Was ist los in Franken? Sept. 18, 2015

The annual Kirchweih in Herrieden takes place at the Festplatz on Sept. 18 – 21. (Photo: Stadt Herrieden)

ANSBACH, Germany (Sept. 18, 2015) — “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout Lower, Upper and Middle Franconia.

Altstadtfest – Nürnberg
The traditional Altstadtfest downtown Nürnberg, going on until Sept. 28, is one of the most popular highlights in the Franconian event calendar. The Hans-Sachs-Platz and Insel Schütt turn into fest grounds with wooden huts that offer local culinary specialties; the entertainment program includes cultural and traditional events, like the Fischerstechen, an event that includes boats on the river and people with long poles pushing each other off these boats. Program details and other information can be found at www.altstadtfest-nue.de.

Herrieder Kirchweih
The annual Kirchweih in Herrieden takes place at the Festplatz Sept. 18 through 21. Join the mayor and residents for the opening ceremony on Friday at 7 p.m. in the tent. The stores will be open in Herrieden Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Grafflmarkt — Fürth
The Grafflmarkt in Fürth, a large flea market downtown, takes place Sept 18 and 19 between Gustavstrasse, Grüner Markt and Paisleyplatz. Opening times are Friday 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band — Ansbach
The Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band presents the classic songs by the popular duo at the Ansbach Kammerspiele Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. To learn more about the concert, visit www.kammerspiele.com.

Oktoberfest in München
The Oktoberfest in München — the original Oktoberfest — is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world’s largest fair with more than 6 million people from around the world attending the event every year. It started out as a royal wedding celebration in October 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The fields, where the celebration took place, were named Theresienwiese (“Therese’s Meadow”) in honor of the crown princess.
The Oktoberfest, also known as the “Wies’n,” takes place on München’s Theresienwiese Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. The midway is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (30 minutes longer on the weekends); the beer tents have the same opening hours, but the last beer will be served an hour before closure.
Highlights of the Oktoberfest — besides the numerous rides, attractions and tents — include the opening parade of the Wiesn-Wirte (tent owners) Sept. 19 at 11 a.m., the traditional garb and master shooters parade Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. or the traditional gun-salute on the steps of the Bavaria monument at noon Oct. 5.
On the busier days, like the weekends, visitors are advised to refrain from bringing small children and strollers. Official family days with reduced prices are Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m. Since there is no parking anywhere close to the location, visitors are encouraged to come to town by train or take advantage of the park & ride system and leave their vehicle at a public transportation stop outside of the city.
For more information about the Oktoberfest, visit www.oktoberfest.de/en.

“Grüne Lust” in Anwanden
The Wolfgangshof in Zirndorf-Anwanden (Weitersdorfer Straße 22) is hosting an expo about an environment-conscious and ‘green’ lifestyle on Sept. 19 and 20. The children enjoy their own entertainment program, while parents shop for food and useful household items. Admission price is 7 euros, children up to 14 years enter for free. To learn more, visit www.gruenelust.de

Basket Market in Lichtenfels
The “Korbmarkt” in Lichtenfels on Sept. 19 and 20 highlights the craft of basket making and weaving; exhibitors show items ranging from a simple basket to elaborate furniture. Live music and entertainment as well as plenty of food and drink are offered at Marktplatz and Säumarkt; to learn more, visit www.korbmarkt.de

Fall Fest at the Freilandmuseum
The outdoor museum in Bad Windsheim is hosting their annual fall fest on Sept. 19 and 20; visitors learn about the old crafts of harvest and food preservation. To learn more about the museum and its numerous events, visit www.freilandmuseum.de or go to https://www.facebook.com/events/144732222538565/

Soap Box Races in Nürnberg
A day of soap box races takes place at Schmausenbuck am Löwensaal (Schmausenbuckstraße 166, near the zoo) on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event begins at 11 a.m., with an awards ceremony for the best-looking soap box car at 11:30 a.m.; to learn more, visit www.seifenkistenrennen-nbg.de

Kirchweih in Colmberg
The Colmberg Kirchweih fest takes place on Sept. 24 through 28; to learn more, go to www.colmberg.de

Kite Festival in Heuberg
A kite festival takes place on Sept. 26 and 27 in Heuberg near Hilpoltstein; kiting pros are showing off their colorful kites doing acrobatic stunts in the sky, but everybody is invited to bring a kite and participate. Saturday starts off with kite flying at 2 p.m. followed but a night show and fireworks; a family kite event starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday. To learn more, visit http://www.hilpoltstein.de/veranstaltungen/drachenfest-118496-8780418/

Two-city run Merkendorf/Wolframs-Eschenbach
The annual “2 Städtelauf” between Merkendorf and Wolframs-Eschenbach takes place Sept. 26. There will be a 21.1k half marathon, a 10k citizen run, a 6k “hobby” run/walk, a 3k student run and a 300m Bambini run. Registration deadline is Sept. 20, but late registration is possible on site until one hour before the race. For more details, fees and registration, visit www.merkendorf.de or www.wolframs-eschenbach.de.

Volksmarch Hiking Days
Volksmarches or “Internationale Wandertage” are a form of non-competitive physical fitness training, which takes the participants through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany. The walking distances varies from 5-, 10-, or 20-kilometer routes to 42-, 50- and event 60-kilometer routes on scenic trails through forests, along rivers and lakes or around historic sites. There is no set start time, but a window of time for hikers to start the route, and finish it at their own pace. Trails are typically marked well along the way. Many trails are stroller-friendly and provide great opportunity to explore the countryside. After the walk the local hiking clubs usually offer food and drink in a hall or tent, sometimes even at a half-way point. Avid hikers can get a hiking passport stamped each place they participate, and many clubs reward their visitors with a small token.

* Sept. 19 and 20: Fürth, 5 and 10 km with Treue Husaren Fürth, 0171-3758241. Start: 7 a.m. to noon at Liguister Turnhalle, Liguisterweg, 90766 Fürth-Unterfarrnbach. To learn more, visit http://www.dvv-wandern.de/files/documents/ausschreibungen_wandertage/fr/2015/Fuerth19.u.20.09.2015.pdf.