Gevelsberg Kirmes (Schräge Kirmes)

Gevelsberg — Over 200 Years of Funfair Tradition

Gevelsberg is a medium-sized town in the Ennepe-Ruhr district, located south of the Ruhr area in the Süderbergland region, with around 31,000 inhabitants. The town has an exceptionally deep funfair tradition: The Gevelsberg Kirmes has been held every year at the end of June in Gevelsberg since 1818 — for over 200 years uninterrupted (with the exception of a few war and pandemic years). From the original market events, it has become one of the largest folk festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia — and the nickname "Schräge Kirmes" (Slanted Funfair) refers to the hilly cityscape where the funfair is set up across several level differences (you actually walk "slanted" through the city centre).

160 Showmen Over 1.6 Kilometers

The dimensions are impressive: Over 160 showmen set up their rides, shooting galleries, food stalls, and sweet stands along a route of 1.6 kilometers, stretching from the historic market square through the city centre. Over the five days, this creates a continuous strip of amusement rides, attracting funfair fans from the entire Ruhr area, Sauerland, Bergisches Land, and beyond. Estimated visitor numbers: several hundred thousand over the five days.

Program Highlights 2026

• Friday, June 26th, 2026, 7:30 PM — ceremonial "Anblasen" as the official funfair opening. Preceded by a parade of showmen, city representatives, and clubs through the city centre. "Anblasen" by the city's brass band.
• Saturday, June 27th — full funfair operation from morning until midnight
• Sunday, June 28th — the "big day": 10:30 AM International Music Festival of brass bands from Germany, Holland, Belgium, and other countries. 2:00 PM Grand Parade with floats, walking groups, and music bands through the city centre — the visual highlight of the weekend.
• Monday, June 29th, from 2:00 PM — Family Day with reduced prices for children's rides
• Tuesday, June 30th — Family Day from 2:00 PM (continuation), evening festivities with a grand fireworks display at 11:00 PM — the spectacular finale of the funfair

Special Events in the Festival Program

• International Brass Concert on Sunday — one of the largest brass events in Western Germany
• Mayor's Reception for showmen and distinguished guests
• Heringsessen (Herring Meal) as a traditional club evening
• Trade show elements along the funfair mile

What Makes the Schräge Kirmes Special

• Topography — the hilly city centre creates a funfair atmosphere that cannot be replicated in flat cities
• Size — 160 showmen / 1.6 km is a significant scale
• Tradition — over 200 years of history
• City Centre Integration — not a funfair in a stadium parking lot, but right in the middle of shops, cafés, and residential buildings
• Fireworks Tradition — the spectacular finale on Tuesday evening attracts thousands of additional spectators

Gevelsberg and Surroundings

For those combining the funfair with a day trip: The Hagen district of Eilpe with its art museum and brewery, the Schwelmer Land (10 mins away), the Niederbergische Hügelregion (hilly region) with hiking trails, or a trip to the Henrichshütte Hattingen (industrial monument, 30 mins away) are all options.