Revived traditional Kirchweih in the wine village of Gimmeldingen around St. Lawrence's Day
The Gimmeldinger Laurentiuskerwe is the traditional Kirchweih (church consecration festival) of the Palatinate wine village of Gimmeldingen, which is known regionally primarily for the large Almond Blossom Festival in spring. While the almond blossoms attract thousands of guests to the wine village, the Laurentiuskerwe is more of a local festival event with a family atmosphere.
The Kerwe dates back to St. Lawrence's Day on August 10 — the feast day of the martyr Lawrence, who is venerated as a patron in many Palatinate and South German parish communities and traditionally provided the occasion for Kirchweih celebrations.
After a multi-year break, the Laurentiuskerwe was revived in 2024/2025 — a welcome development that enriches the Palatinate festival calendar with a genuine tradition. The 2026 edition will be celebrated on the third weekend in August, presumably from August 21 to 23, 2026. For the exact date, please confirm with the local administration of Gimmeldingen — the official festival website and the event directory of the city of Neustadt will announce the binding date shortly before the festival begins.
As with all Palatinate Kerwen, the focus is on the core festival elements: a traditional Kerwe parade, wine service by Gimmeldingen vintners, Palatinate specialties, and live music in the festival tent. Gimmeldingen's location on the edge of the Haardt mountains, overlooking the Rhine plain, lends a special Palatinate ambiance to the festival weekend.
Oenologically, the Kerwe benefits from the renowned Gimmeldingen wineries, which present their selections directly at the festival grounds — Riesling from the great Gimmeldingen vineyards (Mandelgarten, Schlössel, Biengarten), Pinot Blanc, and elegant rosé wines. Palatinate classics such as Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Bratwurst (fried sausage), and Quetschekuche (plum cake) accompany the wines.
The Laurentiuskerwe is a true Palatinate insider event — not a large-scale tourist festival, but an authentic village Kirchweih in one of the most beautiful Palatinate wine villages.
The 2026 edition of the Gimmeldinger Laurentiuskerwe is scheduled for the third weekend in August. The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the summer. The structure will follow the proven key points of the previous years, i.e., the revived versions of 2024 and 2025:
The event is part of the rich Palatinate festival culture, which attracts thousands of guests to the Neustadt an der Weinstraße region every year. The combination of wine culture, Palatinate hospitality, and established festival traditions forms the unmistakable identity of this Palatinate festival institution.
Festival opening in the evening with a traditional Kerwe parade. Opening of the serving points by Gimmeldingen vintners. First live music in the festival tent.
Main visitor day with full festival atmosphere. Palatinate specialties, Gimmeldingen wines, live music until late at night.
Family day with 'Frühschoppen' (morning pint) and festival closing in the evening.
Due to the revival of the Kerwe after a break, it is advisable to check the festival date with the local administration of Gimmeldingen or the official festival website of the city of Neustadt an der Weinstraße before traveling.
Probably the third weekend in August, approx. August 21–23, 2026. Please check the exact date with the local administration of Gimmeldingen.
Gimmeldingen village center, 67435 Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
Traditional Kirchweih for St. Lawrence's Day (August 10). Revived in 2024/2025 after a multi-year break.
Free admission. Wines and food directly at the stands.
Bus from Neustadt Hbf to Gimmeldingen (line reinforced during the festival). Public transport recommended, as parking in Gimmeldingen is very limited.
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