German-American Friendship Festival Baumholder
Anniversary Celebration 75 Years US Garrison and 250 Years USA at Baumholder Airfield
About German-American Friendship Festival Baumholder
Few places in Germany connect German provincial culture and American military history as directly as Baumholder. The US Army has been present here since 1951, with several thousand soldiers and their families living in and around the town. The annual Friendship Festival is an expression of this special community and, at the same time, one of the few major events of the year where the Airfield – usually a restricted area on the training grounds – becomes publicly accessible.
The 2026 edition coincides with two anniversaries: 75 years of US Army Garrison Baumholder and 250 years of the independence of the United States of America. For this occasion, the usual festival program will be enhanced. Classic folk festival elements – amusement rides, festival tents, regional catering – line up with typically American highlights on the spacious Airfield: burgers and pulled pork from US food trucks, country and rock bands, football demonstrations, military vehicle exhibitions, and hands-on activities for children. Several stages are spread across the grounds, featuring everything from US marching bands and German-language pop to American country music.
Traditionally, the highlight is Independence Day on July 4th: on this evening, US pyrotechnicians will set off a large fireworks display in the Hunsrück night sky. Sunday will be a quieter day focused on families and cultural exchange with dance groups, regional costume associations, and workshops. Visitors should note that access is exclusively via Reichenbach; military security regulations apply on-site, and large bags and glass containers are prohibited.
German-American Friendship Festival Baumholder — edition 2026
The festival grounds at the Airfield will be divided into several themed zones: a main stage for evening concerts, a second stage with country, brass, and marching band programs, a Family Park with children's carousels, bouncy castles, and activity stations, a food mile with bratwurst, burgers, pulled pork, and Palatinate specialties, as well as an exhibition area with military vehicles, historic jeeps, and information booths. The Baumholder administrative district, the town, and the US Army Garrison Baumholder are jointly coordinating the program.
Programme German-American Friendship Festival Baumholder 2026
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 (12 PM–12 AM)
- 12:00 PM – Opening of the festival grounds at the Airfield
- Afternoon – Pre-program with US Army Marching Bands
- Evening – Headliner concert on the main stage
- Until 12 AM – DJ sets and after-show in the festival tents
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 – Independence Day (12 PM–12 AM)
- 12:00 PM – Opening with anniversary speeches
- Afternoon – Country and Rock stage, sports shows
- Evening program with German and American live music
- 10:00 PM – Grand Independence Day fireworks display
- Until 12 AM – Dance stage and festival tent operations
Sunday, July 5th, 2026 (10 AM–9 PM)
- 10:00 AM – Family program and ecumenical service
- Midday – Cooking demonstrations with German and American chefs
- Afternoon – Performances by regional costume and US dance groups
- 9:00 PM – Festival end
The exact program for 2026 will be published in advance by the Baumholder administrative district in cooperation with the US Army Garrison. The structure will follow the proven key points of previous years.
Highlights German-American Friendship Festival Baumholder 2026
- Double Anniversary: 75 Years US Army Baumholder and 250 Years USA
- Independence Day fireworks on July 4th in the late evening
- Live music on multiple stages, German and US-American
- Exhibition of historic military vehicles
- Free admission, access via Reichenbach
Prices German-American Friendship Festival Baumholder 2026
Practical information — German-American Friendship Festival Baumholder
Location: Baumholder Airfield, access exclusively via Reichenbach (follow signs). The Airfield is part of the military training area and is only publicly accessible for this event.
Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday 12 PM to 12 AM, Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM.
Admission: free.
Security: Entry checks, large bags and glass are not permitted, photo ID recommended.
Getting There: By car via Reichenbach, then shuttle or walk to the festival grounds as indicated by signage.
Fireworks: on July 4th in the late evening.
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