Bernemer Kerb (Bornheim Kerb)

Frankfurt's Oldest Kirchweih

The Bernemer Kerb – also known as Bornheimer Kerb – is the oldest and largest district Kirchweih (church fair) in Frankfurt am Main. It dates back to the year 1607 and will celebrate its 419th edition in 2026. It is organized by the Bernemer Kerwe Gesellschaft (Bornheim Church Fair Society), which has carried on the tradition, hospitality, and program for decades through voluntary work. "Bernem" is the dialectal Frankfurt name for the Bornheim district – the formerly independent suburb that was incorporated into Frankfurt in 1877 and is still promoted today as the "lively village" with the famous Berger Straße.

Hoher Brunnen Kerb Square

The center of the festival is the Hoher Brunnen, Bornheim's historic market square. This is where the Kerbbaum is erected, where the official beer tapping ceremony takes place, and where the stages and hospitality stands of the Bornheim clubs are gathered. The Berger Straße – Frankfurt's famous gastronomy and shopping mile – is part of the festival grounds during the Kerb days; apple wine taverns, pastry shops, and cafés are open particularly late.

Tradition with its Own Language

The Bernemer Kerb has its own language: the "liebe Lisbeth" (dear Lisbeth) is a traditional symbolic figure, "Baum hoch!" (Pole up!) is the opening phrase, and the Gickelschmiss (a playful rooster-throwing competition) has been the closing ritual for generations. The ecumenical service on Sunday, the children's festival, and the grand parade on the opening day are fixed program points.

Bornheim as the Festival Backdrop

The Bernemer Kerb is the identity-defining festival of the district. In August, regulars, "native Bornheimers," apple wine stronghold fans, and Frankfurt residents from all districts gather around the Hoher Brunnen. The event is supported by the City of Frankfurt, Frankfurter Volksbank, Binding Brewery, and many local partners.