Unterwegs – October 2, 2026

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’.

CITY WALK IN SPEYER

OCT. 3, 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 date: Oct.10. Registration required: touristinformation@stadt-speyer.de

DEUTSCHES WEINLESEFEST, NEUSTADT/WEINSTRASSE

UNTIL 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.

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. 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.

OKTOBERMARKT

OCT. 11, 11 A.M. – 6 P.M., CITY CENTER, KIRCHHEIMBOLANDEN

Soups in all sorts of variations are the focus at the October market in Kirchheimbolanden. Around 600 liters of different soups will be offered at the so-called ‘Soup-lative,’ according to the Palatinate Tourism Association. Along with that, there will be steamed dumplings, which are traditionally a must. In the old town, local producers, farmers, artisans, and clubs will also showcase their offerings. The focus is on regionality and sustainability. Stores will be open for Sunday shopping.

OKTOBERKERWE (OCTOBER FAIR)

OCT. 16 – 26, MESSEPLATZ, KAISERSLAUTERN

Messeplatz in Kaiserslautern invites visitors to its annual October Fair with thrilling rides, live music, food and beverages and fireworks at the end of the fair on Oct. 26. Stores will be open for Sunday shopping on Oct. 18.

FEDERWEISSERFEST

OCT. 15 – 18, CITY CENTER, LANDAU

Your golden autumn moment in Landau, forget Oktoberfest! Here in Landau, we celebrate autumn in our very own way. When the sea of vines around the city is bathed in golden light and the scent of fresh grapes drifts through the streets, you know: it’s finally time for the original again. While elsewhere people are already pulling out their umbrellas, we enjoy the mild sunshine here. Autumn in the Palatinate is simply the best time of the year: the “Keschde” (chestnuts) are ripe, the grape harvest is in full swing, and the city glows in warm colors. In our rustic festival stalls, the winemakers serve what everyone has been waiting for: the sparkling, sweet Federweißer. Why you have to be there: It’s that very special feeling – a mix of lively atmosphere, infectious music, and the aroma of freshly baked Palatinate onion cake. Sit down, toast with a glass of new wine, and just let everyday life take a break. As the Palatinate folks say: ‘You have to celebrate festivals as they come – and best of all with a glass in hand!’ And that’s exactly what we do here, together with around 100,000 other fans who make this festival the absolute highlight in the south of the Palatinate. And while you’re there, use the opportunity for early seasonal shopping on Sunday!

25 YEARS –  ONE UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT

OCT. 31, 8 P.M., STADTHALLE, LANDSTUHL

For 25 years, Brass Machine has thrilled audiences with high-energy live performances, a powerful horn section and four outstanding vocalists. On Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, the 11-piece band will celebrate its anniversary with a special concert at Stadthalle Landstuhl – right in the heart of the KMC. The audience can look forward to an energetic anniversary show featuring rock, pop, soul and funk, accompanied by a visual journey through two and a half decades of band history. Over the past 25 years, Brass Machine has performed at major festivals, renowned concert venues and international events throughout Europe.  Other major appearances include the Hamburg Port Anniversary, Kiel Week, Rhine in Flames in Koblenz and Disneyland Paris. Brass Machine has also opened for or shared the stage with renowned artists such as Foreigner, The Hooters, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Hot Chocolate, Candy Dulfer, Alphaville, Roger Cicero, Laith Al-Deen. Tickets are available at Stadthalle Landstuhl, Thalia Kaiserslautern, Bunter Hund in Weilerbach and Otterberg, and online at: https://www.die-pfalz-feiert.de/event-details/brass-machine

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, 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

UNTIL 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

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.