Altstadtfest returns to Kaiserslautern

by Petra Lessoing
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


The historical part of Kaiserslautern, called the “Altstadt,” will turn into a party zone for the annual Altstadtfest July 1 to 3. For three days and two nights, Steinstrasse and its side streets will be one giant open-air area that will lure more than 150,000 visitors.

Kaiserslautern’s lord mayor, Dr. Klaus Weichel, will officially open the event at 7 p.m. July 1 at Mainzer Tor on top of Steinstrasse, next to the big fountain known as the  “Kaiserbrunnen.”

During the three-day old town fest, more than 70 bands and artists will perform on nine stages set up between Martinsplatz on the bottom of Steinstrasse.
Dancing and entertaining music will be presented at the stage near the Kaiserbrunnen. On Stockhausplatz, various soul artists will perform and on Unionsplatz, rock ‘n’ roll fans will feel at home.

In the yard of Wadgasserhof, the local soccer team 1. FC Kaiserslautern will offer a diversified program. The local radio station Antenne Kaiserslautern will present musical diversity on the stage on St. Martinsplatz at the bottom of Steinstrasse.

“The Altstadt fest is always a surprise,” said Alexander Hess, project manager of the office for events in Kaiserslautern. “We are proud to be able to present such a diversified cultural program.”

There will be walking acts in the streets and the medieval group Die Legende will present dances and show fights to revive the past. On Klosterstrasse, visitors can experience life in the Middle Ages.

More than 80 national and international vendors will present their merchandise such as arts and crafts items, leather goods, jewelry, and clothes in the little side streets.

About 40 restaurant and pub owners located in the Altstadt, as well as regional associations, will put up booths and tables and take visitors on a culinary trip around the world.

The election of Miss Kaiserslautern 2011 will take place with the Miss Germany Cooperation from 3 to 5 p.m. July 3 on Unionsplatz.

“In recent years, the fest was always a peaceful one,” Mr. Hess said. “We hope it will be the same this year and everybody will enjoy it.”

The fest is open from 3 p.m. July 1 to 1 a.m. July 2; 11 a.m. July 2 to 1 a.m. July 3; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3.

For more information on the program, bands and times, pick up the brochure in the Kaiserslautern Tourist Information Office next to the Fruchthalle, in local restaurants or in other official institutions.

Several streets will be closed to traffic during this time.

For details about the fest and parking possibilities, visit www.
kaiserslautern.de.