Großkirmes Buschhoven

The Buschhoven Farming Community Celebrates Kirmes

The Großkirmes Buschhoven is one of the traditional Volksfeste (popular festivals) of the municipality of Swisttal in the Rhein-Sieg district, directly at the Vorgebirge foothills of the Eifel. The Buschhoven farming community has a long tradition of local festival culture, and the annual Kirmes at the end of September is one of the highlights of club life. The organizer is SV Hertha Buschhoven, the local sports club. For 2026, the Kirmes is announced for September 26th to 29th at Toniusplatz.

What Happens at a Rhenish Kirmes?

The Rhenish Kirmes is a classic Volksfest with:

• Rides for all age groups — from carousels for toddlers to roller coasters and Ferris wheels
• Candy stalls with candied almonds, cotton candy, apple rings
• Shooting galleries and throwing games with plush toys as prizes
• Snack stands with bratwurst, fries, potato pancakes, pizza
• Beer stands and cocktail bars
• Live music or DJ sets in the evening
• Family program on Sunday morning

Toniusplatz — The Festival Grounds

The Toniusplatz in Buschhoven is the central public square of the farming community, ideally suited for the annual Kirmes. Showmen set up their rides and stalls, and residents from the surrounding villages and districts of Swisttal come together for four days. An intimate, village atmosphere that has long been lost in the large commercial events.

SV Hertha Buschhoven — The Organizer

SV Hertha Buschhoven is the traditional sports club of the farming community with football, tennis, and other sections. The annual Kirmes is one of its most important sources of income — stall fees, catering in the club tent, and sponsoring contribute to the club's financing. At the same time, the Kirmes is a thank you to the village community and the social highlight of the club year.

Swisttal — Municipality in the Vorgebirge

The municipality of Swisttal (around 19,000 inhabitants) is located between Bonn and the Eifel in the Rhein-Sieg district. It comprises several districts such as Buschhoven, Heimerzheim, Morenhoven, Odendorf, and others. Buschhoven is one of the most characteristic districts, with historical substance, a church, and a vibrant club scene. The annual Großkirmes is the calling card of the farming community to the outside world.

An Autumn Tradition

The date at the end of September fits the traditional Erntedank (Thanksgiving) season in the Rhineland — the fields are harvested, the wine in the Vorgebirge will soon be picked, and village life shifts indoors. The Kirmes is the last major open-air event of the year before the Advent season begins. Anyone who still wants to soak up the Kirmes atmosphere should come to Buschhoven.