May fest in Kaiserslautern

Story and photo courtesy of City of Kaiserslautern

Eleven days full of fun and excitement — that’s what Maikerwe promises at the trade fair in Kaiserslautern. From May 25 to June 4, small and large Kerwefans will have the opportunity to celebrate at the biggest folk festival in the West Palatinate. Here, turbulent rides, cozy beer gardens and lots of culinary delights offer the nicest change from everyday life.

It starts on May 25, when at 5 p.m. the Lautrer Kerwe opens its gates. At 6:30 p.m. the procession with fanfares starts at the gate of Schwarzwaldstrasse, making its way across K-Town’s Kerwe-platz. The fair will officially open at 7 p.m. with the traditional draft beer  barrel opening by Mayor Dr. Ing. Susanne Wimmer-Leonhardt in the marquee of the Jäkel family. At around 10 p.m., visitors will then be able to experience a colorful, high-altitude firework display that will turn the sky over Kaiserslautern into a glittering sea of color.

Numerous spectacular rides also provide plenty of action and good fun at the Kerweplatz. Exceptional driving effects with very high acceleration moments await everyone ready for ‘Take-Off.’ Its gondolas, which rotate on a wheel disc up to 60 degrees, offer young and old fantastic experiences. With a unique, unprecedented driving sequence and extraordinary light, sound and special effects, the ‘Ghost Rider’ will keep you entertained.

Another ride, ‘Godzilla,’ is a nerve-racking flight through the jungle. At an altitude of 46 meters at 120 km/h and an acceleration of 4.5 G no one can sit quietly in his seat. For adrenaline junkies, the ‘Drifting Coaster,’ a unique roller coaster with freely swinging gondolas of up to 120 degrees, promises a very special kick.

At the ‘Chaos Airport,’ the first airport in Kaiserslautern, a chaotic, action-packed obstacle course lures its visitors from the reserve. Pure goose bumps with a scare factor can be expected in the ‘Ghost Snake,’ a ghost train experience on four floors. If you need a quiet break in between, you can relax in the new Ferris wheel ‘White Star,’ with a view over the city.

Also the traditional rides such as the ‘Breakdance,’ ‘Musik-Express’ or the bumper cars will not be missing. The ‘super wave flight,’ the chain flier for a romantic nostalgia ride, is also back. Numerous attractions are also available for small children.

In the cozy beer gardens, bistros, tents and at numerous food stalls, you can find something for every taste, from bratwurst to Palatinate specialties and culinary delicacies.

In the shopping alley traditional wares such as spices, household goods, clothes and handcrafted goods are offered.

Special program items make this year’s Maikerwe a very special experience.  Wednesday, May 30, is family day, featuring half-price tickets and entrance fees as well as many special offers. In the large marquee there will be a puppet show for the youngest at 4 p.m. Children can also enjoy free face painting and a balloon artist. Finally, with a magnificent display of  fireworks, the showmen say goodbye to their guests on Monday, June 4, around 10 p.m.

The Kerwe is open on the opening day from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays Kerweplatz opens from 1 to 11 p.m. and 2 to 11 p.m. on any other day.