Unterwegs – May 8, 2026

750 YEARS CITY RIGHTS GERMAN-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP

MAY 8 AND 9, STIFTSKIRCHE, KAISERSLAUTERN

In observance of Kaiserslautern’s 750th anniversary of city rights, the Air Force and Army bands are hosting special outdoor friendship concerts in front of Stiftskirche. A formation of the USAREUR-AFRICA BAND will play on May 8 at 4 p.m. “Touch n Go” of the USAFE/AFAFRICA Band will perform together with the Emmerich-Smola-Musikschule on May 9, starting at 1 p.m. Enjoy great music, experience German-American friendship and take the opportunity to stroll around town.

FRÜHLINGS- UND KUNSTHAND-WERKERMARKT (SPRING AND CRAFT MARKET)

MAY 9, 9 A.M. – 6 P.M., PLACE DE WARCQ, BAUMHOLDER

The second Spring and Craft Market will take place in a picturesque setting. Talented regional artists and craftsmen will present their unique, handcrafted creations. The market builds on the tradition of the former herb market and will be further developed into a versatile meeting place for art and craft enthusiasts. More than 30 stallholders have registered to showcase a varied range of regional crafts and handicrafts. Furthermore, there will be regional specialties and sweets to turn your visit into a delicious experience.

MAIMARKT (MAY MARKET)

MAY 10, 1 P.M., CITY CENTER, KIRCHHEIMBOLANDEN

In the old town, a creative exhibitor market is presenting itself, the gastronomy provides culinary delights, and the children look forward to the bouncy castle and carousel.  The shops in the city center of Kirchheimbolanden will provide special offers and present the latest fashion, the most stylish cars, and highlight special services.  The May Market invites you to stroll, shop, and enjoy on the 2nd shopping Sunday of the year. Have a wonderful day in the “Little Residence,” the organizers look forward to your visit.

HIMMELFAHRT (ASCENSION DAY)

MAY 14, GERMANY-WIDE

Thursday, May 14, is a German holiday based on a religious background. All stores and official offices will be closed for business in observance of the day. It is also German Fathers’ Day; therefore, you may experience young people out on the roads with food and beverages in handcarts and in a jolly mood.

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

MAY 14 + 15, 2:30/4:30 P.M., OTTERBERG

In 2026 the City of Otterberg is offering American fellow citizens 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 English. Time Travel – experience history with all your senses. The Time Travel tour is a unique experience that takes participants deep into the past and allows them to experience history in a completely new and unexpected way. Be there when the new season starts and let yourself be inspired by this fascinating journey through time! Further dates: May 22, 25, June 7, July 12. Bookable online at https://www.otterbach-otterberg.de/tourismus-freizeit/gaestefuehrungen/time

KINDERFEST FUN & ACTION (CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL)

MAY 16, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M., CITY CENTER, KAISERSLAUTERN

750 Years Kaiserslautern Anniversary Event: The Children’s Festival in the city or the perfect day for the whole family. The city center will turn into a huge adventure playground, making the hearts of the youngest beat faster. “Romp, participate, and have fun” is the motto of the day. Boredom has no chance when face painting is happening or the little ones storm the bouncy castle. The instrument lane will invite participation and craft activities challenge your creativity. And while your offspring can roam through the city center, discovering exciting things over and over, you can enjoy attractive retail and gastronomic offerings in a spring spirit.

KINDERGRAVES CEREMONY

MAY 16, 10-12 A.M., DAENNER CHAPEL/MAIN CEMETERY, KAISERSLAUTERN

Each spring following Mother’s Day, a memorial ceremony is sponsored by the Kaiserslautern Kindergraves Memorial Foundation in cooperation with the Kaiserslautern Military Community and Kaiserslautern city officials. Floral wreaths are placed at the front monument, and a candle lighting ceremony takes place in memory of the 452 children buried there. A flower and an American flag are placed at each grave marker, anyone interested is welcome to attend the ceremony.

REMEMBRANCE MARCH

JUNE 5 – 6, WALDSEE, GERMANY TO FRANCE

100km/24 Remembrance March from Germany to France. The route follows memorials, battle fields, from the Siegfried Line/Westwall to the Finish, the Maginot Line in France. Scenario: your bomber aircraft was shot down over Germany and you have jumped 100k behind enemy lines by parachute (Paras will jump at the start). Mission: Evade 100k back to the US lines of 1945 in France in 24 hours.. Reenactors are very welcome (German, US)!! There is a shorter 17k route available (Certificate!), from the border to the Finish. We walk in Remembrance of all Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and civilians of all nationalities. All gave some, some gave all! Do not miss this special Remembrance March! And show all and yourself that you are tough enough!!  Nothing compared to what these men and women had to endure in WWII. Start your training and honor all victims of war! Registration at kontakt@ig-heimatforschung.de or erik.wieman@gmail.com Further details: https://www.ig-heimatforschung.de/projekte-allg/100km-world-war-ii-escape-evasion-remembrance-march/

PFINGSTMONTAG (PENTECOSTAL MONDAY)

MAY 25, GERMANY-WIDE

Monday, May 25 is a German holiday, as well as in most European countries, based on a religious background. All stores and official offices will be closed for business in observance of the holiday. This year it coincides with U.S. Memorial Day.

GUIDED CEMETERY TOUR

MAY 29, 3 P.M., MAIN CEMETERY/DONNERSBERGSTRASSE,

The guided tour of the Kaiserslautern Main Cemetery, including the old Jewish Cemetery, delivers insight into Kaiserslautern’s cemetery culture and history. The round tour leads to splendid tombstones and important public figures in Kaiserslautern’s town history. Male visitors should not forget to bring headwear. Meeting Point: Entrance Donnersbergstraße, Aussegnungshalle (blessing hall). A registration is required per mail to Touristinformation@kaiserslautern.de or phone +49 (0)631 365 4019. Meeting Point: Entrance Donnersbergstraße, Aussegnungshalle (blessing hall). A registration is required per mail to Touristinformation@kaiserslautern.de or phone +49 (0)631 365 4019.

BAUERNMARKT (FARMERS’ MARKET)

MAY 31, NEUER DORFPLATZ, WEILERBACH

Enjoy a colorful farmers’ market with fresh regional produce, artisan display, food and drinks, and start getting into the summer spirit!

MAIKERWE (MAY FAIR)

MAY 29 – JUNE 8, MESSEPLATZ, KAISERSLAUTERN

Experience plenty of variety, fun, and excitement at the Kaiserslautern fairgrounds. The Lautrer Kerwe is the largest folk festival in the West Palatinate and is well known far beyond its borders. Fancy a little mini vacation from everyday life? No problem! Whether you want to relax and switch off or rather dive in and let loose – the Lauter festival leaves nothing to be desired! The market organizers will ensure that among the roughly 140 vendors, the classic rides, like the Ferris wheel and chain carousel that simply belong to the fairground feeling, are just as represented as the trendy new attractions. Fascinating fireworks, live music, and plenty of food and drinks. The scent of roasted almonds, gingerbread, crepes, and cotton candy enchants not only sweet tooths, for more savory dishes, there are grilled pork knuckles, crispy chicken, crunchy sausages, steaks, various fish specialties, and much more!

SUNDAY SHOPPING

MAY 31, 1 – 6 P.M., CITY CENTER/COMMERCIAL AREA, KAISERSLAUTERN

Shopping pleasure for the whole family. the shopping city of Kaiserslautern invites you to the popular open-for-business Sunday. Numerous shops in the city center as well as in the commercial areas will open their doors and offer visitors a relaxed shopping experience. In addition to the latest fashion and technology trends, attractive offers await visitors. The diverse gastronomy in the city center also invites you to linger. As usual, all public parking spaces in Kaiserslautern can be used free of charge this Sunday.

HOHENECKEN CASTLE TOUR

JUNE 3, 4 P.M., CASTLE PARKING LOT, HOHENECKEN

A walk up to the Hohenecken Castle is exciting: not only to enjoy the panoramic view over the Palatinate Forest, but also to explore the castle from the Hohenstaufen period. It was built out of the local red sandstone in the 12th century and then destroyed in 1688. Come and hear the tales of the buried treasure or Maid Hildegard of Hoheneck. Discover the use of the various chambers with many details from life in the Middle Ages. In collaboration with the Association of Friends of the Hohenecken Castle. Meeting point: Hohenecken Castle Parking: Burgherrenhalle, Forststraße 2a. A registration is required per mail to da-geh-ich-mit@kaiserslautern.de or phone +49 (0)631 365 4019.

FRONLEICHNAM (CORPUS CHRISTI DAY)

JUNE 4, GERMANY-WIDE

Fronleichnam is a German holiday celebrated on Thursday, June 4. Based on a religious background, all stores and official offices will be closed for business in observance of the holiday.

FRAPORT TERMINAL 3 – AIRLINES RELOCATING

FRANKFURT AIRPORT

Terminal 3 with concourses G, H and J officially opened on April 22. Up to 57 airlines currently operating from Terminal 2 have already or will relocate in the next few weeks.   Airlines are relocating in four phases (until June), so confirm your airline’s exact check‑in location before you travel, see: https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/flights-and-transfer/airlines-a-to-z.html Travel advisory: Traveling to Terminal 3 from the Kaiserslautern Military Community may require a different route (via A6/A5 Darmstadt/Zeppelinheim).

RÖMERFEST (ROMAN FESTIVAL)

JUNE 6 AND 7, CITY CENTER/SCHLOSSPARK, ALZEY

In the beautiful setting of Alzey Castle, 130 performers present Roman civilian life with great attention to detail. There are numerous spectacular events, including gladiator fights, Roman cavalry displays, shooting demonstrations, a bird of prey show, formations, and equestrian demonstrations. Children can discover and try out Roman techniques during hands-on activities. Roman merchants, along with food and drinks, invite visitors to browse and enjoy themselves on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets for the Roman Festival are available in advance and at the box office.

Or, enjoy a Roman City Tour – Salve, Altiaium – “A Trip Through Roman Times” Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Meeting point: Town Hall forecourt. City tour (approx. 1.5 hours), exclusive guided tour of the Roman camp (approx. 0.5 hours), a glass of Roman wine “Mulsum” & free admission to the Roman Festival.

GROUP TOURS IN ENGLISH

VARIOUS DATES, TOURIST INFO, KAISERSLAUTERN

Kaiserslautern is celebrating its 750th anniversary of city rights this year. For group tours in honor of the occasion, such as a city bus tour, guided cemetery tour, guided historic walk, Hohenecken castle, K’town for kids and more, visit: https://www.kaiserslautern.de/tourismus_freizeit_kultur/tourismus/besichtigungstouren/besichtigungstouren_gruppen/
index.html.en