When does the 78th Hans-Thoma Festival take place?

The festival runs from August 8 to 10, 2026, in Bernau in the Black Forest.

Where is the festival grounds located?

The festival takes place around the center of Bernau in the Black Forest, with program points in the spa park, festival tent, at the church, and in the Hans-Thoma Art Museum.

Which acts and program points are confirmed?

Confirmed acts include village rockers, brass band fever, the traditional costume band of the Bernau-Außertal music club, costume groups, morning pints, parade, and children's program.

How much do the tickets cost?

For the village rockers' evening, advance tickets are priced at 20 euros per single ticket. A 10-ticket bundle with table reservation costs 180 euros.

Is there a family program?

Yes, a children's afternoon in the festival tent is announced for Monday, along with program points featuring traditional costumes, music, and tradition for all generations.

Is the Hans-Thoma Festival an open-air event?

Yes, the festival is a mix of an open-air program and festival tent atmosphere with several stations in the town center.

Bernau's Great Local Festival Sparks Music, Costumes, and Black Forest Shine in August

Name: 78th Hans-Thoma Festival 2026
Start: 2026-08-08T21:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-08-11T01:59:59+02:00
Location: Festgelände Hans-Thoma-Fest

78th Hans-Thoma Festival in Bernau: Three Days of Homeland Feeling, Music, and Black Forest Tradition

Bernau in the Black Forest celebrates its 78th Hans-Thoma Festival from August 8 to 10, 2026, as a vibrant local festival featuring music, dance, art, and customs. This traditional multi-day experience commemorates the painter Hans Thoma, born in Oberlehen, and has shaped the town since 1949 as a fixed highlight in the festival calendar. ([bernau-schwarzwald.de](https://www.bernau-schwarzwald.de/erleben-geniessen/veranstaltungen/hans-thoma-fest))

A Festival with History and True Black Forest Soul

The preliminary reporting showcases a festival that relies not on event effects but on cultivated identity: traditional costume wearers, music associations, art actions, and award ceremonies shape the profile of this traditional local festival. According to the official description, the Hans-Thoma Day firmly belongs to the second weekend in August and honors the famous painter who grew up in Bernau. ([bernau-schwarzwald.de](https://www.bernau-schwarzwald.de/erleben-geniessen/veranstaltungen/hans-thoma-fest))

Line-up Between Festival Tent, Traditional Costume Culture, and Party Evening

The program for 2026 brings contrasts to the stage that fit perfectly with a modern traditional festival: On Saturday, the festival kicks off with a ceremonial tapping of the keg and a local evening, followed by a party evening with the village rockers. On Sunday, the focus is on the communal procession, the ecumenical church service, the Nature Energy Award Ceremony, the opening of the exhibition at the Hans-Thoma Art Museum, as well as the bulldog and tractor parade. On Monday, the children's afternoon in the festival tent marks the family-friendly closing, before a brass band finale shapes the end of the festival. ([schwarzwald-tourismus.info](https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/veranstaltungen/78.-hans-thoma-fest-18e432ff9d))

Festival Atmosphere Between Spa Park, Art, and Festival Tent

Those visiting the Hans-Thoma Festival experience not an anonymous large festival but a compact community feeling with Black Forest character. The mix of festival tent, spa park, church, and museum creates a special festival atmosphere: contemplative in the morning, tradition-conscious at noon, energetic and sociable in the evening. Additionally, typical elements of a multi-day festival include morning pints, traditional costume performances, and a program for children and families. ([schwarzwald-tourismus.info](https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/veranstaltungen/78.-hans-thoma-fest-18e432ff9d))

What Visitors Can Expect on Site

The Hans-Thoma Festival is described as a weather-independent large event with family character and offers advance ticket sales as well as an evening box office. The official advance ticket sales page lists tickets for the village rockers' evening; thus, the festival also targets guests who specifically want to experience the musical part in the festival tent. The combination of folk music, party bands, and customs makes this Black Forest event appealing. ([schwarzwald-tourismus.info](https://www.schwarzwald-tourismus.info/veranstaltungen/78.-hans-thoma-fest-18e432ff9d?utm_source=openai))

Conclusion: The 78th Hans-Thoma Festival connects tradition, music, and village community into a dense summer weekend full of atmosphere. Those who want to not just see but feel Black Forest culture should experience Bernau live in August 2026. ([bernau-schwarzwald.de](https://www.bernau-schwarzwald.de/erleben-geniessen/veranstaltungen/hans-thoma-fest))