Durlacher Kerwe
400 years of Kirchweih (church consecration) tradition in the Karlsruhe district of Durlach, in front of the historic Karlsburg castle
About Durlacher Kerwe
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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.
Durlacher Kerwe — edition 2026
Durlacher Kerwe 2026 — 400 Years of Tradition
From Friday, September 18th to Monday, September 21st, 2026, the Durlach district will celebrate its traditional Kerwe in front of the majestic Karlsburg castle. As it has for over 400 years, the festival brings together Durlach residents, Karlsruhe locals, and guests from across the region for four days of celebration. The Kerwe opens on Friday at 3 PM with the ceremonial keg tapping; the festival stage will feature live music every day.
The unique charm of the Durlacher Kerwe lies in its blend of Baden festival culture (Baden long sausage, steak sandwiches, Waldhaus beer, Weingarten wine) with traditional Volksfest elements (rides, family activities) set against the historic Karlsburg castle. On Sunday, Durlach's shops will open for a special shopping event, offering the perfect opportunity to combine a festival visit with a shopping spree.
Programme Durlacher Kerwe 2026
Program Durlacher Kerwe September 18–21, 2026
- Friday, September 18 — from 3:00 PM — Opening
- Ceremonial keg tapping by the Durlach district mayor
- Opening of the rides (Ferris wheel, children's carousel, swing boat, dodgems)
- Stage: Musikverein Söllingen — Brass music with a diverse repertoire
- Food stalls with Baden specialties — Long sausage, steak sandwiches, Waldhaus beer, Weingarten wine
- Saturday, September 19 — from 12:00 PM — Family and Festival Day
- Afternoon — Family activities including a face-painting station for children
- Stage: Rock Brigade — Classic rock and pop cover band
- Full catering service all day
- Rides operating all day
- Sunday, September 20 — from 12:00 PM — Main Day
- Morning — Festival church service at the town church
- 1:00 PM–6:00 PM — Sunday Shopping at Durlach's shops
- Stage: The Big B's — Award-winning party cover band
- Full family program, rides, catering
- Monday, September 21 — until 8:00 PM — Festival Winding Down
- Final festival day with a more relaxed atmosphere
- Festival concludes in the evening
Current program details and stage times: durlacher.de/durlacher-kerwe.
Highlights Durlacher Kerwe 2026
- Over 400 years of Kirchweih tradition in front of the historic Karlsburg castle
- Rides: Ferris wheel, children's carousel, swing boat, dodgems
- Baden specialties: Long sausage, steak sandwiches, Waldhaus beer, Weingarten wine
- Live music: Musikverein Söllingen (Fri), Rock Brigade (Sat), The Big B's (Sun)
- Sunday shopping at Durlach's shops on Sept 20 from 1 PM to 6 PM
- Karlsburg castle as a spectacular festival backdrop — former Margrave residence
Prices Durlacher Kerwe 2026
Free admission. Rides require individual tickets (Ferris wheel approx. €4–€6, children's carousel approx. €2–€3). Food and drinks at stalls at festival prices (Bratwurst approx. €4, 0.5l beer approx. €4–€5).
Practical information — Durlacher Kerwe
Getting there
Public Transport: Stadtbahn S1, S5, S11 from Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof, stop Durlach Schlossplatz — directly at the festival grounds. Tram lines 1 and 2 also provide connections.
Car: A5 exit Karlsruhe-Durlach, follow signs for Stadtteil-Zentrum (District Center). Parking is limited — public transport is recommended.
Address: Durlacher Zentrum in front of Karlsburg, Karlsburgplatz, 76227 Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Opening Hours
Friday, September 18, 2026: from 3:00 PM
Saturday, September 19, 2026: from 12:00 PM
Sunday, September 20, 2026: from 12:00 PM (Sunday shopping for stores 1 PM–6 PM)
Monday, September 21, 2026: until 8:00 PM (Festival winding down)
Admission
Free admission. Rides, food, and drinks at the stalls at festival prices.
Organizer
Karlsruhe-Durlach Town Office. More info: durlacher.de/durlacher-kerwe.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Durlacher Kerwe
Durlacher Zentrum vor der Karlsburg — Karlsruhe-Durlach
Karlsburgplatz, 76227 Karlsruhe