Castroper Herbstkirmes

Castroper Herbstkirmes — A 540-Year-Old Tradition

When the scent of roasted almonds and potato pancakes fills the Castroper Altstadt on the third weekend of September, the Castroper Herbstkirmes is back. With 542 years of tradition, it is one of the oldest Kirmessen in the Ruhr area. The 2026 edition runs from September 18 to 21 on the Altstadt market square and in the surrounding alleys.

Opening with Keg Tapping and Jazz

On Friday, September 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM, Mayor Rajko Kravanja will open the Kirmes together with city marketing managing director Jens Langensiepen and site manager Anna-Maria Beckmann at the Reiterbrunnen. There will be a keg tapping ceremony, live jazz, free Kirmesherzen (fairground hearts) for children, and balloon modeling by the clown Trine.

Rides for All Generations

The showman's mile ranges from classics to modern high-tech rides:

• Children — Nostalgia flyers with white swans, family roller coaster, bumper cars, trampolines, classic game stalls
• Teens & Young Adults — Pole Position bumper cars, "Disco Dance" swing ride, Amazona ride, and a 42-meter-high chain carousel

The city will communicate which specific rides will be set up shortly before the Kirmes on castrop-rauxel.de/kirmes — the showman's offer varies from year to year.

Family Monday with Free Rides

The traditional Family Day is Monday, September 21, 2026. A large number of rides will offer reduced prices, an extended promotional period, or a free ride with the purchase of an adult ticket. "Happy Monday" has been considered the secret highlight of the Castroper Kirmes for years — if you're coming as a family, you should plan for Monday.

Culinary Delights — Classic Fairground Food

The showman's menu includes bratwurst, fries, roasted almonds, crêpes, fresh waffles, doughnuts, and of course various mulled wine (Glühwein) variations — the Castroper Kirmes is one of the first in autumn where mulled wine is regularly served again.

Castrop-Rauxel — Ruhr Area City with Reiterbrunnen Charm

Castrop-Rauxel is located in the eastern Ruhr area between Dortmund and Recklinghausen. With a good 74,000 inhabitants and an identity shaped by mining history, the city belongs to the northern Ruhr area. The Altstadt with the Lambertusmarkt, the Reiterbrunnen, and the St. Lambertus Church is the traditional festival site.