One of Germany's oldest and largest folk festivals on the Pfingstwiese by the Nahe river
The Bad Kreuznach Jahrmarkt is among the oldest continuously celebrated folk festivals in Germany. Its roots reach far back into the city's history and are closely linked to Bad Kreuznach's importance as a regional marketplace and salt trading center. Over the centuries, the festival has grown into one of the largest multi-day folk festivals in the country.
The festival grounds, the Pfingstwiese, are located on the banks of the Nahe river in Bad Kreuznach. With an area that can accommodate around 180 showmen offering rides, stalls, and food, it is one of the largest festival grounds in Rhineland-Palatinate. Its direct location by the river lends the festival a special atmosphere, especially as the historic old town of Bad Kreuznach is in close proximity.
The Nahe wine tent is the gastronomic heart of the Jahrmarkt. Here, vintners from the Nahe wine region present their wines. Riesling, Spätburgunder, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, and Nahe vintners' specialties are served, complemented by regional delicacies. The wine tent serves as a meeting point for many visitors throughout the festival days and a stage for live music.
The Dippemarkt is the traditional sales fair for ceramics, pottery, and crafts within the framework of the Jahrmarkt. The approximately 180 showmen offer a wide range of attractions, from carousels, roller coasters, and skill games to classic snack stands and sweet treats like cotton candy and gingerbread hearts.
The Jahrmarkt traditionally opens with seven shots announcing the start of the festival. The conclusion is marked by a grand fireworks display over the Pfingstwiese and the Nahe, attracting thousands of spectators annually. Between the opening and the closing, hundreds of thousands of visitors experience the full program.
With the 2026 edition, the Bad Kreuznach Jahrmarkt continues its centuries-old tradition. The format of opening with seven shots, five days of festivities on the Pfingstwiese, and closing fireworks has proven successful and attracts visitors from all over Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Saarland.
The detailed program for 2026, including concert lineups in the Nahe wine tent, will be published by the city of Bad Kreuznach in the summer. The structure will follow the proven key points of previous years.
Pfingstwiese, festival grounds by the Nahe river, 55543 Bad Kreuznach.
Entry to the festival grounds is free. Payment for wine, food, drinks, and rides is made directly on-site.
By car via the A61 (exit Bad Kreuznach) into the city. Parking in designated areas; park-and-ride services will be set up on festival days. Accessible by public transport via Bad Kreuznach train station with a short walk to the Pfingstwiese.
High visitor numbers are expected during the festival days, especially on Saturday and during the closing fireworks. Please follow traffic regulations. Bringing glass bottles is not permitted.
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