Bockenheimer Kerwe
Traditional Palatinate Kerwe in Bockenheim with Kerwe parade, Kerwe speech and Kerwe burial
About Bockenheimer Kerwe
Bockenheim – Start of the German Wine Route
Bockenheim an der Weinstraße is the northernmost municipality on the German Wine Route, whose course officially begins here. The House of the German Wine Route in Bockenheim marks the northern start of the famous tourist route, which extends to Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the French border. The Kerwe is one of the important folk festivals of the municipality.
Kerwe Parade and Kerwe Speech
The Kerwe parade on Sunday afternoon is the first major highlight of the Bockenheimer Kerwe. Clubs, music bands, flag bearers, and costumed groups march through the town center. Afterwards, the Kerwe speech is held, a dialect-based, often satirical review of the past year's local events. The Kerweredder, a local personality, humorously and sometimes pointedly presents what has been discussed in Bockenheim.
Kerwe Burial as Conclusion
The Bockenheimer Kerwe concludes with the Kerwe burial on the night of Monday to Tuesday. Symbolically, the Kerwehannes or a similar figure representing the Kerwe is carried to the grave, accompanied by eulogies, music, and a final toast. This ritualistic act closes the festival and is also a promise of its return next year.
Palatinate Wine and Specialties
On all festival days, Bockenheim's clubs and vintners provide catering. Palatinate wines, Schorle, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks are served, and the culinary offerings include Bratwurst, Saumagen, Flammkuchen, and sweet specialties. Bands and DJs alternate on the stage in the festival tent.
Bockenheimer Kerwe — edition 2026
The Bockenheimer Kerwe 2026 continues the classic Palatinate Kerwe tradition. Four festival days in the town center of the northernmost place on the German Wine Route offer the full spectrum from the opening evening, through the Sunday parade, to the ritual Kerwe burial on the night leading up to Tuesday.
Programme Bockenheimer Kerwe 2026
Friday, August 28th, 2026
- From 8 PM – Opening of the Bockenheimer Kerwe in the festival tent
- Kick-off with catering by the clubs and live music
Saturday, August 29th, 2026
- All-day festival in the town center
- Stalls and amusement rides
- Evening stage program in the festival tent
Sunday, August 30th, 2026
- Musical morning pint (Frühschoppen)
- From 2 PM – Traditional Kerwe parade through the town center
- Followed by the Kerwe speech with a dialect review
- Festival evening in the tent
Monday, August 31st, 2026
- Kerwe Monday with morning pint and all-day festival
- Evening program in the festival tent
- Midnight – Solemn Kerwe burial
The detailed 2026 program, including band lineups, will be published by the Bockenheim local authority in the summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years.
Highlights Bockenheimer Kerwe 2026
- Opening Friday 08/28 from 8 PM
- Kerwe parade Sunday 08/30 from 2 PM
- Kerwe speech with dialect review of local events
- Kerwe burial on the night leading up to Tuesday at midnight
Prices Bockenheimer Kerwe 2026
Practical information — Bockenheimer Kerwe
Location
Town center of Bockenheim an der Weinstraße, 67278 Bockenheim an der Weinstraße.
Admission
Free admission. Payment for food, drinks, and rides is made directly on site.
Getting There
By car via the A6 (exit Grünstadt) to Bockenheim an der Weinstraße. Parking in designated areas on the outskirts of town. Accessible by public transport via Grünstadt train station with connecting bus.
Notes
Traffic restrictions may occur in the town center on Kerwe Sunday during the parade and on the night leading up to Tuesday during the Kerwe burial.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.