Festivals
The Historischer Handwerkermarkt and Burg-Spectaculum, or historic arts and crafts market and fortress spectacular, will run at the Hohen Neuffen Fortress in Neuffen Aug. 25-26. On Saturday, the event will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The fortress, which is one of the largest fortress ruins in Southern Germany and dates back to the 11th century, sets an authentic stage for the medieval outing.
The event will feature jousting tournaments, jugglers, traveling minstrels, craftsmen, fire breathers, knights and witches. A medieval market selling arts and crafts, food and offering hands-on activities, recreating the way of life during the Middle Ages, will also be held.
Tickets cost €5. Tickets for children ages 6-12 are €3. On Aug. 25, entrance for children is free. For more information, visit www.hohenneuffen.com. The Markgröninger Schäferlauf, or shepherd’s race, will run Aug. 24-27 in Markgröningen’s historic downtown area. On Friday, the program will start at 8 a.m., Saturday at 6 a.m., Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Monday at 2 p.m. The historic shepherd’s race will take place on Saturday from 1:15-3 p.m. On Sunday, various races and the “Schäfertanz,” or shepherd’s dance, will start at 1:30 p.m. All races will be held at the “Stoppelfeld,” or stubble field.
The “Vergnügungspark,” or fun park, located at Unterriexinger Strasse will offer rides, food and family entertainment. A variety market will be set up in the historic downtown area and be open Aug. 24 from 2 p.m. until midnight, Aug. 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. until midnight, and Aug. 27 from 2 p.m. until midnight. A “Schäfermarkt,” or shepherd’s market, will be held Aug. 25-26 at Unterriexinger Strasse for visitors to learn all about sheep and sheep farming. A petting zoo for children will also be offered. The market will be open on Saturday at 8 a.m. and on Sunday at 10 a.m. An arts and crafts market will be held Aug. 25-26 at the Schlosshof. The market will be open on both days from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The four-day fest will end with a firework display Aug. 27 at 9:30 p.m. at the fun park. On Saturday and Sunday visitors to Markgröningen can only access the downtown area by purchasing a “Festplakette,” or badge, for €3.
Tickets for the shepherd’s races range from €2 to €11.
For more information and event times, visit www.markgröningen.de.
Ludwigsburg will host the Venezianische Messe, or Venetian Fair, Sept. 7-9 in the baroque downtown area. On Friday, the Venice carnival-inspired street festival will be open from 6-11:30 p.m., Saturday from 2-11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will feature colorful costumes and masks, music, fire shows, dance, stilt and “Commedia dell’Arte” theater performances. Italian food will be offered and visitors are invited to actively participate in the festival. Face painting and a children’s theater will be offered, as well.
Tickets cost between €7 and €10.