Eppelsheimer Kerb

Four Days of Kerb in Eppelsheim

The Kerb, short for Kirchweih, is more than just a festival day in Rheinhessen: it's a major social event that mobilizes the entire village community. In Eppelsheim, the Kerb is traditionally celebrated at the beginning of September, when the warm late summer evenings still allow for long open-air festivities. The festival grounds around the barbecue area offer ample space for a festival tent, stage, stalls, and wine stands.

Wine and Regional Specialties

Eppelsheim is located in the heart of the Rheinhessen wine region, Germany's largest wine-growing area, and wine plays a prominent role in the festival offerings. Local vintners serve their own wines: Riesling, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, and Spätburgunder. The wine is accompanied by Rheinhessen classics such as Spundekäs (cheese spread), Handkäs mit Musik (sour milk cheese with onions and vinegar), Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), sausages, and sweet onion cake or crumble cake.

Music and Kerb Parade

The festival week is musically choreographed: cover bands, local DJs, and dialect musicians take turns on stage. On Sunday, the traditional Kerb parade is on the program, where local clubs, the volunteer fire department, and the Kerbejugend (Kerb youth group) march through the town with floats, music bands, and traditional costume groups. The parade is one of the most emotional moments of the Kerb and gathers the entire village community along the roadsides.

Eppelsheim and the Donnersberg Foothills

Eppelsheim lies in the transition zone from the rolling hills of Rheinhessen to the foothills of the Donnersberg. The gentle vineyard slopes of the surrounding area and the proximity to the famous Wißberg make the region a popular destination for wine tourists. Those who wish to combine their Kerb visit with an excursion can take a hike along the region's wine experience trails or explore the historic Hiwwelroute of Rheinhessen Tourism.