Our family (two adults, two teens) decided to take a last-minute trip to Europe a couple weeks ago. (Literally - we decided to go on Sunday and left on Tuesday.) We wanted to do Rothenburg for a day. I did notice that most of the hotels were sold out or extremely expensive but I figured that was because it was so last-minute. We ended up staying at Hofmann's Gasthaus in Oberdachstetten about 10 miles away (which I highly recommend by the way, gorgeous roomy apartment in the peaceful countryside).
As we were eating dinner at the hotel, our waitress asked what we were going to do the next day. When we said Rothenburg, she said, "You do know about the big festival, right?" and we were like, "Uhhh, no." Turns out it was the 750th anniversary of the city and also the annual der Meistertrunk festival - which celebrates how the town was (supposedly) saved from invaders during the Thirty Years’ War by the mayor winning a bet that he could drink 3.5 liters of wine. We had no idea what we were witnessing half the time but it was fun. Performers roam the streets and randomly break out into song, and all the restaurants bring them out beer. At 3:00 there was a massive parade. (Truly the most fun parade I've ever witnessed!) The costumes they wear are historically accurate and handmade by German craftsmen. The event is UNESCO heritage certified. Over 10,000 visitors take part in this festival per day and over 800 locals are the reenactors.
Anyway, I'm posting because I am normally a person who is like, "Giant festival? Ugh!!" I am not a crowd-lover. I am not a festival lover. I am not a parade lover. And I'm here to tell you we had the best darn day. You do have to pay about 12 euros/day (in cash, no CCs) to get in the city but it was fully worth it. The people-watching was incredible. We were still able to do the "normal" stuff too like the Crime & Punishment Museum and walking the town wall. So, if you're considering going to Rothenburg during der Meistertrunk, don't let it deter you. If you don't like noise, staying outside the city walls might be a good idea like we did as long as you have a car, but it was a great experience that really added to our day in the city.
Finally, be aware that Whit Monday (the last day of the festival) is a nationwide German holiday and nothing - I mean NOTHING - is open in the whole country except gas stations and hotels - so plan ahead with groceries and necessities. I think the entire German population was out bicycling on Whit Monday!