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.