Bodenheimer Kerb

Bodenheim, one of the oldest and largest wine-growing communities in Rhenish Hesse on the left bank of the Rhine south of Mainz, cultivates its festival tradition with great naturalness. Alongside the St. Alban's Festival held in June, the Bodenheimer Kerb on the third weekend of September marks the second major folk festival highlight in Bodenheim's annual calendar.

The Kerb – Rhenish-Hessian for 'Kirchweih' (church consecration festival) – is a folk festival widespread throughout Rhenish Hesse, traditionally commemorating the anniversary of the local church's consecration. From September 18 to 21, 2026, Bodenheim celebrates its Kerb over four days. A festival tent, carousels and rides, stalls, club stands, and wine service characterize the festival grounds.

The focus is on the Bodenheim vintners with their current vintages: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Silvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau, Rosé, and Sekt. The wines are served in tasting glasses, and a wine voucher system simplifies payment. Beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and classic Kerb culinary offerings are also available.

The culinary offerings include Rhenish-Hessian specialties: Spundekäs (cheese spread), Handkäs mit Musik (sour milk cheese with onions), Bratwurst (sausage), steaks, Flammkuchen (flatbread), homemade salads, fries, and fried pastries, with special club specialties on certain days. The stalls are operated by clubs, vintners, and local restaurateurs.

The program over the four festival days includes live music with various bands, dance bands in the evenings in the festival tent, a family program on Sunday, a morning pint on the festival Sunday, and the classic Kerbborsch tradition – Kerbborschen are the young men of the year's cohort who organize the Kerb and mark their role with festive parades, games, and special customs.

The Bodenheimer Kerb also serves as the village's class reunion, where generations come together, former Bodenheim residents return home, and the entire club life becomes visible. A folk festival with deep roots – supported by the entire community.