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Spring in Passau: Events, Festivals & Open-Air

Spring 2026 in Passau: Preview of Festivals, Markets, and First Open-Airs

Between the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, Passau kicks off the outdoor season early. This preview bundles the most important recurring formats and helps you plan your spring 2026 in advance – with family-friendly options, music under the open sky, and traditional folk festival flair.

Maidult 2026: Folk Festival Kickoff

The Maidult traditionally marks the start of Passau's event spring and is expected to take place from late April to early May 2026 at the Kohlbruck Fairgrounds. Expect festival tents, beer gardens, rides, colorful booth streets, and a wide music program.

  • For families: usually special family days with discounts, many children's rides.
  • For music fans: daily live acts in the tents create a festival atmosphere in Lower Bavarian style.
  • Planning tip: Secure accommodation early; arrival by public transport or park & ride relieves the city center.

The detailed program schedule with times and participants will be published by the city of Passau as soon as the final planning is in place.

Cathedral Organ Concerts: Season Start 2026

From late spring 2026, the doors of St. Stephen's Cathedral will open again for the popular organ concerts. The series is aimed at both international guests and local music lovers.

  • Experience: first-class organ programs in the impressive space of Passau Cathedral.
  • Combination: ideal in connection with a walk through the old town and a café visit on the Danube.
  • Note: Tickets and the start of the season will be announced by the cathedral music/diocese of Passau.

Spring Market and Sunday Shopping 2026

A spring market with a complementary supporting program is planned for late April 2026 in the old town. Many shops are usually involved in a Sunday shopping day, while stalls, street music, and activities provide additional quality of stay.

  • Family-friendly: varied offers for children, relaxed city center atmosphere.
  • Local economy: gastronomy and retail benefit from all-day visitor flows.
  • Current info: final dates and participation offers are published by the city of Passau in the event calendar.

Early Open-Air Concerts in the Old Town

With the first mild evenings, freely accessible or low-threshold open-air concerts will start again in the historic center in 2026. Courtyards, squares, and riverside areas become stages for regional and supraregional acts.

  • Low barriers: often free or moderate admission, flexible length of stay.
  • Mix of styles: from acoustic sets to bands with a focus on pop, jazz, or world music.
  • Planning: short-term program updates are common – check the city calendar regularly.

Pentecost 2026: Open-Air Weekends

A dense open-air program is expected around Pentecost 2026. In and around the city, multi-day music formats and district-related outdoor offers are usually announced, which are well suited for spontaneous visits.

  • For music fans: several stages, discover new acts, relaxed festival atmosphere.
  • For families: day visits possible, child-friendly times in the early evening are common.
  • Important: Depending on the organizer, different house rules apply – check details in advance.

Planning: Tickets, Arrival, Accessibility, Weather

  • Check dates: Many formats publish their final dates only a few weeks in advance. Binding information can be found in the city event calendar and with the respective organizers.
  • Arrival: For major events such as Maidult, public transport or park & ride is recommended to avoid traffic peaks.
  • Accessibility: Stage and venue situations vary. Official information from the city and organizers provide information about access, designated areas, and services.
  • Weather: Spring remains weather-dynamic. Watch for bad weather updates, possible relocations, or program changes on the day of the event.

Note: Programs, schedules, and access requirements may change. The publications of the city of Passau and the respective organizers are decisive.

Sources and Further Links

  1. City of Passau — Official website with event calendar — Dates, markets, Dult information (accessed 2025-11-24)
  2. Diocese of Passau — Cathedral Music St. Stephen — Season announcements and ticket info for organ concerts (accessed 2025-11-24)
  3. Official Bavaria Tourism Site — City of Passau — Overview of culture, events, travel planning (accessed 2025-11-24)

FAQ: Spring Events in Passau 2026

When does Maidult 2026 start?
Maidult traditionally takes place between late April and early May. The exact dates will be published by the city of Passau in the event calendar in good time.
Will there be organ concerts in St. Stephen's Cathedral again in spring 2026?
Yes, the concert series usually starts in late spring. Season start, program selection, and ticket info are provided online by the cathedral music/diocese of Passau.
Will there be open-air concerts in the old town in 2026?
Several outdoor dates are to be expected, often in courtyards and squares. Specific dates and acts will be announced at short notice.
Is the spring market planned for 2026?
A spring market with Sunday shopping is planned for late April. Details will follow via the city calendar.
Are the events suitable for families with children?
Yes. Maidult, spring market, and many open-air formats offer family-friendly time slots and program parts. Check the age and safety information of the respective organizer in advance.
Where can I get up-to-date information on the day of the event?
Most reliably via the city of Passau as well as the websites or social media channels of the organizers. There you will find short-term changes, admission information, and weather reports.
How do I plan my arrival at major events?
For expected peaks, public transport or park & ride is recommended. On site, there may be temporary closures and changed traffic routes; observe official notices.
What if the weather is bad?
Outdoor dates may be relocated, shortened, or canceled. Check the official updates on the day of the event and use weatherproof clothing.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-24

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