The countdown is on. Preparations are in full swing for the grand 30th-anniversary celebration of the Historic Harvest Festival in Bernburg-Strenzfeld on September 29, 2026. The organizer, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the Saxony-Anhalt State Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture—which is also based on the same campus—has spared no effort in putting together exclusive highlights for the anniversary celebration on the grounds of the DLG’s International Plant Production Center.
These include not only the steam aircraft demonstration and a “Bockwurst Battle” (press releases on these events have already been sent out), but the entertainment program will also be the crowning touch of the anniversary celebration.
Folk Rock ’n’ Roll and Dancing on the Lawn
The absolute highlight of the show program will take place on Stage 2 (lawn). At 3:30 p.m., Leon Brandl—the Andreas Gabalier impersonator billed as the “No. 1 double”—will create a genuine festival tent atmosphere with his live music. The performance will be accompanied by regional cultural experts: The Bernburg “Dance Collection” will perform at 11:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. There will also be live music by Ralph Bogard
Fairy-Tale Magic for the Youngest Guests
This year, there’s a special focus on young visitors at the Fairy Tale Barn. The well-known puppet theater “Märchenteppich” from Halle will be making a guest appearance here. From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the troupe will whisk the children away to a magical world. Before that, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:10 p.m., the magician “Alfino” will enchant the audience. There’s even more to enjoy on the sports and play field: Here, children can do crafts, jump on the trampoline, get their faces painted, or walk across the water in large water-filled balls. Directly across the way, the youngest guests can take a pony ride. At the farmers’ market, the large straw playground also invites children to run and play.
Traditional Harvest Customs, Technology, and Tastings
The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. on Stage 1 (concrete area) with the grand opening and the historic harvest parade. Throughout the day, the outdoor area offers in-depth insights into agricultural history:
• At the Harvest Festival in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, you’ll experience a real sensation with the historic steam plow. The machinery from the University of Hohenheim—weighing several metric tons—was brought to Bernburg specifically for this event. Starting at 10:00 a.m., the machine will pull a plow across the field along hundreds of meters of steel cable, approximately 200 meters outside of Entrance 2. A shuttle service will be available.
• Plowing & Tractors: Open vintage plowing competition (11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.), demonstration plowing with horses, and a tractor parade (3:00 p.m.).
• Threshing: Hourly historic steam plow demonstrations starting at 11:00 a.m. and threshing demonstrations by the Friedrichsaue Heritage Society at the threshing area.
• Livestock Show: Presentations of various breeds and explanations of regional products at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The Bernburg Bockwurst Battle invites visitors to the animal show grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Try them for yourself and discover how different the bockwurst made from pork, lamb, and beef taste!
Music, Exhibitions, and Tours
“Tu-Nicht-Gut” will be performing live at the Bauernschenke from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Those who’d like to explore the campus at a leisurely pace can book a horse-drawn carriage ride between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. In addition, the Junkers exhibition on the Bernburg aircraft industry and the food history collections invite you to explore them from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
