Uitnoma Kirschta (Uttenheimer Kirchtag & Almabtrieb)
The traditional Uttenheim village festival featuring the Almabtrieb in the municipality of Gais
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Uitnoma Kirschta
A popular festival in the heart of the Puster Valley
The Uitnoma Kirschta — the South Tyrolean dialect name for the Uttenheimer Kirchtag — is the traditional village festival of Uttenheim (Villa Ottone), a hamlet of Gais in the province of Bolzano, located in the heart of the Puster Valley (Pustertal). It is one of many autumn festivals in Trentino-Alto Adige tied to the Kirchtag, the feast day of the parish church's patron saint, which here intertwines with end-of-season farming traditions.
The brass band as the soul of the festival
The event is hosted by the Musikkapelle Uttenheim, the local brass band, which invites residents and visitors to two days of celebration under a large heated marquee. South Tyrolean folk and brass music take center stage, with musical guests performing from Saturday afternoon until late at night, ranging from traditional entertainment to a disco-style party for younger crowds.
The Almabtrieb, the heart of Sunday
The climax of the event is Sunday, featuring the traditional Almabtrieb (the ceremonial cattle drive from alpine pastures). Cows, goats, and other animals, decorated with flowers, ribbons, and large bells, parade through the village streets accompanied by shepherds in traditional attire and brass bands. This ritual marks the end of the mountain summer and celebrates the region's rural and alpine culture, drawing locals and curious onlookers from across the Puster Valley.
Music, gastronomy, and community
Beyond the cattle drive, the program includes the raising of the Kirschtamichlbaum (the traditional festival tree), the Frühschoppen (morning toast) with a guest band, a lottery draw, and concerts by South Tyrolean folk groups. Local culinary specialties served in the marquee make this festival a true moment of conviviality for the entire Gais community.
A hallmark of South Tyrolean identity
The Uitnoma Kirschta is an annual event typically held in October. It represents an authentic example of South Tyrolean folk traditions, where the bond with the mountains, brass band music, and rural customs remain vibrant and deeply cherished by the local community.
Uitnoma Kirschta — edition 2026
The Uitnoma Kirschta 2026 in Uttenheim, a hamlet of Gais (BZ), does not yet have an official date. Traditionally, the festival is held in October and includes the raising of the Kirschtamichlbaum, music by the Musikkapelle Uttenheim and guest bands, and the traditional Almabtrieb, the cattle drive from the alpine pastures, on Sunday. The detailed program will be published by the organizers in the months leading up to the event.
Practical information — Uitnoma Kirschta
Location
Uttenheim (Villa Ottone), a hamlet of Gais (BZ), Puster Valley, South Tyrol. The festival takes place in the village center, with the marquee set up by the Musikkapelle Uttenheim.
Getting there
By car from the Brenner motorway (A22), take the Bressanone exit, then follow the Puster Valley road towards Brunico and Gais. By train, travel to Brunico and continue via local bus to Gais and Uttenheim.
Admission
Access to the festival and the Almabtrieb is traditionally free; food and drinks in the marquee are available for purchase.
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Where does it take place — Uitnoma Kirschta
Uttenheim/Villa Ottone