27 Years of Tradition: Summer Evenings at the Historic Ox and Donkey Fountain in the Old Village Center of Dannstadt
The Dannstadter Brunnenfest is an exceptional festival format that differs from the classic Palatinate Volksfests. Instead of a one-time festival week, the municipality of Dannstadt-Schauernheim offers its residents a small gathering festival every second Tuesday during the summer months – a neighborly meeting point in the historic village center that contributes to fostering community spirit throughout the summer season.
The venue is the Ox and Donkey Fountain in front of the old school in the Dannstadt district. The fountain is a striking monument in the historic village center: a bronze sculpture group of an ox and a donkey commemorates the village's agricultural past, where these draft animals were once indispensable. Together with the old school, a sandstone building from the 19th century, the fountain forms the heart of the old village center.
The Brunnenfest was established in 1999 and will celebrate its 27th anniversary in 2026. It originated from the desire of the Dannstadt citizens for a regular summer meeting place that would liven up village life beyond individual festival dates. This idea evolved into a firm tradition that has been continuously maintained for 27 years.
In 2026, the Brunnenfest will take place on the following Tuesdays:
The festival always begins in the evening and offers Palatinate wine, beer, pretzels, small snacks, and most importantly, space for neighborly conversations. In case of rain, the Brunnenfest moves into the old school, located right next to the fountain, which offers ample space for guests.
Dannstadt-Schauernheim is a municipality in the Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis with around 7,700 inhabitants, formed in 1969 from the merger of the previously independent villages of Dannstadt and Schauernheim. While Dannstadt is the historically older district with the old village center, Schauernheim has developed its own identity center. The Brunnenfest consciously cultivates the tradition of the Dannstadt district and makes the old village center an experience as a central meeting point for the entire community.
The 2026 season continues the decades-long tradition of the Dannstadter Brunnenfest. On every second Tuesday of the months May to September, the Ox and Donkey Fountain square transforms into a relaxed summer meeting point. The atmosphere is familiar and laid-back – no stage, no major event, but a gathering with Palatinate wine, pretzels, and neighborly conversation. It is precisely this simplicity that gives the festival its special charm.
The format is identical on each of the five dates and follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
Evening (typically from 6:00 PM): Setting up the refreshment stands at the Ox and Donkey Fountain. Palatinate wine from local vintners, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, pretzels, and small snacks. Neighbors, acquaintances, and guests meet at the fountain.
During the evening: Socializing, conversations, occasional small musical contributions from local musicians or clubs. No highly organized program – the festival thrives on spontaneity and Palatinate conviviality.
In case of rain: Relocation to the old school directly next to the fountain.
Late evening: Joint winding down, depending on the mood and weather.
Dates 2026: Tuesdays, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, and September 8, 2026, each in the evening.
Location: Ox and Donkey Fountain in front of the old school, Dannstadt district, 67125 Dannstadt-Schauernheim.
In case of rain: in the old school.
Admission: free.
Organizers: Municipality of Dannstadt-Schauernheim and the local heritage association.
Getting there: Dannstadt-Schauernheim is located in the Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis, accessible via the A 65 (Dannstadt exit) and the B 9. By bus from Ludwigshafen or Schifferstadt.
Parking: on the surrounding streets.
Tip: The Brunnenfest is a neighborly meeting point – not a major tourist event, but genuine Palatinate village life.
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