Fastnacht Neustadt — Saalfastnacht & Costume Balls

The Saalfastnacht of Karnevalverein 1840 Neustadt is a traditional Palatinate carnival institution. As the association's name suggests, Karnevalverein 1840 boasts an almost 200-year history and is one of the oldest carnival associations in Germany.

The 2026 costume ball season extends from Friday, January 30th, to Saturday, February 7th, 2026 — nine days featuring four grand balls. These take place before the actual Carnival Sunday (February 15th), during the "hot phase" of the carnival campaign when Palatinate carnival associations intensify their indoor programs.

The four costume balls are all scheduled for 7:11 PM — the symbolic carnival time "eleven-eleven," referring to the significance of the number eleven in carnival (the jesters' number, "Elferrat" being the council of carnival associations):

• 1st Ball — Friday, January 30th, 2026, 7:11 PM
• 2nd Ball — Saturday, January 31st, 2026, 7:11 PM
• 3rd Ball — Friday, February 6th, 2026, 7:11 PM
• 4th Ball — Saturday, February 7th, 2026, 7:11 PM

The balls are classic Palatinate carnival sessions in costume: Guests come in disguise, follow the program at festively set tables, which is presented by association members — including satirical speeches (Büttenreden), dance troupes, musical performances, polonaises, and of course, dance music with cover bands or DJs. Palatinate carnival thrives on local color, the Palatinate dialect, and the unmistakable charm of local folk traditions.

Following its costume balls, Karnevalverein 1840 also offers a children's carnival program on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, in the festival tent — serving as the direct prelude to the Grand Carnival Parade on February 15th, which is organized by the Neustadt carnival community as a whole.

For those wishing to experience the Palatinate carnival atmosphere in its full traditional glory, the costume balls of Karnevalverein 1840 offer a genuine Palatinate festival institution with nearly 200 years of history.