Hasper Kirmes

Hasper Kirmes — Tradition since 1861

The Hasper Kirmes is one of the most traditional Volksfeste (popular festivals) in South Westphalia and the most important annual customs event in the Hagen district of Haspe. Organized by the Hasper Heimat- und Brauchtum-Verein von 1861 e.V., the Ernst-Meister-Platz transforms from June 19 to 22, 2026, into a four-day Kirmes stage with barrel beer tapping, Kirmeszug, stage program, and carousels. The event is embedded within a longer festival week structure with preceding events such as Kirmeskommers, Dämmerschoppen, and Wolkenschieberfest.

The Festival Week at a Glance

• Saturday, June 6, 2026 — Kirmeskommers at Restaurant Boni (convivial start for club members and guests)
• Friday, June 12, 2026 — Dämmerschoppen (informal gathering)
• Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Wolkenschieberfest (traditional pre-celebration)
• Friday, June 19, 2026, 6:00 PM — Official Kirmes opening with barrel beer tapping at Ernst-Meister-Platz
• Saturday, June 20, 2026, 2:00 PM — Grand Kirmeszug from Haspe to Westerbauer
• Sunday, June 21, 2026 — Kirmesgottesdienst (church service), further stage program
• Monday, June 22, 2026 — Children's Day with family program, conclusion

Barrel Beer Tapping — The Ceremonial Act

Like many Westphalian Kirmessen, the Hasper Kirmes officially begins with the barrel beer tapping by the mayor or a city representative — on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The traditional "O'zapft is!" (It's tapped!) for the first glass of festival beer marks the official start of the four festival days and is an occasion for hundreds of visitors to be at Ernst-Meister-Platz.

Kirmeszug — The Visual Highlight

The Kirmeszug on Saturday afternoon (June 20, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM) is the visual highlight of the Hasper Kirmes. With music bands, traditional costumes, floats, associations, and the Kirmesbauerr figure, the parade moves from Haspe-Mitte towards Westerbauer — a march that visibly celebrates Haspe's tradition and community life.

HHBV Beer Garden and Stage Program

On the Ernst-Meister-Platz, the Hasper Heimat- und Brauchtum-Verein operates a beer garden with a stage program throughout the four festival days. Live music, carousels, showman stalls, food stands (pea soup is a classic), Kirmesgottesdienst, and Children's Day are spread across the program. The association has been the organizer of the Hasper Kirmes since 1861 — a remarkable continuity of the club.

Hagen-Haspe — The District with Tradition

Haspe is one of Hagen's most traditional districts, located in the west of the large city in South Westphalia. Until 1929, Haspe was an independent city — and this historical identity is still palpable today in its community life, language (the local "Hasper Platt"), and customs. The Hasper Kirmes is the most important expression of this identity — and a must-attend event for locals, people from Hagen, and guests from the entire Märkisches Land region.