Hanweiler Sommerkirb

A Summer Fair with Community Spirit

Rilchingen-Hanweiler is a district of the municipality of Kleinblittersdorf, situated in the southern part of the Saarbrücken regional association, directly on the Saar river and the border with France. The state border runs between German Hanweiler and French Welferding – a bridge allows people to cross freely between both sides daily. It is here that the Rilchingen-Hanweiler district of the Kleinblittersdorf volunteer fire brigade organizes its "Sommerkirb" every summer – a four-day folk festival (Volksfest) that blends community spirit with typical fair charm.

Festival Grounds at the Fire Station

The heart of the festival is the area in front of the fire station, located directly on the main road. Here, the association sets up festival tents, a stage, and several smaller amusement rides; larger carousels and food stalls complement the offerings. The atmosphere is familial and local – not an anonymous showman troupe like at the Saarbrücken fairgrounds, but a local event involving all the district's associations, drawing crowds from the surrounding streets.

Program Structure Over Four Days

The festival traditionally runs from Friday to Monday. It opens on Friday evening with the tapping of the first keg by the local mayor and the opening of the amusement rides. Saturday is dedicated to dance music with regional cover bands; Sunday begins with a hearty breakfast at the beer stand and a parade in the afternoon. Monday is the traditional "Family Day" with discounted prices on rides, children's entertainment, and a morning pint (Frühschoppen).

The 6th Sommerkirb 2026

With the 2026 edition, the Sommerkirb celebrates its 6th occurrence. The motto "Mir Hanweiler feire unsa sechsdie Sommerkirb" – in local dialect, "We Hanweiler are celebrating our sixth Sommerkirb" – underscores the community and local pride. The festival has firmly established itself in the municipality's event calendar since its premiere in 2020/2021.

Border Location and Saarbahn

Those wishing to reach Hanweiler by public transport should take the Saarbahn Line S1 from Saarbrücken main station to the final stop Kleinblittersdorf, and then transfer to the connecting bus to Rilchingen-Hanweiler. This makes the festival easily accessible even without a car from the city of Saarbrücken – an advantage for those who prefer not to drive in the evening.