Heidesheimer Erntedankfest

Heidesheim am Rhein, now part of the city of Ingelheim am Rhein, is primarily known in Rheinhessen for one event: the Heidesheimer Erntedankfest. What began decades ago as a village customs preservation has developed into one of the three largest Harvest Thanksgiving parades in Germany – with hundreds of participants, magnificent floats, and a parade that takes over the village for hours every first weekend of October.

From October 2nd to 4th, 2026, the Förderverein Erntedankfest und Brauchtum Heidesheim e.V. invites you to the 2026 edition. Three days of folk festival (Volksfest) in Heidesheim's town center: a festival tent, stalls, carousels, music stages, and – on the festival Sunday – the grand Harvest Thanksgiving Parade with hundreds of participants, dozens of floats, traditional costume and customs groups, brass bands, riding groups, and drum corps from the entire region.

The Heidesheimer Harvest Queen plays a central role. She is elected annually on the first Saturday in September in the Schönborner Hof – in 2026 on September 7th. The Harvest Queen and her court represent the festival throughout the year and lead the parade. The election itself is a distinct social event and the prelude to the festival season.

The floats are the centerpiece of the parade: they are created over months by clubs, schools, initiatives, and families, addressing themes from agriculture, wine, customs, regional history, and current social discussions. Each year, dozens of floats are created with elaborate constructions, creative harvest motifs, and satirical commentary on current events.

The culinary offerings include Rhineland-Hessian specialties: Spundekäs, Handkäs mit Musik, Bratwurst, steaks, Flammkuchen, Federweißer, and Zwiebelkuchen – the classic autumn combination of Rheinhessen. Of course, Heidesheim and Rhineland-Hessian wines are also served, complemented by beer and non-alcoholic beverages. The stalls are operated by clubs, vintners, and local restaurateurs.

The Heidesheimer Erntedankfest is a folk festival (Volksfest) with traditional roots that remains modern: younger generations are actively involved in float construction, in the clubs, and in customs preservation. This ensures that tradition is passed on vibrantly.