Winter: Concerts, Children's Film Festival, and Warm Theater Lights

At the beginning of the year, Hof will once again offer a dense cultural program. The city orchestra and the Bühne Hof will be in full season: symphony concerts, chamber music, and special formats will shape the schedule just as much as operetta, drama, family plays, and children's offerings.

A special highlight will be the Children's Film Festival. On several days, the cinema will show family programs for different age groups, often accompanied by interactive activities such as painting or film workshops. The format combines a festival atmosphere with film education and is aimed at children, teenagers, and their companions.

At the same time, museums and cultural centers will open new exhibitions. Accompanying programs with guided tours, lectures, and workshops will make it easier to get started and provide background information.

Spring to Early Summer: Schlappentag as the Heart of City Tradition

With the days getting longer, Hof will increasingly move events outdoors. The cultural centerpiece of this period will be Schlappentag – the city's local holiday, traditionally celebrated on the Monday after Trinity Sunday.

On the festival day, a wake-up call will open the morning; from early in the morning, a parade with clubs, traditional costumes, and music will form. The traditional shooting custom and the specially brewed strong beer will shape the special atmosphere. Schlappentag is recognized as intangible cultural heritage in Bavaria and will bring the city community together: businesses and administrations will take the day into account, many people will take time off or adjust their working hours.

For deeper insight, historical tours are usually offered on the day before, explaining the origin, groups, and rituals of the custom. In addition, readings, smaller festivals, cabaret evenings, as well as lecture and discussion series are expected in spring.

Summer: Folk Festival, Open-Air Culture, and City Life Outdoors

In summer, the Hofer Volksfest will be the largest city festival. An opening parade on late Friday afternoon will mark the start, before the festival grounds come alive with rides, festival tents, music, and culinary stands.

During the festival days, stage programs, family afternoons, and a variety of offerings for children and adults will take place. In addition, open-air concerts, street theater performances, and readings will use courtyards, parks, and squares as stages. The weekly market at Maxplatz (Wednesdays and Saturdays) will provide additional social impulses as a meeting point.

Autumn: International Hofer Filmtage, Exhibitions, and Discourses

In late autumn, the International Hofer Filmtage will once again turn the city into a meeting place for the film scene. Over several days, a wide selection of feature and documentary films, short films, and debuts will be presented. Many screenings will include film talks with directors, actors, or production teams.

The city will visibly join in the festival: shop windows, gastronomy, and retail will pick up on themes and actions; accompanying events such as readings, discussions, cabaret, and music evenings will provide additional meeting points. At the same time, museums will often open larger exhibition projects with guided tours, lecture series, discussion formats, and workshops.

Advent: Christmas Market, Concerts, and Atmospheric Readings

During Advent, the Christmas market will open around the Kugelbrunnen and the Oberer Torplatz. For several weeks, arts and crafts, regional products, culinary delights, and a stage program with ensembles, choirs, and brass groups will create atmosphere. Special children's activities will round off the offerings.

Accompanying this, Advent and Christmas concerts, oratorios, chamber music evenings, as well as family-friendly theater productions are expected. Readings with winter texts will offer an intimate alternative to the market hustle and bustle in historic halls, libraries, or smaller cultural venues.

All Year Round: Markets, Exhibitions, and the Rhythm of the City

Between the major highlights – Schlappentag, Volksfest, Hofer Filmtage, and Christmas market – the city’s cultural calendar will continuously offer concerts, theater, readings, cabaret, and workshops. Museums and cultural centers will provide easy access with permanent and temporary exhibitions, family programs, and guided tours.

In addition, scientific lecture series, political discussion formats, musical workshops, and cross-genre evenings (e.g., reading, music, scenic play) will strengthen the diversity.

Planning Tips for Your Visit

• Current dates and times: Check the official event pages of the city of Hof and the respective organizers.
• Tickets: Book tickets for concerts, theater, and film screenings online in advance; check for remaining tickets on the day of the event.
• Arrival and mobility: Pay attention to regional train and bus connections as well as parking information; arrive early during peak times.
• Accessibility: Obtain information about accessible entrances, seating, and services from the organizer in advance.
• Families: Choose child-friendly times and interactive formats; observe age ratings for cinema and theater dates.
• Accommodation: Reserve rooms early for Schlappentag, Volksfest, and Filmtage.

References

1. City of Hof – Official Website — Event calendar and information (accessed 2026-01-14)
2. Bavaria – Intangible Cultural Heritage — Schlappentag Hof entry (accessed 2026-01-14)
3. International Hofer Filmtage – Official Website — Program, tickets, news (accessed 2026-01-14)
4. Hofer Volksfest – City of Hof — Dates, program, arrival (accessed 2026-01-14)
5. Christmas Market Hof – City of Hof — Opening hours and program (accessed 2026-01-14)
6. Bühne Hof — Schedule and tickets (accessed 2026-01-14)
7. Hofer Symphoniker — Concerts and education (accessed 2026-01-14)
8. Museums in Hof — Exhibitions and guided tours (accessed 2026-01-14)