What It's About

This guide is aimed at anyone who wants to attend events in Amberg and the Upper Palatinate with their dog in the coming months. The focus is on upcoming markets, festivals, and open-air formats as well as regularly recurring dates. You will receive a seasonal overview and practical tips on how to plan your event visit to be dog-friendly.

Important: Check the up-to-date information in the official event calendar before each visit, as organizers may adjust rules (e.g., leash requirements, restricted areas, entry) at short notice.

Current & Upcoming: Winter 2025/26

Advent and Christmas Markets

During Advent, festive markets take place in Amberg and the surrounding area. For human-dog teams, quieter time slots are recommended, such as early afternoons on weekdays. Leash requirements generally apply in crowded areas; some market sections may be restricted or closed to dogs. Check the respective event profiles in the city calendar in advance.

Winter City Strolls and Light Events

Open-air program points such as illuminated tours, light trails, or small stage formats are common in the cold season. For dogs, it is advisable to keep a good distance from loudspeakers and large crowds. Pay attention to non-slip footwear, short, closely held leashes, and plan for shorter stays.

Preview: Spring 2026

Spring and Easter Markets

Seasonal markets with regional products invite you to stroll through the city from spring onwards. For visits with dogs, off-peak times with lower foot traffic are suitable, such as shortly after opening. Observe any signage (e.g., no entry to designated eating and indoor areas) and keep your dog on a short leash.

Outdoor Events and First Open-Air Series

As temperatures rise, the first open-air programs such as small concert series, readings, or city tours begin. Many formats are designed to be audience-friendly; find out in advance whether there are quiet edge zones and whether dogs are explicitly allowed. For sensitive dogs, quieter program points without loud sound systems are recommended.

Preview: Summer 2026

City and Cultural Festivals

Summer festivals, open-air concerts, and film nights are popular program points in Amberg and the region. Dogs are welcome on many outdoor areas on a leash, but loud stage areas are often not suitable. Seek out shady spots early, bring plenty of water, and avoid dense crowds – especially in the evening hours.

Lake Festivals and Shore Events in the Region

Around the larger lakes of the Upper Palatinate, seasonal festivals and supporting programs take place. Depending on the area and organizer, different rules apply. Find out in advance whether dogs are allowed on the shore, whether there are designated paths for visitors with dogs, and whether swimming bans or special nature conservation regulations exist.

Preview: Autumn 2026

Autumn and Farmers' Markets

Regional harvest markets and food festivals bring culinary highlights to the city centers. For relaxed visits with your dog, the first opening hours are recommended. Pay attention to notices about leash requirements, possibly signposted dog zones, and areas where dogs are not allowed (e.g., narrow indoor spaces or certain tasting areas).

Regularly Recurring Dates

• Weekly Markets in Amberg: According to the city event calendar, markets are held weekly in the old town. Please refer to the current entries in the city calendar for exact days, times, and locations. Check whether dogs are allowed on the market grounds.
• Farmers' and Specialty Markets: In addition to the weekly markets, thematic markets are planned throughout the year. These include, for example, regional food or craft markets. Check in advance whether dogs are allowed on the market grounds and whether special rules apply.
• Small Open-Air Formats: Pop-up concerts, readings, or culinary stands may be announced at short notice. Information on bringing dogs can be found in the respective event details in the calendar or in the organizers' announcements.

How to Plan Dog-Friendly Event Visits

1. Check the event page: The official event page provides entry and attendance information (dogs, leash requirements, restricted zones). Read these carefully before traveling.
2. Choose quiet times: Off-peak times avoid crowds. Plan for breaks and possible retreat spots or an alternative route.
3. Think about safety: Have a short leash, well-fitting harness, and, if necessary, a muzzle (e.g., on public transport or as required by house rules) ready.
4. Keep an eye on the weather: In summer, bring water, shade, and possibly paw protection; in winter, cold protection and a non-slip surface.
5. Respect others: Keep your distance from children's areas, food stands, and dense crowds, and be considerate of people who are afraid of dogs.

Arrival, On Site, and Emergency Preparedness

• Arrival by public transport: Check the rules for bringing dogs (leash/muzzle requirements depending on the transport company) in advance. Allow extra time for transfers.
• Orientation on site: Look out for signs for dog zones, restricted areas, and first aid points. Keep the organizer's contact details handy.
• Health protection: Watch for signs of stress (panting, trembling, excessive licking) and retreat to quieter places early. End the visit if the dog seems overwhelmed.
• Heat/cold management: Use shade and water points, avoid hot asphalt in summer and standing for long periods on icy surfaces in winter.

Short Checklist Before You Start

• Is the event location suitable for dogs according to the calendar and are rules (e.g., leash requirement, restricted zones) clear?
• Is there an alternative route or a quiet side spot in case it gets crowded or noisy?
• Water, waste bags, short leash, and, if necessary, muzzle packed?
• Organizer's contact saved to ask questions or check for last-minute changes?

Sources and Further Information

1. City of Amberg – Culture & Leisure (Event Calendar) — Official entry point for city events (accessed 2026-02-14)
2. City of Amberg – Official City Portal — Current information and contact for tourist information (accessed 2026-02-14)
3. District of Amberg-Sulzbach – Official Site — Regional information, references to events and leisure (accessed 2026-02-14)
4. Oberpfalz.de – Regional Portal — Overview of events and seasonal programs in the Upper Palatinate (accessed 2026-02-14)