Gertrudiskirmes Wattenscheid

Kick-off to the Bochum Fair Season

The Gertrudiskirmes is the traditional opening event of the Bochum fair season. From March 14 to 22, 2026 — nine days on the eve of spring — Gertrudisplatz in western Bochum and the axis across Ost- and Hochstraße to August-Bebel-Platz will be transformed into an extensive fairground. 23 rides will set up their stalls, along with food vendors and game booths — the full spectrum of German showman traditions.

Saint Gertrude — Patron Saint of Wattenscheid

The fair's name originates from Saint Gertrude of Nivelles (626–659), the patron saint of Wattenscheid. Her feast day in the liturgical calendar is March 17 — and for centuries, the Wattenscheid patronage festival has been centered around this date. From a religious patronage festival, it evolved in the 20th century into the large fair seen today — a typical development in the Rhineland-Westphalia region.

Highlight Rides 2026

The City of Bochum annually curates a lineup of major rides and classic fair attractions:

• Mr. Beat — a new large ride with octopus-like gondolas (Schaak)
• Bumper Cars — the classic fair staple
• Love Express — themed ride (Kreft)
• Millennium Drive — high-speed carousel (Quante)
• Children's carousels, trampoline park
• Classic game booths: Duck Fishing, Ring Toss, Shooting gallery
• Food stalls: candied almonds, crêpes, churros, regional specialties

Opening Day and Family Day

The opening day features a special promotion: The first 15 minutes of free rides on many attractions — a charming tradition that draws the crowds. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, is Family Day — with reduced prices on many rides and food stalls.

Wattenscheid — Self-Confident Western Bochum

Wattenscheid was an independent city until 1975 and, since its incorporation, is the westernmost district of Bochum. Over 70,000 residents live here, and the people of Wattenscheid maintain a strong local identity. The Gertrudiskirmes is a central identity marker — the patronage festival that brings the district's population together each spring and attracts visitors from across the region.

School Groups and Showman Tradition

A special feature of the Gertrudiskirmes: School classes from Bochum and the surrounding area receive behind-the-scenes tours — insights into the showman tradition, the rides, and the lives of the showmen. This makes the fair not only entertainment but also a vibrant form of historical education.