32. Funken-Biwak Lohmar

Celebrate Carnival – Even on Whitsun in Lohmar

If you thought Carnival ends on Ash Wednesday, then you're wrong in Lohmar. The Rhenish carnival town in the Rhein-Sieg district cultivates a unique tradition with the Funken-Biwak: on Whitsun Saturday and Sunday, the celebration takes place outdoors on Frouardplatz in the town center, with Funkengarden, Mariechen, Mallorca Schlager hits, and a healthy dose of carnival spirit. 2026 marks the 32nd edition.

KAZI Lohmar – Carnival Circle Since 1948

The organizer is the Karnevalistenzirkel KAZI Lohmar with the Funkencorps Rut-Wiess e.V. The association was founded in 1948, shortly after the end of the war, and is one of the oldest and largest carnival associations in the Rhein-Sieg district. Today, KAZI organizes the Funken-Biwak, the winter session events, has its own Funkencorps (Rut-Wiess), Mariechen, a children's Funkencorps ("Kinderfünkchen"), and a Senate.

Frouardplatz as a Central Festival Ground

The venue is Frouardplatz, the central square in Lohmar's town center. The name is a tribute to its French partner city Frouard in Lorraine. The square is completely transformed into a festival area with a stage, catering stands, and standing tables. Since admission is free, half of Lohmar – and increasingly, carnival fans from Siegburg, Troisdorf, and Bonn – come to enjoy the festivities.

Program: Whitsun Saturday with DJ Tim and Tom Lind

Whitsun Saturday starts at 5 PM with DJ Tim, who kicks off the evening with party music. The special act is Tom Lind, one of the most sought-after Mallorca Schlager artists in North Rhine-Westphalia – with hits reminiscent of the "Schinkenstraße" in Palma de Mallorca. A classic "beer tent meets carnival" atmosphere with sing-along moderation, well-known Schlager covers, and energetic DJ sets.

Whitsun Sunday: Frühschoppen, Children's Funken, and Live Band

Whitsun Sunday is all about family fun. Starting at 11 AM, there's a Frühschoppen (morning pint) with a Funken breakfast, performances by the KAZI-Kinderfünkchen, the Rut-Wiess-Maries, and the Lohmar children's and youth choir. In the evening, around 8 PM, the live band B.and M from Linz, Austria, will perform – a cover band with a Schlager and pop repertoire.

Free Admission – But Bring Tips

Admission is free on both days. Catering is provided by the association, with payment at the ticket and bar stands. Those with little money can still have a great time on the family day (Sunday) – the program is open, with no obligation to purchase.

Carnival in the Rhein-Sieg District

Lohmar is part of the Rhein-Sieg district – one of the most densely packed carnival regions in Germany. Bonn, Siegburg, Troisdorf, Hennef, and Lohmar celebrate carnival with their own distinct identities. The Funken-Biwak is the most important summer carnival event in the region.