Frühjahrskirmes Bockum-Hövel

Season opener of the Hamm Kirmes season

The Frühjahrskirmes Bockum-Hövel opens the Kirmes season in Hamm every year. In the Westphalia region, Hamm is known for its extensive Volksfest (public festival) tradition with several Kirmessen per year – the Frühjahrskirmes in Bockum-Hövel kicks off in March, followed by the Spring Kirmes in Hamm's city center, the Summer Festival, and finally the traditional All Saints' Kirmes in November.

Höveler Markt – Venue in the Bockum-Hövel District

The venue is the Höveler Markt, directly opposite the district administration headquarters in the Bockum-Hövel district. With almost 30,000 inhabitants, the district in northern Hamm is a self-contained sub-city with a traditional identity – the old mining and workers' quarter has retained its character. Höveler Markt is the central square and ideally suited for a neighborhood Kirmes.

Four Days of Kirmes with Happy Hour

The opening hours are spread over four days:

• Friday, March 13, 2026: 3:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Saturday, March 14, 2026: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Sunday, March 15, 2026: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Monday, March 16, 2026: 3:00 PM–8:00 PM (Happy Hour 3:00 PM–5:00 PM)

On Monday, Family Day, visitors benefit from the Happy Hour: between 3 PM and 5 PM, there are special offers on rides – ideal for families with children who want to go home early.

Rides and Attractions

The Frühjahrskirmes is manageable but compactly equipped. Known attractions in 2026:

• Bumper cars "Number 1" by Isken – one of the most famous bumper cars in the Westphalian Kirmes industry
• Crazy Dancer by Freiwald – a thrill ride with a rotating platform
• Flying Carpet – classic swing ride
• Children's carousels and smaller attractions for families
• Food stalls with currywurst, crêpes, sweets

Free Ride Promotion on Opening Day

On the first day, Friday, there is traditionally a Free Ride promotion: some rides offer free rides within a set time window – an incentive to come as early as possible on opening day.

Hamm – A City of Festivals in Westphalia

Hamm is one of the largest independent cities in North Rhine-Westphalia and is promoted as the "City of Families". Festivals play a central role in the social life of the city – the Frühjahrskirmes Bockum-Hövel is one of the traditional small Kirmessen that shape neighborhood life.

Free Admission – Easy Arrival

Admission is free. Only rides and food are paid for. The best way to arrive is by bus or bicycle: from Hamm main station take bus 5 or 6 to the Bockum-Hövel district. By car, take the A2 (Hamm exit) and then head north into the district.