Gocher Sommerkirmes 2026

Niederrhein-Kirmes with History

The Gocher Sommerkirmes is one of the most traditional summer Kirmes (funfairs) in the lower Niederrhein region. It takes place every year at the end of June and attracts visitors from the Kleve district, the Dutch border region (Nijmegen, Venlo), and the neighbouring Münsterland. From Saturday, June 27th to Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, Goch's city centre will be transformed into a four-day fairground.

When and Where?

• Dates: Saturday, June 27th to Tuesday, June 30th, 2026
• Location: Goch city centre — Market Square and adjacent streets
• Admission: free

The Programme

Opening: Parade on Saturday

The Kirmes traditionally begins with a Schützenumzug (parade) through the city centre — the Goch rifle clubs in full uniform, accompanied by brass music. This makes the Sommerkirmes more than just a fairground: it's a Stadtfest (city festival) with shooting tradition, incorporating the Niederrhein's club culture.

Over 40 Showmen

On the Market Square and in the adjacent streets, there are over 40 showmen with the classic Kirmes programme:

• Rides: Carousels, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, ghost train, roller coaster (depending on the year), Twister, chain carousel
• Children's Rides: Children's carousels, small trains, bouncy castles
• Games of Chance and Skill: Shooting gallery, dart throwing, ring toss, candy fishing
• Food & Drink: Bratwurst, fries, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), crêpes, candy apples, candied almonds, cotton candy, Schmalzgebäck (fried dough pastries)

Family Day on Monday

Monday, June 29th is designated as Family Day: reduced prices on many rides (typically all attractions from 2 PM onwards at a reduced rate). Ideal for families with children from Goch, the Kleve district, and the surrounding Netherlands.

Fireworks on Tuesday

The highlight and conclusion of the Sommerkirmes: the grand fireworks display on Tuesday evening, June 30th, 2026 — usually around 10:30 PM. Thousands of visitors gather in the Market Square and side streets to watch the music-accompanied fireworks. A classic finale for a Niederrhein summer Kirmes.

Goch — A Charming Niederrhein Town

The City of Goch is located in the Kleve district, about 15 kilometres from the Dutch border and a good 35 kilometres from Krefeld. With around 35,000 inhabitants, Goch is a typical small Niederrhein town with a historic city centre, the parish church of St. Maria Magdalena, and an active business association that organizes the Sommerkirmes together with the city. Anyone travelling in the Niederrhein region during the summer — by bike or by car — should not miss the Sommerkirmes.