BARBAROSSA-FEST “SWINGING LAUTERN”
UNTIL SEP. 6, CITY CENTER, KAISERSLAUTERN
Live shows on the stages and squares, as well as marching bands in the pedestrian zones. Shop to jazz, swing, blues, boogie, salsa, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Experience a top-notch program on multiple stages with regional and international bands, plus other events and activities from the business world. Marching bands will bring great vibes and fun throughout the entire pedestrian area.
PUMPKIN EXHIBITION
SEP. 1 – 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. The setup team attached each individual pumpkin to wooden and wire frameworks. To give the figures their colors, different pumpkins were used. Colors range from white to the classic orange decorative pumpkins, all the way to blue pumpkins.
KERWE (VILLAGE FEST)
SEPTEMBER, VARIOUS DATES/LOCATIONS IN THE KMC:
Upcoming village festivals nearby: Alsenborn Sep. 4, Otterberg Sep. 4, Katzenbach Sep. 4, Hauptstuhl Sep. 4, Mittelbrunn Sep. 4. Stadtfest Landstuhl Sep. 11, Baalborn Sep. 12, Kottweiler-Schwanden Sep. 18, Weilerbach Sep. 25, and Otterbach Sep. 25 and Reuschbach Sep. 25. Also check your local “Amtsblatt” and watch for signs and posters for further dates in individual towns.
UPCOMING WINE FESTS
VARIOUS DATES/LOCATIONS
Binger Winzerfest, until Sep. 7
Bernkastel-Kues Weinfest Mittelmosel, Sep. 4 -7
Herbstfest mit Weindorf in Landau, Sep. 12 -20
BACKFISCHFEST (CITY FESTIVAL)
UNTIL SEP. 6, FAIR GROUNDS, WORMS
Every year at the end of August, Worms experiences nine days of extraordinary activity: that’s when the Backfischfest, the largest wine and folk festival on the Rhine, has both locals and the several thousand visitors from near and far completely in its grip. At the heart of this traditional festival is the Worms Fishermen’s Guild – one of the oldest guilds in Germany (founded in 1106). Every year, on the last Saturday in August, the ‘Bojemääschter vun de Fischerwääd’ (Mayor of the Fishermen’s Meadow) takes over official duties in the town hall, along with his Backfisch bride. In 2026, the Backfischfest will be held for the 93rd time. More information at www.backfischfest.de
MAINZER WEINMARKT
IM STADTPARK
SEP. 3-6, CITY PARK, MAINZ
The Mainz Wine Market in the city park is one of the most beautiful wine festivals in Germany – and a real highlight on the city’s event calendar! Amid old trees and romantic avenues in Mainz City Park, winemakers from Rheinhessen and other regions invite you to enjoy, explore, and linger. Whether it’s fine wines, food stalls, or live music – here, wine culture meets a relaxed atmosphere.
KUSELER MESS
SEP. 4 – 8, CITY CENTER, KUSEL
The official opening of the fair starts with the tapping of the beer keg on Friday. Old and young can enjoy carnival rides and attractions. Numerous booths offer candy, food and beverages as well as various other products and items. Live music entertainment is presented by different bands each day. On Saturday at 3 p.m. a big festival parade will lead through town. Stores are open for Sunday shopping from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday is family day with reduced prices for fun rides. The highlight is fireworks display on Tuesday at approx. 9.30 p.m.
GUIDED TOUR OF THE
MEHLINGER HEIDE NATURE RESERVE
SEP. 6, 11 A.M., MEHLINGEN
The Mehlinger Heide invites you to enjoy an extraordinary walk all year round. Let yourself be enchanted by this unique nature. Please wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are in a natural state. For your own safety, please do not leave the paths. Meeting point: Entrance across from supermarket.
MÄDELS & FRAUEN
FLOHMARKT AM GELTERSWOOG
SEP. 4, 4 – 9 P.M., GELTERSWOOG, KAISERSLAUTERN
Browse, discover, shop, and enjoy – right by beautiful Gelterswoog! Until the end of the season, our girls’ and women’s flea market takes place on the first Friday of every month. You can expect lovingly presented second-hand treasures, fashion, shoes, accessories, jewelry, bags, and much more. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can look for special favorite pieces, score sustainable bargains, and spend a lovely summer evening at the lake with your friends. Whether you’re selling or just visiting – fun, meeting new people, and sustainable shopping are at the heart of it all.
KOHLEBRENNERFEST
(CHARCOAL BURNERS FESTIVAL)
SEP. 5 AND 6, EISENWERKMUSEUM, TRIPPSTADT
At the Charcoal Burners Festival in Trippstadt, everything revolves around traditional charcoal burning and the cultural heritage of the Palatinate Forest. Experience a festival where craftsmanship, nature, and regional history come together. Discover the special atmosphere surrounding the traditional production of charcoal and learn more about a craft that is closely linked to the history and cultural landscape of the Palatinate Forest. Enjoy friendly hours in the midst of nature and a varied festival program that invites you to linger and enjoy together.
COUNT PALATINATE HALL
AND THE SUBTERRANEAN TUNNEL
SEP. 5, 11:15 A.M., TOURIST INFO, KAISERSLAUTERN
The tour 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
DONNERSBERGER
GENUSSMARKT IM ZELLERTAL
SEP. 6, 11 A.M. – 6 P.M., WEINGUT BREMER, ZELLERTAL-NIEFERNHEIM
In the midst of the idyllic Bremer vineyard in Zellertal, visitors can discover and enjoy a variety of exquisite local specialties. At the Donnersberg Gourmet Market, numerous regional producers will showcase their selected specialties. From golden honey to sparkling fruit secos, to refined lemon products and fruity jams – the selection of handpicked delicacies is vast and leaves nothing to be desired. In addition to classic treats like bread, cakes, and tarts, there are also unique products centered around cherries, perfectly balanced chutneys, fermented nuts, aromatic vinegars and oils, as well as hot chili products, Palatinate delicacies, and spicy mustard. Regional meats and sausages, cheese specialties, and Mediterranean treats complete the offering. Beyond the shopping and foodie experience, the idyllic surroundings of the Bremer vineyard invite visitors to relax and linger.
LEGO AUSSTELLUNG
SEP. 5 – 6, STADTHALLE, LANDSTUHL
Under the motto “Creating Great Things Together,” a weekend full of amazement, creativity, and interactive activities around the beloved colorful bricks awaits you. Whether it’s elaborately designed constructions, original creations, or exciting building activities – LEGO® fans of all ages will find something to enjoy here. If you’re looking for special sets, rare items, or minifigures, you’re sure to find them at the flea market area.
STADTFEST LANDSTUHL 2026
SEP. 11 – 13, CITY CENTER, LANDSTUHL
Landstuhl is celebrating its 36th city festival with live music, food and beverages in a cozy atmosphere. Friday kicks off the festival weekend with the tapping of the keg with live music on three stages. Along Kaiserstraße and around the event areas, numerous stalls invite you to eat, drink, and linger. The program booklet lists 36 food and beverage stalls with a wide variety of drinks and dishes. In addition, there are 14 stalls offering trade goods and handicrafts, perfect for browsing and discovering. The wine village at Alten Markt is also once again part of the city festival atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy the musical program while relaxing and taking in the view of Nanstein Castle. Shopping on Sunday, the shops in Landstuhl will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a special shopping Sunday. This offers the chance to combine the city festival with some shopping while supporting local businesses.
BAD DÜRKHEIMER WURSTMARKT
SEP. 11-14, 18-21, BRÜHLWIESEN, BAD DÜRKHEIM
The Bad Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt is the biggest wine festival in the world and will take place over two weekends in September. The Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt is a folk festival over 600 years old. Each year, more than 600,000 people visit the festival, which is known for its wheelbarrow stalls, over 300 regional wines, and its diverse program. Train travel is recommended to visitors from the KMC.
HIPPIE MARKET
SEP. 12, GELTERSWOOG, KAISERSLAUTERN
Get into the 60’s and 70’s groove and visit the iconic Hippie Market with good vibes, Ibiza Market, yoga, organic house music, handmade items, sustainable fashion, décor, jewelry and live music.
RAMSTEINER KERWE
SEP. 18 – 23, MARKET SQUARE, RAMSTEIN
Visitors can experience the classic local atmosphere, including Pfälzer customs, music, and decorations suitable for a German Kerwe. Food and Drinks: Local and regional cuisine, including specialties, beer gardens, and street food are available throughout the event. Multiple stages or venues host live music, performances, and possibly carnival attractions aimed at both families and adults. Parades, games, and social gatherings allow locals and visitors to mingle, fostering cultural and regional engagement. Join the fun and meet new friends and neighbors.
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. The exhibition invites visitors of all ages to marvel, explore, and participate. 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. The exhibition ends in early November, but some pumpkin figures will remain on display until early December as part of the Leuchtende Traumpfade (Illuminated Dream Paths).
OKTOBERFEST
SEP. 19 – 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.
GUIDED CEMETERY TOUR
SEP. 20, 3 P.M., DONNERSBERGSTRASSE/AUSSEGNUNGS-HALLE (BLESSING HALL), MAIN CEMETERY, KAISERSLAUTERN
The guided tour of the Kaiserslautern Main Cemetery, including the old Jewish Cemetery, delivers insight into Kaiserslautern’s cemetery culture and history. A registration is required per mail to Touristinformation@kaiserslautern.de or phone +49 (0)631 365 4019.
