Summer highlight 2025 at a glance

The open-air season in Hof culminated in July and August 2025. Three formats shaped the summer; all information confirmed by the organizers for 2025.

• 04.–20.07.2025: Open summer stage in the city center (“bühne raus”) – 37 program items in 17 days, focus on encounters and participation in the Schiller Quarter; 2025 was the last edition of the format. [Source: city announcement, see references]
• 25.07.–03.08.2025: Folk Festival at Volksfestplatz – daily open-air program with rides, gastronomy, and music; parade with set route, exact opening hours, and extended night bus schedule for arrival and departure. [Source: organizer info, see references]
• 07.–10.08.2025: Music Festival in the Saaleauen – enlarged DJ area with separate entrance, connecting bridge between areas, larger stages, optimized technology, and relaxation zones by the river; Sunday as a free family day; children up to 15 years free; described security and sustainability concept (including reusable dishware, waste separation). [Source: festival info, see references]

As of the cut-off date 13.11.2025, regional calendars listed no further open-air events; the offer shifted seasonally to indoor formats. New summer dates for 2026 had not yet been published on city websites at that time.

Saaleauen Festival: Music, bridges, family day

The Saaleauen once again became a stage in August. New in 2025: an enlarged DJ zone with separate access, enhancing the electronic program and relieving visitor flows. A temporary connecting bridge crossed between the areas – shorter routes, better orientation, and more “flow.” Larger stages and optimized sound ensured clear audio even with dense crowds.

On inclusion, the festival sent a clear signal: Sunday was free; children up to 15 years had generally free admission. This made visits easier to plan for families. Relaxation zones by the water, shaded spots, and quiet corridors rounded out the day.

Safety and sustainability: designated access rules and route guidance, first aid points, prevention information; also reusable systems and waste separation. This follows a European trend toward more visitor comfort, ecological standards, and low-barrier routes – in Hof 2025 seen from bridges to signage.

• Insider tip: For the DJ area, the separate entrance is worthwhile – it saves waiting time during peak hours.
• Family tip: The free Sunday is ideal for first visits; arrive early, check shaded spots, bring ear protection for children.
• Travel sustainably: Public transport and bikes are often the most relaxed choice for the Saaleauen; head for bike parking early.

Address Saaleauen (parking area): Oberer Anger, 95028 Hof.

Folk Festival: program, parade, night buses

The Folk Festival (25.07.–03.08.2025) is the classic: rides, open-air music, regional cuisine. Published were opening hours, the route of the parade, program throughout the day, and an extended night bus schedule. This makes it easier to plan arrival, length of stay, and the journey home.

Visitor flows were eased by clear routes, visible service points, and coordinated intervals on public transport. On busy nights, the extra bus service proves its worth. Those arriving by car should pay attention to signposted parking areas and temporary closures – on parade day, an early arrival is advisable.

• Family window: Early afternoons are quieter – short queues, relaxed breaks.
• Program tip: The parade provides atmospheric highlights; the fixed route helps with choosing a spot.
• Accessible travel: Check marked accesses and service points in advance; on-site helpers know the quickest ways.

Location: Volksfestplatz, 95030 Hof.

“bühne raus”: City center and inclusion

Between 04 and 20 July 2025, “bühne raus” transformed the Schiller Quarter: 37 program items in 17 days, from established venues to the independent scene, with participatory formats and encounters in public space. It was the last edition of the format – a conscious conclusion emphasizing the city center’s role as an open-air stage.

Low-threshold access to culture for residents, spontaneous discoveries for guests – open stage instead of ticket barrier. Short routes, visible artists, eye-level contact characterized the series.

• Participate: Workshops, open sets, and encounter formats also provided entry points for newcomers.
• Experience the city center: Gastronomy and culture were close together – ideal for after-work and weekend strolling.
• Enjoy sustainably: Many program items could be reached by foot or bike.

Weather, safety, sustainability

Weather resilience: In Hof, individual events are quickly moved to nearby halls if needed during unfavorable weather. Standard protocol includes clear communication, rapid rerouting, and emergency plans.

Safety: Overview plans, marked access points, medical contact points, stewards; depending on the event, bag rules, glass bans, and minimum distances complement the process. Those arriving prepared – light clothing, sun protection, water bottle per permitted items – experience noticeably more comfort.

Sustainability: Reusable dishware, waste separation, short routes, and a focus on using public transport define the big events. Useful are notes about permitted items (cups, bottles, seat cushions) and services (water stations, lockers).

• Weather check: Check forecast on the day before; alternative plans are published at short notice if needed.
• Travel light: Public transport, bikes, short routes – arrive relaxed, get home quickly.
• Stay healthy: Seek shade, schedule breaks, bring ear protection – especially for children.

Voices from Google Maps (extracts)

Verified impressions help with planning. Short, representative extracts below; for full reviews see Google Maps (sources).

Volksfestplatz (95030 Hof)

“Always a wonderful experience for young and old.”

— Lucas Werner, Google Maps, review 5/5 (accessed 2025-11-13)

“Overall, a pleasant festival, but 90 percent of the food is the same every year … some of the prices are completely exorbitant … Overall, I think 3 stars are appropriate.”

— Martin Lang, Google Maps, review 3/5 (accessed 2025-11-13)

“high prices for food but unfortunately this is normal these days”

— Annie Be, Google Maps, review 4/5 (accessed 2025-11-13)

Saaleauen (Oberer Anger, 95028 Hof)

“It’s always nice to take a walk there … you can always find a shady spot to relax.”

— Juergen Merkel, Google Maps, review 5/5 (accessed 2025-11-13)

“Beautifully landscaped park … clean and ideal for families … worth a visit, especially in summer.”

— Markus Gärtner (DeafNut), Google Maps, review 4/5 (accessed 2025-11-13)

Outlook 2026 and insider tips

Late autumn 2025: No new open-air dates were listed in regional overviews; indoor events dominate the cold season. As experience shows, summer dates for 2026 are first published in the spring in the city calendars.

What remains from 2025? The new bridge in the Saaleauen area shortened routes and eased flows. The free Sunday showed how family friendliness and diversity go hand in hand – without compromising on safety or quality.

• Planning window: Spring = summer date publication; summer = peak; autumn/winter = indoor.
• Top 3 days: Family day in the Saaleauen, festival parade at the Folk Festival, opening night of the summer stage.
• Local economy: Hospitality, hotels, and retail benefit – open-air events enliven neighborhoods and encourage short distances.
• Cultural trend: Mix of low-threshold access (participation) and curated highlights (stage program).

Checklist for your open-air day in Hof

• Tickets & times: Note family day and free offerings; check opening hours.
• Arrival: Plan for night bus schedules and bike parking.
• Equipment: Weatherproof clothing, sun protection, ear protection; note permitted items.
• Sustainability: Use reusable items, separate waste, prefer short routes.
• Meeting points: Set meeting points in advance – saves time in the crowd.