Step into the rhythm of Alsace’s folk festivals and celebrate living traditions
Here in Alsace, traditions and folklore are alive and well! Festivals are held all summer long, with every village coming together to celebrate with passion, pride, and heart.
Hopla! Come and join the dance!
Alsace celebrates its traditions throughout the summer with lively festivals combining local cuisine, music, and customs. In the villages, volunteers set up tables and benches for a shared meal, prepare the stage, stock the bar, and prepare the tartes flambées.
Everyone gathers to celebrate and enjoy the long summer days in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
There's nothing quite like a village festival or an evening celebration to soak up the unique spirit of Alsace:
traditions, gourmet specialities, costumes, dancing, singing, and music.
TOP ALSACE EXPERIENCE
Folklore & tartine evening in Obernai
Experience this long-standing tradition in the town of Obernai.
Every Wednesday evening in July and August, long tables and benches take over the lovely market square.
The setting is truly a picture postcard of Alsace! Magnificent half-timbered houses, the striking town hall with its trompe l'oeil details, the belfry in the background, and the fountain topped with a statue of Saint Odile, the patron saint of Alsace. Not to mention the geraniums overflowing in the windows around the square. The stage is set; we are clearly in Alsace!
This gourmet and festive evening brings revellers together around open-faced sandwiches and a glass of wine from Obernai's winemakers. Nordic, vegetarian or country-style: crispy bread is topped with salmon or bacon and cabbage. Conversation flows at the tables in the warm and carefree atmosphere of a summer evening.
The folk dancers in costume waltz onto the dance floor to the music of the accordion. The group explains the meaning and symbolism of the traditional dances and the beautiful costumes. Nothing is left to chance!
The whole square joins in singing the traditional tune "D'r Hans im Schnokeloch" and a joyful atmosphere surrounds Obernai for an unforgettable evening!
did you know? Psst,
In mid-August, there's a special evening Folklore & Tartine during the Obernai Wine Festival.
Discover
A colourful journey around the world
The Imbsheim International Folklore Festival
In Imbsheim, we set off on a journey around the world without ever leaving Alsace.
To the rhythm of lively performances and vibrant parades, colourful costumes, infectious music and traditional dances transport us from one continent to another. Between shows, we meet the performers, discover unique skills and traditions, and share moments of genuine warmth and hospitality that make this festival so special. Right in the heart of the village, cultures come together and borders seem to disappear for a weekend. We leave with a head full of colourful memories and a desire to continue the journey.
Traditional folk festivals
© Christophe MEYER - ADTSt John's Day fires and celebrations
In Alsace, the tradition of Johànnisfiir (St John’s fire) takes centre stage in many villages in late June and early July.
A legacy of ancient pagan celebrations, this event marks the arrival of summer!
Locals build the Fàckel, an impressive wooden pyre often several metres high, with each village trying to outdo the others with creativity and skill.
Locals and visitors come together to light the fire at nightfall and celebrate around the glowing flames with a slice of tarte flambée.
The fire carries on the light of the summer solstice and is tied to rural beliefs like protecting the crops, fertility, and good health for livestock.
The St John’s fire is a powerful and authentic shared experience in local village life.
© Ville de SélestatThe Corso Fleuri in Sélestat
On the 2nd weekend of August, head to Sélestat for a local, festive, and colourful celebration.
The floats of the Corso Fleuri parade are decorated with thousands of dahlias, delighting visitors of all ages in a festive atmosphere.
In the afternoon, the town centre comes alive with folk performances, music, a funfair (here it is called the Messti), and more.
At the end of the afternoon, the floral parade begins and sets off through the town. The night parade takes over at sundown in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
As a family or with friends, enjoy Alsace's summer energy and true sense of celebration. A not-to-be-missed event in Alsace to add to your bucket list!
Ami FritzAmi Fritz's Wedding in Marlenheim
Every summer in Marlenheim, take a journey back in time to an Alsatian wedding as it took place in the 19th century.
The entire village buzzes with excitement and everyone joins in: traditional outfits, the wedding procession, the signing of the marriage contract, and of course a festive banquet with dancing!
Experience the groom's preparations, the dances, the music of yesteryear, and follow Fritz and Suzel, the bride and groom, in a joyful atmosphere.
One of the highlights of summer in Alsace, this event is a true immersion in local traditions.
Join in on the fun: clap, laugh, raise a glass, and stroll through the streets. The fireworks at nightfall and the outdoor ball make you feel like you’re in the right place at the right time!
Top festivals for foodies
©31 PhotographyWine festivals
The Alsace Wine Route celebrates summer with festivals all season long.
A chance to celebrate, meet winemakers, and enjoy the open-air festivities in the heart of Alsace's charming wine villages.
Pop-up bars spring up on the main squares, in the streets, and in hidden courtyards, each with its own musical atmosphere: brass bands, DJs, guinguette, or rock. There's something for all tastes.
Grab a glass, stroll through the village, chat with winegrowers, sample local specialities, and then sing and dance late into the night.
Each festival has its own personality, decor, and tempo, but they all celebrate the bond between locals, land, and wine. Whether a fan of Riesling, crémant, or simply curious about wine, it's easy to get swept up in the atmosphere.
Wine festivals are some of the most authentic, generous, and joyful events of summer in Alsace.
© N. Bronner - ADTBeer festivals
August in Alsace is the height of the beer festival season.
Ale, white, amber, stout, pilsner, lager, IPA: in Alsace, beer comes in every shade and flavour. Alsace's brewing tradition is an integral part of the local culture and enjoys an international reputation.
Under the festival tent, long communal tables invite you to taste local and craft beers with a tarte flambée or a pair of “knacks”.
The atmosphere is informal, relaxed, and cheerful. The live music, whether a schlager tune or the latest hits, amps up the collective energy! Everyone sings and dances together, arms in the air, sometimes even standing on the benches!
In Schiltigheim, Obernai, and Saverne, these festivals bring together all generations in a warm and down-to-earth atmosphere. The perfect setting to enjoy summer in Alsace with friends and family.
c.Fleith - ADTSauerkraut festivals
Harvested at the end of August, the first cabbages are used to make new-season sauerkraut. Mild and crisp, it's a sign that autumn is near, served raw in salads or cooked as a side or in a choucroute.
The main sauerkraut-producing villages of IGP Alsace choucroute celebrate the harvest with banquets, parades, and events. Head to Meistratzheim, Geispolsheim, or Krautergersheim, Alsace's sauerkraut capital, to celebrate this local pride in a generous, gourmet, and festive atmosphere.
The festivities often start under the big tent around a large table with a glass in hand and a hearty plate of choucroute. Then come the brass bands, folk groups, street parades, and cabbage-cutting demonstrations.
Crowds, music, laughter, and traditional costumes come together for a unique atmosphere that can only be found in Alsace. With entertainment in the village and meals under a tent, it's more than just food, it's a slice of Alsace’s culture: simple, joyful, and full of life.
