Bouser Maisause – Soapbox Derby

Saarland Ingenuity on Four Wheels

In 2006, Enzo Messina, co-founder of the 'Aktionsgemeinschaft Standort Bous' (Bous Location Action Group), had an idea: Bous needed a festival that stood out from the classic street festivals of Saarland. The Maisause soapbox derby emerged from brainstorming – a cross-generational event where participation is more important than the commercial aspect. Since then, the event has run every two years, building a loyal fan base in the Saarlouis district.

When is the Next Maisause?

The 9th Bouser Maisause runs from Friday, May 29th to Sunday, May 31st, 2026. Organised by the Aktionsgemeinschaft Standort Bous and the Initiative 359, who have revived the event after a pandemic-related break in 2024.

The Race Track

Races take place on a downhill course through Hohlstraße, Winkelstraße, and Kirchberg in Bous-Mitte. The streets are closed for the weekend. The incline is considerable, the corners challenging, and some vehicles reach speeds over 50 km/h. Safety equipment (helmet, gloves, long suit) is mandatory.

The Classes

• Bouser Boliden: Classic soapboxes, ages 10+ – the main category with the most participants
• Open Class: Ages 16+, technically more ambitious vehicles, higher speeds
• Bobby-Car Class: For children aged 6+ on the classic little plastic racers

Night Race – The Highlight Since 2024

A new feature since its revival in 2024: night races with LED lighting on the vehicles. A spectacular sight, a new program item on Saturday evening.

The Surroundings

During the race weekends, Bous's town centre transforms into a festival mile: Bratwurst and Schwenker (grilled meats) at club stands, beer stalls, live music on a stage, a bouncy castle for the youngest visitors. Bus shuttles from Saarlouis and the neighbouring municipality of Wadgassen ensure safe travel home.

Who Participates?

Over 40 teams have registered in past editions – from Bous itself, the Saarlouis district, the Saarpfalz district, even from Lorraine and Rhineland-Palatinate far from Saarland. The builders are hobby mechanics, clubs, schools, families. Most vehicles are handmade, some elaborately painted, always crafted with love.

Bous and Saarland Identity

Bous is located in the Saar valley, right on the Saar river and near the Saar Loop region. With 7,500 inhabitants, the municipality is manageable, but its club life is intense. The Maisause is more than a race – it's a source of identity for a community that wants to assert its own character between the larger neighbours Saarlouis and Völklingen.