When the campus enters its break from classes, one of the summer’s biggest highlights kicks off in Hof: From July 24 to August 2, 2026, the Hof Volksfest welcomes visitors to the festival grounds between Nailaer Straße and Ernst-Reuter-Straße. For ten days, visitors can enjoy rides, live music, a festival tent, a beer garden, and a wide variety of culinary offerings.
Especially for students who are spending the summer in Hof or want to celebrate together after exams, the Volksfest offers plenty of opportunities to meet friends and get to know the city’s lively side. It’s no coincidence that the Franconian motto is: “Do triffst fei alla!” (“Here you’ll meet everyone!”).
Thrills or a Ferris wheel?
Those looking for action can look forward to spectacular rides. Among the new additions is the “Chaos Pendel,” which swings its passengers through the air at heights of up to 47 meters.
Of course, classics like the 48-meter-tall Ferris wheel or the “Ghost Rider” break dancer ride are also must-sees. Various walking rides and numerous other attractions provide plenty of variety.
Music, Fireworks, and the Festival Tent
The festivities kick off on Friday, July 24, at 5 p.m. with the traditional parade through downtown Hof, followed by the tapping of the first keg of beer. A Maß of beer will cost €11.90 this year. Gerhard Böckl and Josef Ebnet are once again serving as festival hosts, inviting visitors to the festival tent and the partially covered festival grounds in front of the Neuhof train station.
Throughout the festival week, bands and marching bands will keep the mood lively in the festival tent. Other highlights include the opening fireworks display on July 25 and the grand closing fireworks display on July 31.
Practical Tips
The festival is open Sunday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. If you’d like to sit in the festival tent, you can reserve seats in advance. Important: Not all booths accept card payments, and there are no ATMs on the festival grounds—so it’s a good idea to bring cash.
Whether it’s for a relaxed evening in the beer garden, a ride on the Ferris wheel, or an adrenaline rush on the rides—for many, the Hof Volksfest is simply a must-do part of summer in the region. If you’d like to swap the campus for the festival atmosphere, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to do so at the end of July.
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