Gonsenheimer Kerb with Winzerhöfe
Traditional Kirchweih in Mainz district Gonsenheim with open winegrower courtyards and Kerb fairground for families at An der Brausch
About Gonsenheimer Kerb
The Gonsenheimer Kerb is one of the more well-known Mainz district Kirchweihen (church consecration festivals) and is part of the summer wine festivals organized by the Mainz Winegrowers' Initiative. It traditionally takes place on the first weekend of September — from September 4th to 7th, 2026 — and combines two Rhenish Hessian festival traditions: the ecclesiastical Kerb (Kirchweih) and the open winegrower courtyard format of the Mainz winegrowers.
Gonsenheim, with around 24,000 inhabitants, is the largest district of Mainz and is located west of the city, bordering the vineyards of the Mainz municipal wineries. The historic old town center around the St. Stephan parish church and the Maler-Becker-Anlage forms the festival area.
The Kerb fairground An der Brausch — a central area in the district — hosts the classic Kerb program: rides for children and families (carousel, children's chain carousel, ring toss game), food stalls run by Gonsenheim associations (marksmen's clubs, carnival clubs, sports clubs), a small stage with musical performances, and the obligatory Kerb beer tent.
Parallel to this, and crucial to the character of the Gonsenheimer Kerb, are the open winegrower courtyards. The Mainz winegrowers with vineyards in the Gonsenheim district open their estates in the old town center for the Kerb days. In the atmosphere of the historic inner courtyards, amidst sandstone walls and old chestnut trees, their own wines are served: Rieslings, Silvaners, Burgundians, rosé, and red wines from Gonsenheim vineyards. Spundekäs, Handkäs with music, vineyard peaches, cherries, and hearty sausage and cheese platters accompany the wines.
The Mainz Winegrowers in this format are an initiative that brings together Mainz's urban winegrowers (with vineyards in the Mainz districts of Gonsenheim, Bretzenheim, Drais, Finthen, Hechtsheim, Laubenheim, Marienborn, Mombach) and jointly coordinates the summer wine festivals of the districts.
The schedule of the Kerb is traditional: Friday evening festival opening with beer tapping and first wine service, Saturday from noon full operation, Sunday morning ecumenical service and early morning drinks (Frühschoppen), Sunday and Monday as festival days with a musical program, Tuesday winding down. The weather and the warm late summer evenings make the Kerb a convivial event that unites the entire Gonsenheim population and attracts guests from all over the city.
Gonsenheimer Kerb — edition 2026
The 2026 program follows the established Kerb tradition. The structure adheres to the proven key points of previous years: Friday evening festival opening with traditional beer tapping and the first wine service in the winegrower courtyards; Saturday from noon onwards, full operation at the Kerb fairground and in the winegrower courtyards, with musical program on stage in the evening; Sunday morning ecumenical service and Frühschoppen, full operation all day; Monday afternoon and evening winding down with local musical contributions. The Mainz winegrowers from Gonsenheim vineyards open their courtyards according to their individual schedules.
Programme Gonsenheimer Kerb 2026
Program Structure 2026
Friday, September 4th — Opening
- Evening: Festival opening with beer tapping at the Kerb fairground
- First service in the winegrower courtyards
- Stage music until late
Saturday, September 5th
- From noon: Full operation of Kerb fairground and winegrower courtyards
- Family and children's program in the afternoon
- Stage music in the evening
Sunday, September 6th
- Morning: Ecumenical service and Frühschoppen
- Full operation all day
- Late summer atmosphere until night
Monday, September 7th
- Afternoon and Evening: Kerb winding down
- Local musical contributions
Open Winegrower Courtyards
- Mainz winegrowers with vineyards in the Gonsenheim district
- Rieslings, Silvaners, Burgundians, rosé, and red wines
- Spundekäs, Handkäs mit Musik, sausage and cheese platters
Kerb Fairground An der Brausch
- Carousel and rides
- Food stalls of the Gonsenheim associations
- Small stage with musical performances
Highlights Gonsenheimer Kerb 2026
- Classic district Kirchweih in Gonsenheim
- Open Mainz winegrower courtyards in the old town center
- Kerb fairground An der Brausch with rides
- Four festival days, Friday to Monday
- Mainz winegrowers with Gonsenheim vineyards
- Late summer atmosphere
Prices Gonsenheimer Kerb 2026
Practical information — Gonsenheimer Kerb
Location and Travel
Old town center Mainz-Gonsenheim and Kerb fairground An der Brausch, 55122 Mainz. From the main train station, take tram line 51 or bus 6/65 towards Gonsenheim. Parking available in the vicinity — public transport recommended.
Date 2026
Friday, September 4th to Monday, September 7th, 2026 (first weekend of September).
Admission
Free admission. Food and purchases at the winegrower courtyards and association stands are subject to charge.
Winegrower Courtyards
Open Mainz winegrower courtyards with vineyards in the Gonsenheim district in the historic old town center. List of participating winegrowers available at dimainzerwinzer.de.
Family Program
Kerb fairground An der Brausch with rides, carousels, food stalls, and stage music — especially for families and children.
Sunday
Sunday morning ecumenical service and Frühschoppen.
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