Summer is coming to a close, fall is rushing in, which can only mean one thing; it’s festival time in Germany!

Germans hold festivals throughout the year, but it’s the fall season that really pulls out all the stops. And no state does it better than Bavaria.

What I’ve discovered thus far by living in Germany is that if a festival doesn’t exist – citizens creatively band together to inaugurate one. Just like Nuremberg did with their lovely autumn festival, the Nürnberger Herbstvolksfest.

In 1826, the citizens of Nuremberg decided to celebrate their king’s birthday (King Ludwig I). The idea was to express their respect and honor their monarch, while simultaneously creating a new holiday.

A new holiday naturally demands a festival of royal scale to match it. The plan worked. The original festival was so successful, it’s been held ever since.

Over the years, the celebration has expanded into two weeks of festival fun. Set against the lovely backdrop of Nuremberg, enjoy a stream of concerts, pageants, bier gardens, costume performances, horse races, archery, amusement rides, music and so much more!

Whether you are looking for a fun Labor Day weekend event to spend with friends and family, or just excited about sending the last weekends of summer off with a bang – the Nuremberg Autumn Festival is guaranteed to have something you’ll love.