Unterwegs – September 25, 2026

KERWE (VILLAGE FEST)

SEPTEMBER, VARIOUS DATES/LOCATIONS IN THE KMC:

Weilerbach Sep. 25, and Otterbach Sep. 25, Reuschbach Sep. 25.

CITY WALK IN SPEYER

SEP. 26, 10:30 A.M., TOURIST INFO, SPEYER

Guided tour in English: On this varied city tour through Speyer’s Old Town, you will learn all about the history of the city. You will walk around the cathedral and can visit the beautiful Protestant Trinity Church from the inside. You will also visit our second UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval Jewish Courtyard with the SchPIRA Museum, which vividly showcases Jewish life in Speyer over the past centuries. The well-preserved ritual bath, the mikvah, and the remains of the synagogue and the women’s study hall will leave a lasting impression — that’s a promise! Please note that during the tour, you can only view the cathedral from the outside. Entrance to the Jewish Courtyard is included in the price. Further dates: Oct. 3 and 10. Registration required: touristinformation@stadt-speyer.de

PUMPKIN EXHIBITION

UNTIL OCT. 31, NEUMÜHLEPARK/GARTENSCHAU, KAISERSLAUTERN

With around 40,000 pumpkins of all kinds, 11 unique works of art were created at this year’s pumpkin exhibition under the theme “Dinosaurs.” Famous dinos like the Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops are included. Colors range from white to the classic orange decorative pumpkins, all the way to blue pumpkins.

PUMPKIN EXHIBITION AT BLÜHENDES BAROCK

UNTIL NOV. 1, CASTLE/ LUDWIGSBURG 

Blühendes Barock Ludwigsburg will once again transform into a colorful pumpkin paradise. This year’s theme, “LET’S PLAY”, celebrates fun, games, and imagination. Thousands of pumpkins will be crafted into elaborate sculptures, forming well-known figures like Super Mario, Barbie, and an XXL rocking horse. In addition to the impressive pumpkin sculptures, guests can enjoy culinary delights such as the famous pumpkin soup, pumpkin ravioli, and pumpkin sparkling wine. Events including the Pumpkin Battle Festival, Pumpkin Carving Festival, Pumpkin Weighing Championships, and Pumpkin Regatta provide further entertainment.

OKTOBERFEST

UNTIL OCT. 4, THERESIENWIESE, MUNICH

Oktoberfest 2026, the world’s largest folk festival, will take place in Munich featuring 16 days of Bavarian culture, beer, music, and traditional celebrations. Oktoberfest is a historic festival held annually in Munich, Germany, celebrating Bavarian culture, food, music, and beer. The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Over the years, it has grown into the world’s largest folk festival, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. Train travel or package tours are recommended for visitors from the KMC.

CANNSTATTER WASEN

SEP. 25 TO OCT. 11, FAIRGROUNDS, BAD CANNSTATT

Founded in 1818 in the wake of a crisis, the Cannstatter Volksfest continues to symbolize the solidarity, innovative strength, and inventive spirit of Baden-Württemberg. With approximately four million visitors each year, it is the second-largest folk festival in the world. A wide variety of top attractions and carnival rides, as well as eight festival tents, the grand historic festival parade, attractive offerings for families, the musical fireworks display, and special industry events will once again make it a highlight of the event calendar.

DEUTSCHES WEINLESEFEST, NEUSTADT/WEINSTRASSE

SEP. 25 – OCT. 12, CITY CENTER, NEUSTADT/WEINSTRASSE

As soon as the festive season in Bad Dürkheim is over, the next major event about the liquid gold begins in Neustadt. From late September to mid-October, the German Wine Harvest Festival offers you two very special highlights in addition to the large fair and the w.i.n.e.FESTival. Every year, the election of the German Wine Queen traditionally takes place. At the end of the celebrations, numerous traditional and marching groups as well as over 100 spectacular floats parade through the city – forming the largest wine parade in all of Germany on Sunday, Oct. 11! Sunday shopping on Oct. 4.

ROTWEINFEST INGELHEIM

SEP. 26 – OCT. 4, CITY CENTER INGELHEIM (NEAR MAINZ)

The small town of Ingelheim is not far from the state capital, whose red wine festival in the historic ambience of the illuminated castle church is one of the most beautiful wine festivals in Rheinhessen. As the name suggests, it specializes in red wines, but you can also sip white wine along the banks of the Rhein River enjoying the view. Further fests: https://weinfeste-der-pfalz.de/weinfestkalender/

NORDPFÄLZER BAUERNMARKT

SEP. 27, 10 A.M – 6 P.M., VILLAGE CENTER, SCHNECKENHAUSEN

The Nordpfälzer Farmers’ Market will take place in Schneckenhausen. During a stroll through the farmers’ market, you can get to know a wide variety of products made locally.  You can enjoy culinary delights and experience the taste of homemade goods, mainly from our region. More than 50 stalls will showcase their unique offerings. You can expect a colorful range of products such as goat cheese, honey, baked goods, fish, apples, jellies, and much more from our immediate area. In addition, there will be stalls with decorative wooden items, jewelry, pottery, and wool, appealing to other senses. As part of the program, an old fruit press will be in operation, serving fresh pressed apple juice. Anyone needing tools and other craftsman items, there will be offerings as well. Last but not least, popular face painting for children will be offered.

BROWN BAG LUNCHEON

SEP. 30, 6 P.M., BAUER SCHMIDT, WEILERBACH

How To Start a Business in Germany: The state program “Welcome to Rheinland-Pfalz! Our Neighbors from the USA” invites American entrepreneurs and those interested in starting a business in the KMC to its Brown Bag Luncheon, featuring Martin Swierzy, CEO of International.Founders.Training, who will provide practical insights into German regulations and the first steps toward starting a business. The event offers participants the opportunity to learn about the German business environment, ask questions, and connect with others interested in entrepreneurship in the KMC. Please sign up via email to constance@atlantische-akademie.de or find more details at www.welcome-to-rlp.org/events

DAY OF GERMAN REUNIFICATION

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, GERMAN NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Oct. 3 marks the 36th anniversary of German reunification. Although it’s a Saturday all stores and public offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. In 2026, the celebrations will take place in Bremen, Germany’s smallest state. From Oct. 2 to 4, there will be a citizens’ festival there under the motto ‘Many strengths – one country’.

RAMSTEINER BAUERNMARKT

OCT. 4, MARKET SQUARE, RAMSTEIN

The center of Ramstein will turn into a big fun and foodie mile: At the 28th Farmers’ Market, around 50 stalls will offer regional specialties, traditional crafts, and a varied program of activities. Get into the swing of the colorful season!

KESCHDEFESCHD

OCT. 3 AND 4, CITY CENTER, ANNWEILER/TRIFELS

At the Chestnut Festival from October 3 to 4, 2026 in Annweiler am Trifels, numerous stalls will offer dishes and products made from and with chestnuts. There are sweet and savory variations, such as chestnut cream, chestnut liqueur, chestnut honey, chestnut sausage, chestnut chutney, chestnut dumplings, and chestnut bread. In addition, local and seasonal products will be offered at the market, such as new wine, game products, French cheese, sheep products, and decorations. The market stalls are open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the afternoons on both days, there will be musical entertainment. Children can go on a chestnut treasure hunt in the festival area. Those who successfully complete the rally will receive a small surprise. On Saturday, the 22nd Chestnut Princess for the Trifels region will be crowned, the first and only one in Germany.

‘GIEH ROFF OFF DAT HÄISJE’  (PANORAMIC HIKE)

OCT. 3, 11 A.M., MARKTPLATZ, ZELL/MOSEL 

The popular hiking event promises wine, walking, and enjoyment amidst the vineyards above the town of Zell. Hike along the Collis circular trail over Collis up to Lönshöhe, or take the ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ themed trail (Karpertchenweg) to Rommeneyweg, or go straight up the Collissteig to Collis. At 7 enjoyment stations, hosts serve hearty vineyard meals, tasty grilled and pan-cooked dishes, refined delicacies from fine cuisine, along with  wines of Zeller Schwarze Katz. The ‘Häisje’ opens at 11:00 AM. Enjoy the magnificent view of the autumn Mosel Valley and let your soul unwind! Start and end your hike at the wine lounge at the marketplace by the ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ fountain with a glass of sparkling wine or Riesling from ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz.’ Please note that each guest may bring their own wine glass on the hike. There is the option to purchase a souvenir glass at the wine lounge by the Schwarze Katz fountain, or you can bring your own calibrated wine glass from home. Guests are asked to park in the designated parking spaces by the Moselle River and not on the vineyard paths! Or, you can use the bus connections of public transport.  More information, visit www.stadt-zell-mosel.de

BIATHLON DEUTSCHLAND-TOUR 2026

OCT. 4, 11 A.M. – 6 P.M., MARKTPLATZ ZELL/MOSEL

The Biathlon Germany Tour is making a stop in Zell for the second time and invites everyone interested to join in for free. In the mobile biathlon arena, visitors can test their shooting skills with real biathlon rifles (infrared technology) and experience the popular winter sport up close – all without snow and no prior knowledge required. Join In & Compete: Free participation for all age groups, No pre-registration needed, register directly on site, Cardio Biathlon duel with a 400 m ski simulation followed by shooting, the winner qualifies for the tour final in Oberhof in April 2027. Entry and participation are free. Spectators and all sports enthusiasts are warmly invited to try out biathlon themselves or watch the competitions. Further details: www.stadt-zell-mosel.de

TIME TRAVEL –  EXPERIENCE HISTORY – VR TOUR IN THE MIDDLE AGES

OCT. 10, 2.30 P.M., CITY CENTER, OTTERBERG

In 2026 especially for our American fellow citizens, we offer a “Time Travel” tour, a unique experience that brings history to life in a fascinating way. Participants are enthusiastic about this incomparable journey through time, which combines tradition and modernity in a unique way, in German or English. But the highlight of the tour is the incomparable atmosphere of the imposing Otterberg Abbey Church with its exciting history. Here, participants experience history live – no longer virtually, but with the real, massive, yellow sandstones that characterize this building. English guided tours of the abbey church can be booked individually. Bookable online at https://www.otterbach-otterberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/gaestefuehrungen/time-travel/

FLEA AND ANTIQUE MARKET

OCT. 10, FORUM/HOMBURG

The flea market is a hallmark of the city, and it has been for more than 50 years. It was launched in 1975 by the Homburg Advertising Association and has grown into the largest in the southwestern German region. Next date: Nov. 7, Christmas flea market on Dec. 5.

COUNT PALATINATE HALL AND SUBTERRANEAN TUNNEL

OCT. 10, 11:15 A.M., TOURIST INFO, KAISERSLAUTERN

The tour will starts in the Count Palatinate Hall of the former Casimir Castle, where official receptions of the city are held today. Afterwards you descend into the subterranean tunnel. These passages, which are approx. 70 m long, illustrate the history of Kaiserslautern. A registration is required per mail to Touristinformation@kaiserslautern.de or phone +49 (0)631 365 2316. Further date: Nov. 7.