Prost Kiliani: Germany’s Best-Kept Beer Festival Secret

As Würzburg’s beloved Kiliani approaches its millennium celebration in 2030, this three-week July festival remains delightfully under the radar. While Munich’s Oktoberfest draws millions, Kiliani offers something rarer: an authentic German beer festival where you’ll actually drink with locals.

Why Kiliani Wins Hearts

  • Festival-exclusive brews served in massive beer tents
  • Live music nightly (yes, “Johnny Depp” is a crowd favorite)
  • Franconian specialties from Schäufele to fresh pretzels
  • Spectacular opening parade through Würzburg’s historic center
  • Nightly fireworks over the Main River

Beyond the Beer

The festival grounds buzz with classic fair rides, from gentle carousels to white-knuckle coasters. Locals dress up in dirndls and lederhosen, creating that perfect German festival vibe minus the tourist crowds.

Insider Tips

Can’t make July? Catch the spring mini-festival instead. Or explore other hidden gems like the Dults in Regensburg and Augsburg. For the full Kiliani experience, do as locals do: start with a crisp Festbier, follow with Schäufele (roasted pork shoulder), then hit the rides – in that order.

The Local Touch

Kiliani keeps it real (like everyone imagines the perfect beer fest) with:

  • A mix of traditional oompah bands and popular pop(rock) bands
  • Regional Franconian wines (yes, at a beer fest!)
  • Local specialties like Gerupfter (that’s the Franconian Obazda)cheese spread
  • Games and attractions for all ages
  • That impossible-to-fake hometown atmosphere

Set at the scenic Talavera grounds near the Main River, Kiliani proves that sometimes the best festivals are the ones tourists haven’t discovered yet. Just don’t tell too many people.

Save The Dates (for 2025): Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 20th.

Hey there, so you think "Let's all go to Europe" sounds great in theory, but impossible to do for real? Well, that's where we come in. We've been where we take you, personally, with our family and friends, but also with as many as 400 of our travelers. We make sure to hit what's on your bucket list and then add some of our favorites. Together, we turn your travel dreams into an incredible time and you'll make unforgettable memories in Europe.