management and increases safety during peak times. The entry limit during evening operations was a maximum of 10:30 PM. Additionally, the festival week communicated compact opening hours: fair 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, stage approximately 12:00 PM–11:00 PM, gastronomy 10:00 AM–12:00 AM. For orientation, the visitor service on the grounds (e.g., at Gate East) served where guests could clarify questions and drop off or pick up lost items. Convenient for families: children up to and including 6 years had free access during the day when accompanied by adults. Those wanting to take advantage of the quiet fair times should plan their visit in the morning; those seeking atmosphere and concerts should choose the late afternoon or evening. Thanks to online information about prices and times, the stay could be specifically coordinated – from exploring the fair to a cozy beer garden stop to the evening stage program.
Dates 2026 and Outlook: August 8–16, Poster Competition and Exhibitor Registration
After the successful 74th edition in 2025, Kempten is looking ahead to 2026. The official homepage early confirmed the period from August 8 to 16, 2026. Thus, the festival week remains true to its August tradition, making planning easier for exhibitors, gastronomy, and visitors. At the same time, typical preparations began, such as the exhibitor registration documents for 2026, the poster competition, and calls for snack stands (2026–2028). The poster competition is not only a design tradition but creates a recognizable image motif year after year that generates anticipation in the city and region – from postings in display cases to social media adaptations. For companies and institutions, the early registration phase offers the chance to secure suitable booth spaces – whether in one of the exhibition halls, in thematic zones like the market hall, or in the outdoor area. Visitors benefit from the stable structure: recurring highlights like the city park stage with a program until about 11:00 PM, culinary islands, traditional dance and costume performances, and participatory offers for families form the familiar framework. At the same time, the offering continues to develop: trends from crafts, tourism, mobility, and regional cuisine find space alongside cultural collaborations – for example, with the Musical Monday in 2025. Those planning for 2026 should take a timely look at the program overview and the fair journal as soon as they are published. This allows for individually suitable visit days to be chosen – from weekdays with a calmer fair flow to weekends with a denser evening program. The topic of arrival remains planable: the parking spaces and shuttle connections have proven effective and will be updated during the event period. In short: 2026 will build on the organization and experience quality that impressed in 2025 – with early available information and a setup that combines both Allgäu tradition and modern event logistics.
Exhibitors, Market Hall, and the House of Allgäu Values: Diversity in Halls and Outdoor Areas
A significant appeal of the Allgäu Festival Week is its fair DNA. In 2025, around 270 exhibitors presented themselves in 12 exhibition halls – plus a significantly expanded outdoor area that was particularly in demand this year. The thematic range extends from regional products and manufacturers to leisure, tourism, and mobility, as well as services, education, and start-ups. Those wanting to orient themselves in the dense offering can use the fair journal with the exhibitor directory and editorial contributions. It consolidates information on focal points, innovations, and actions and additionally refers to the overview map. A strong crowd puller was again the market hall as the “House of Allgäu Values” in 2025. In cooperation with Allgäu GmbH, around 80 partners showcased the region's diversity throughout the week – from gourmet producers and craftsmen to clubs and museums to employers and service providers. Daily changing actors ensured that a second visit to the fair was worthwhile: always discovering, trying, participating, and engaging in conversation. For families, interactive stations are available, and for key players, there is professional exchange in the regional network. For exhibitors, the central location in Kempten plays to their advantage: walking distances are short, the duration of stay is high, and the transition from the fair visit to the evening program is seamless. In 2025, the outdoor area was additionally in high demand – with practical demonstration opportunities, greater visibility, and an atmosphere that combines fair atmosphere and summer festival. The interplay of halls and outdoor areas makes the festival week a hybrid form that is rarely found: focused and informative during the day, emotional and community-building in the evening. With the fair journal, exhibitor directory, and overview map, visitors quickly find their topics – whether enjoyment and regionality, leisure and culture, or economy and career.
Access and Parking: Five Parking Lots, Shuttle Every 20 Minutes, and Short Distances
The central location is a significant advantage of the Allgäu Festival Week, while it also requires good traffic management. In 2025, five parking lots were available, strategically distributed throughout the city and connected by shuttle: P1 Ice Stadium (stop Oberwang/Dachser, shuttle bus North to Residenzplatz/Gate North), P2 Power Plant “Peak Load” on Kottener Straße (stop Kottener Str./Keselstr.; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), P3 Wiesstraße, formerly Küchenarena (stop Bahnhofstraße/Hochschule; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), P4 Kempten Central Station parking lot, paid (stop Hauptbahnhof; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), and P5 P+R Kempten – Bühl East on Ignaz-Kiechle-Strasse (stop Ignaz-Kiechle-Strasse P+R; line 11). The festival's shuttle buses served the parking lots daily between 9:50 AM and 6:50 PM every 20 minutes. This allows fair guests to reach the grounds without searching for parking and without stress; the walking distance from the drop-off point to the entrances is short and signposted. Those arriving by train can use the parking lot at the main station (P4) or continue on foot or by city bus towards the city center. Bicycle parking spaces are located in the city center; the festival announces information about temporary closures and access routes at the start of the event on its channels. Tip for day visits: arrive early and first visit the exhibition halls when it is still quieter; later switch to the city park when the stage ramps up. This distributes the time ideally and avoids peaks at the entrance. For guests with mobility impairments, it is worthwhile to take a look at the current visitor information; there, pathways, entry regulations (e.g., bag sizes during evening operations), and service points are explained. Through the combination of P+R, shuttle, and city location, the arrival is overall uncomplicated – and those staying in Kempten can reach many areas on foot anyway.
City Park Stage, Light Festival, and Visitor Numbers: How the Festival Week Vibrated in 2025
The emotional framework of the festival week is formed by the city park – here, the fair atmosphere meets the outdoor feeling of a summer evening. The stage is played from about 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering a range from traditional brass music to pop covers and dance performances. In 2025, alongside the daily program points, several highlights attracted audiences: the Musical Monday brought musical sounds to the Allgäu; numerous bands, orchestras, and dance groups performed in the evenings. According to press reports, the lineup during the week included 28 music bands, 37 bands/singers, and 17 dance groups – supplemented by moderation, radio specials, and action formats. Traditionally, the light festival on Hildegardplatz is considered a festive conclusion, which in 2025 shone with around 9,000 candles, 200 lanterns, and a small ground fireworks display. Overall, the festival week remained a crowd puller: for 2025, about 150,000 visitors were reported, with an interim count on the penultimate day at 143,000. For comparison: in 2024, the number was around 146,500; previous years often ranged between 150,000 and 180,000; the historical record dates back to 1988 with 203,544 guests. This magnitude explains why clear entry windows and the renunciation of re-entry for safety reasons are necessary: they keep pathways clear, facilitate visitor management, and enable orderly evening operations when the stage plays until 11:00 PM and gastronomy is open until 12:00 AM. For photo fans, the city park at dusk is recommended: when the lights come on and the stage sends beams of light over the lawns, the imagery that makes the Allgäu so iconic in August is created. Those wanting to collect memories will also find motifs at the exhibition halls, in the market hall, and at the entrances – for example, when traditional costume colors mix with the poster motifs of the respective edition. Thus, the festival week connects regional identity with an urban summer experience.
Sources:
- Allgäu Festival Week – Interactive Program Overview 2025 (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Tickets, Prices & Times (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Parking & Shuttle (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Fair Journal & Overview Map (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Homepage 2026 with Dates & Calls (Official Website)
- TRENDYone – More than 150,000 Visitors 2025, Program Numbers & Light Festival
- Allgäuer Zeitung – Balance 2025: 150,000 Visitors
- Allgäu GmbH – House of Allgäu Values (Partner & Market Hall)
Allgäu Festival Week | Program 2025 & Tickets
The Allgäu Festival Week is Kempten's fifth season – a lively mix of trade fair, cultural days, and local festival right in the city. Between the city park, Königsplatz, and the exhibition halls, a unique world of music, enjoyment, encounters, and regional diversity is created every year. The 74th edition took place from August 9 to 17, 2025, including the opening evening on August 8. During the day, the trade fair invites exploration with exhibition halls, outdoor areas, and the popular House of Allgäu Values; from late afternoon and evening, tents, beer gardens, and the city park stage fill with brass music, pop, dance, and regional acts. Thanks to clearly regulated opening hours, designated parking spaces, and shuttle connections, getting there is relaxed. Those planning their visit can find the program, exhibitor directory, and overview map online – as well as ticket prices, entry times, and notes. This quickly turns a visit into an Allgäu experience with a high return factor.
Program 2025: Stage Times, Opening Evening, and Highlights in the City Park
The 74th Allgäu Festival Week traditionally started in 2025 with the opening evening on Friday, August 8, from 7:00 PM. The first day of the fair was Saturday, August 9, and the last day was Sunday, August 17. The heart of the cultural part is the daily performances on the city park stage, which is usually played from about 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Thus, the festival week combines the role of a regionally rooted fair with information booths, product innovations, and consulting offers during the day; in the evening, it transforms into a city festival with concerts, traditional costumes, dance, and surprise moments. In 2025, the interactive program overview on the official website provided day-specific navigation through all events – from brass bands to dance groups to bands and special acts. A much-noticed program point was the Musical Monday in cooperation with the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein, which brought musical hits and soloists to the city park stage for audience participation. According to press reports, dozens of formations performed during the festival week: including 28 music bands, 37 bands and singers, as well as 17 dance groups; additional stage shows such as radio specials, moderation, and interactive actions were included. The program structure follows a clear rhythm: for families, there are child-friendly offers and discovery tours during the day; in the afternoon and evening, performances in the tents and on the city park grounds attract visitors. The final weekend is traditionally among the busiest days – in 2025, the light festival concluded with thousands of candles and lanterns, creating a festive highlight. Due to the central location, short distances are a given: those wishing to switch from the fair to the stage program can reach all zones on foot. Conveniently, the daily overview helps to plan favorite acts in time. Those wanting to delve deeper can use the fair journal with editorial contributions and the overview map to find halls, outdoor areas, and stages more quickly.
Tickets and Prices: Day Ticket, Evening Ticket, Online Advantage, and Entry Rules
For 2025, the festival week communicated transparent prices and time slots. The day ticket cost 9.50 euros; as a limited-time online action until August 1, the day ticket was available for 9.00 euros. Discounts were indicated at 8.00 euros (7.50 euros online until August 1) – for children aged 7 to 15 years, severely disabled persons (with the mark B, the accompanying person is free), and seniors aged 65 and over. Families benefited from the family ticket (22.00 euros; online until August 1, 21.00 euros) for two adults plus their own children up to and including 15 years. For a short midday visit, there was a 3‑er midday ticket (10.00 euros) valid between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM from Monday to Thursday; this allowed for a compact fair tour to fit comfortably into the lunch break. The evening ticket cost 6.00 euros and was valid from 4:00 PM, on the opening evening (August 8) from 7:00 PM. Important for planning: evening tickets were only valid on the respective solution day and non-transferable. Additionally, the clear rule “no re-entry” applied – anyone leaving the grounds cannot re-enter with the same ticket. This ensures reliable visitor management and increases safety during peak times. The entry limit during evening operations was a maximum of 10:30 PM. Additionally, the festival week communicated compact opening hours: fair 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, stage approximately 12:00 PM–11:00 PM, gastronomy 10:00 AM–12:00 AM. For orientation, the visitor service on the grounds (e.g., at Gate East) served where guests could clarify questions and drop off or pick up lost items. Convenient for families: children up to and including 6 years had free access during the day when accompanied by adults. Those wanting to take advantage of the quiet fair times should plan their visit in the morning; those seeking atmosphere and concerts should choose the late afternoon or evening. Thanks to online information about prices and times, the stay could be specifically coordinated – from exploring the fair to a cozy beer garden stop to the evening stage program.
Dates 2026 and Outlook: August 8–16, Poster Competition and Exhibitor Registration
After the successful 74th edition in 2025, Kempten is looking ahead to 2026. The official homepage early confirmed the period from August 8 to 16, 2026. Thus, the festival week remains true to its August tradition, making planning easier for exhibitors, gastronomy, and visitors. At the same time, typical preparations began, such as the exhibitor registration documents for 2026, the poster competition, and calls for snack stands (2026–2028). The poster competition is not only a design tradition but creates a recognizable image motif year after year that generates anticipation in the city and region – from postings in display cases to social media adaptations. For companies and institutions, the early registration phase offers the chance to secure suitable booth spaces – whether in one of the exhibition halls, in thematic zones like the market hall, or in the outdoor area. Visitors benefit from the stable structure: recurring highlights like the city park stage with a program until about 11:00 PM, culinary islands, traditional dance and costume performances, and participatory offers for families form the familiar framework. At the same time, the offering continues to develop: trends from crafts, tourism, mobility, and regional cuisine find space alongside cultural collaborations – for example, with the Musical Monday in 2025. Those planning for 2026 should take a timely look at the program overview and the fair journal as soon as they are published. This allows for individually suitable visit days to be chosen – from weekdays with a calmer fair flow to weekends with a denser evening program. The topic of arrival remains planable: the parking spaces and shuttle connections have proven effective and will be updated during the event period. In short: 2026 will build on the organization and experience quality that impressed in 2025 – with early available information and a setup that combines both Allgäu tradition and modern event logistics.
Exhibitors, Market Hall, and the House of Allgäu Values: Diversity in Halls and Outdoor Areas
A significant appeal of the Allgäu Festival Week is its fair DNA. In 2025, around 270 exhibitors presented themselves in 12 exhibition halls – plus a significantly expanded outdoor area that was particularly in demand this year. The thematic range extends from regional products and manufacturers to leisure, tourism, and mobility, as well as services, education, and start-ups. Those wanting to orient themselves in the dense offering can use the fair journal with the exhibitor directory and editorial contributions. It consolidates information on focal points, innovations, and actions and additionally refers to the overview map. A strong crowd puller was again the market hall as the “House of Allgäu Values” in 2025. In cooperation with Allgäu GmbH, around 80 partners showcased the region's diversity throughout the week – from gourmet producers and craftsmen to clubs and museums to employers and service providers. Daily changing actors ensured that a second visit to the fair was worthwhile: always discovering, trying, participating, and engaging in conversation. For families, interactive stations are available, and for key players, there is professional exchange in the regional network. For exhibitors, the central location in Kempten plays to their advantage: walking distances are short, the duration of stay is high, and the transition from the fair visit to the evening program is seamless. In 2025, the outdoor area was additionally in high demand – with practical demonstration opportunities, greater visibility, and an atmosphere that combines fair atmosphere and summer festival. The interplay of halls and outdoor areas makes the festival week a hybrid form that is rarely found: focused and informative during the day, emotional and community-building in the evening. With the fair journal, exhibitor directory, and overview map, visitors quickly find their topics – whether enjoyment and regionality, leisure and culture, or economy and career.
Access and Parking: Five Parking Lots, Shuttle Every 20 Minutes, and Short Distances
The central location is a significant advantage of the Allgäu Festival Week, while it also requires good traffic management. In 2025, five parking lots were available, strategically distributed throughout the city and connected by shuttle: P1 Ice Stadium (stop Oberwang/Dachser, shuttle bus North to Residenzplatz/Gate North), P2 Power Plant “Peak Load” on Kottener Straße (stop Kottener Str./Keselstr.; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), P3 Wiesstraße, formerly Küchenarena (stop Bahnhofstraße/Hochschule; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), P4 Kempten Central Station parking lot, paid (stop Hauptbahnhof; shuttle bus South to Parktheater), and P5 P+R Kempten – Bühl East on Ignaz-Kiechle-Strasse (stop Ignaz-Kiechle-Strasse P+R; line 11). The festival's shuttle buses served the parking lots daily between 9:50 AM and 6:50 PM every 20 minutes. This allows fair guests to reach the grounds without searching for parking and without stress; the walking distance from the drop-off point to the entrances is short and signposted. Those arriving by train can use the parking lot at the main station (P4) or continue on foot or by city bus towards the city center. Bicycle parking spaces are located in the city center; the festival announces information about temporary closures and access routes at the start of the event on its channels. Tip for day visits: arrive early and first visit the exhibition halls when it is still quieter; later switch to the city park when the stage ramps up. This distributes the time ideally and avoids peaks at the entrance. For guests with mobility impairments, it is worthwhile to take a look at the current visitor information; there, pathways, entry regulations (e.g., bag sizes during evening operations), and service points are explained. Through the combination of P+R, shuttle, and city location, the arrival is overall uncomplicated – and those staying in Kempten can reach many areas on foot anyway.
City Park Stage, Light Festival, and Visitor Numbers: How the Festival Week Vibrated in 2025
The emotional framework of the festival week is formed by the city park – here, the fair atmosphere meets the outdoor feeling of a summer evening. The stage is played from about 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering a range from traditional brass music to pop covers and dance performances. In 2025, alongside the daily program points, several highlights attracted audiences: the Musical Monday brought musical sounds to the Allgäu; numerous bands, orchestras, and dance groups performed in the evenings. According to press reports, the lineup during the week included 28 music bands, 37 bands/singers, and 17 dance groups – supplemented by moderation, radio specials, and action formats. Traditionally, the light festival on Hildegardplatz is considered a festive conclusion, which in 2025 shone with around 9,000 candles, 200 lanterns, and a small ground fireworks display. Overall, the festival week remained a crowd puller: for 2025, about 150,000 visitors were reported, with an interim count on the penultimate day at 143,000. For comparison: in 2024, the number was around 146,500; previous years often ranged between 150,000 and 180,000; the historical record dates back to 1988 with 203,544 guests. This magnitude explains why clear entry windows and the renunciation of re-entry for safety reasons are necessary: they keep pathways clear, facilitate visitor management, and enable orderly evening operations when the stage plays until 11:00 PM and gastronomy is open until 12:00 AM. For photo fans, the city park at dusk is recommended: when the lights come on and the stage sends beams of light over the lawns, the imagery that makes the Allgäu so iconic in August is created. Those wanting to collect memories will also find motifs at the exhibition halls, in the market hall, and at the entrances – for example, when traditional costume colors mix with the poster motifs of the respective edition. Thus, the festival week connects regional identity with an urban summer experience.
Sources:
- Allgäu Festival Week – Interactive Program Overview 2025 (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Tickets, Prices & Times (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Parking & Shuttle (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Fair Journal & Overview Map (Official Website)
- Allgäu Festival Week – Homepage 2026 with Dates & Calls (Official Website)
- TRENDYone – More than 150,000 Visitors 2025, Program Numbers & Light Festival
- Allgäuer Zeitung – Balance 2025: 150,000 Visitors
- Allgäu GmbH – House of Allgäu Values (Partner & Market Hall)
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Reviews
Katja
12. August 2025
It's always an experience, and there's always something new to discover and buy. The atmosphere is great, there's food and drinks everywhere, a well-organized festival. I just read some of the previous rather negative comments; I can only explain that by saying there needs to be a distinction between daytime and evening visits.
Der Allgäuer
21. August 2025
Lawless space during the festival week? I want to evaluate the organization of the festival week, which is a GmbH of the city of Kempten. In 2023, I pointed out for the first time that there are ashtrays in the Stifts-Pavilion (the attached area next to the Stifts tent) and that smoking is taking place, which violates the GSG and makes it impossible for non-smokers or those with children to visit. After endless back and forth about responsibilities, the then head of security and order of the city confirmed to me that the GSG applies here and smoking is not allowed, they had made a mistake in the approval and that smoking is now prohibited and that was communicated to the operator Berkmiller. Today, in 2025, two years later: ashtrays are still being placed in this area by the operator and smoking is happening, which is not allowed. I wanted to clarify this with the festival management, which was not possible as the "security" did not understand my concern and only wanted to let me into the management container with ID. I could only communicate my complaint to one of the patrolling police officers, and I don't know what he "made of it". If this issue persists in 2026, I will file a complaint. Unfortunately, one gets the feeling that the public order office is turning a blind eye to its own GmbH here. It would be interesting to see what would happen if I walked through the area and, for example, asbestos dust would fade - would that be okay too? Just a thought. There are laws that cannot be interpreted at will, and if that bothers someone as a smoker, they need to find another (federal) state. I cannot (and do not want to) interpret the health protection of my employees at will - if I do, there will justifiably be trouble.
Ina Bayer
9. September 2025
We were in Kempten in the summer of 2025. We didn't know there was a festival week happening. From our hotel, we wanted to walk into the city center on the evening of our arrival and stumbled upon the entrance area for the festival week. We wanted to go to the old town and bought an evening ticket to get there quickly and then stroll around the festival grounds. When we returned from the old town to enjoy the festival a bit more, we experienced an unpleasant surprise. We couldn't get back in; to walk through the festival grounds again, we would have had to pay the entrance fee again!!! This was not mentioned at the evening box office. We didn't check the tickets - we should have, because the fine print stated that leaving the grounds invalidates the ticket. We were really annoyed about this rule. However, we couldn't get past the bouncer and had to take quite a detour back to our hotel. What a ridiculous rule. We were flabbergasted and will definitely avoid this festival week in the future.
Isabell Drees
16. September 2023
For me, it was the first time visiting friends in the Allgäu, the first time in Bavaria, in general in the Allgäu, and at the festival week. I knew the Fettmarkt from here in Münsterland, a cattle market with a fair and flea market, as well as a shooting festival. For me, and I don't want to offend anyone, it's a bit like a mix of both for those not from the Allgäu. There are brass bands and in the evenings, bands mostly play Schlager and party/Ballermann music. During the day, there’s everything in the various tents, from agriculture to wine tastings, furniture, and traditional costumes. People are mostly dressed in traditional attire, which is not common here, but a nice dirndl for women is more or less mandatory there. I really had a great time!
Leo Barisch
26. August 2025
I won't comment on the festival week itself, as that's more a matter of opinion. However, I do believe it was better in earlier times. Especially the food offerings in the tent were quite meager and expensive. I was annoyed by the organization of the bus arrivals and departures. We were there on the last Sunday of the festival week. On the way there from the train station with a shuttle bus, we were more or less thrown out at the Parktheater stop, where we had never gotten off in all those years. And as outsiders, we didn't even know where to turn next. The return trip was even worse. While we were studying the timetable, a young lady came and said we shouldn't rely on it. She had been there for two hours and not a single bus had come during that time! We then preferred to ask our way back towards the Parktheater and waited there. Along with other people who also had no idea if anything was coming or not. After 15 minutes, a bus finally came towards the train station. Lucky us. Conclusion: Poorly organized, and we're not sure if we'll put ourselves through that again.