Heddesdorfer Pfingstkirmes – 150th Anniversary

A 150-Year Funfair History

The Heddesdorfer Pfingstkirmes was first celebrated in 1876 as a parish funfair of the then-independent village of Heddesdorf – now a district of Neuwied. Over the decades, the funfair evolved from a village tradition into one of the largest Volksfeste (public festivals) on the Middle Rhine, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from the entire Westerwald region, the Neuwied district, the Eifel, and the left bank of the Rhine (Andernach, Koblenz, Mayen).

Fairground, Rides, Showmen

The venue is the traditional funfair grounds in Neuwied – the same site where the Easter funfair is also held. For the Pentecost funfair, however, the grounds are fully utilized: around 17 large rides, about 50 stalls and game booths, and a dedicated nostalgia area with historical carousels. Among the main attractions in 2026 are the XXL swing 'Phantom' and the oversized propeller ride 'Anubis', offering high-end adrenaline experiences.

Program Structure

Traditionally, the funfair starts on Friday at 3 PM. On Saturday, Sunday, and Whit Monday, the funfair is open from 11 AM. On Whit Tuesday – also known as 'Vadderdaach' (Father's Day) – the funfair runs from 1 PM to 10 PM, concluding with the traditional end-of-funfair festivities. On the main evenings, there is live music, stage programs, concerts, and usually a fireworks display.

Travel by Bus Shuttle

To ensure visitors get home safely, the city of Neuwied organizes free bus shuttles on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, running between the fairground and surrounding districts as well as neighboring communities. Exact routes will be published before the funfair begins.