Hagsfelder Kirchweih

Hagsfelder Kerwe — Karlsruhe District Kirchweih

The Hagsfelder Kirchweih, popularly known as Kerwe, is the traditional district festival of the Karlsruhe district of Hagsfeld. It has been held annually since 1983 on the second weekend in September — a relatively young festival compared to old Baden Kirchweihen, but now firmly established. The venue is the festival grounds at Brückenstraße, which are decorated with rides, catering stands, and stages.

What to Experience

Classic folk festival repertoire: dodgems (Bumper Cars) as the centerpiece of the funfair, a children's carousel for the little ones, tombolas and games of chance, plus a wide selection of club stands where Hagsfeld clubs — from sports and church to cultural associations — offer food, drinks, and homemade cakes. A small stage with live music and club-organized program items rounds off the offerings.

The Barrel Tapping

Tradition since the first Kerwe in 1983: On Saturday evening, the Mayor of Karlsruhe (or district representative) opens the Kerwe with the barrel tapping. The first barrel of beer is tapped, the first glass is poured — usually free for the first guests. This opening ceremony is the highlight of Saturday and traditionally brings together many Hagsfeld residents.

Hagsfeld and the Kerwe Tradition

Hagsfeld is a northeastern district of Karlsruhe with around 8,000 inhabitants, formerly an independent village that was incorporated into Karlsruhe in 1938. Despite incorporation, Hagsfeld has retained its village identity — and this is reflected in the Kerwe: not a tourist-oriented city celebration, but a district festival organized by the Hagsfeld community for themselves. The festival grounds were expanded during its founding when the new fire station was built — which freed up additional school grounds that are now available for the Kerwe.

Organization

The event is organized by the Bürgerschaftliche Vereinigung Hagsfeld in cooperation with the Karlsruhe City Market Office. Hagsfeld clubs — music clubs, sports clubs, church communities, aid organizations — provide catering at their stands. The proceeds go into the club treasuries and enable volunteer work throughout the year.