Durlacher Kerwe

Durlacher Kerwe — Tradition for over 400 years

The Durlacher Kerwe is one of the oldest and most traditional Kirchweih festivals in the Karlsruhe region. For over 400 years, the Durlach district has celebrated its Kirchweihtag (church consecration day) on the third weekend of September — originally commemorating the consecration of the local Protestant town church. Over the centuries, this religious root has evolved into a classic Volksfest with rides, food stalls, and stage programs. The event is organized by the Karlsruhe-Durlach town office in collaboration with Durlach's local associations.

In front of Karlsburg — the spectacular festival backdrop

Karlsburg is one of the most significant castles in Baden-Württemberg — the former residence of the Margraves of Baden-Durlach (16th–17th centuries) before they founded their new residence, Karlsruhe, in 1715. The striking Renaissance castle today houses the Pfinzgau Museum and is Durlach's visual icon. The festival mile of the Durlacher Kerwe stretches out in front of Karlsburg in Durlach's town center — one of the most beautiful festival backdrops in the Karlsruhe region.

Four days of festivities with a clear structure

Friday, September 18th, 2026, opens the Kerwe from 3 PM with the ceremonial keg tapping and the first evening of festivities. Saturday, September 19th, runs all day — family activities during the day, a grand festival evening in the evening. Sunday, September 20th, begins after the morning church service with the classic family festival day, complemented by the Sunday shopping event hosted by Durlach retailers from 1 PM to 6 PM. Monday, September 21st, marks the winding down of the festival with operations continuing until 8 PM.

Rides, food, and live music

Classic Volksfest rides — Ferris wheel, children's carousel, swing boat, dodgems — fill the Karlsburgplatz. The food stalls offer regional specialties: Baden long sausage and steak sandwiches, beer from Privatbrauerei Waldhaus, and wine from the Weingarten vintner cooperative. The festival stage in front of Karlsburg features a live music program every day: Musikverein Söllingen (brass music, Friday), Rock Brigade (classic rock covers, Saturday), The Big B's (award-winning party cover band, Sunday).

Durlach — historic district of Karlsruhe

With around 32,000 inhabitants, Durlach is the largest and one of the oldest districts of the city of Karlsruhe (independent city in the state of Baden-Württemberg, municipal district 08212). Until 1938, Durlach was an independent city with its own identity — the medieval old town with Karlsburg castle, Pfinzgau Museum, Turmberg funicular, and narrow streets is still clearly distinguishable from the baroque planned city of Karlsruhe. This independent identity and its intact association and cultural life make the Durlacher Kerwe one of Karlsruhe's most important district festivals.