Hendsemer Kerwe 2026 — Handschuhsheim District Festival

Handschuhsheim — Heidelberg's Northern District

The district of Handschuhsheim (approx. 15,000 inhabitants, Heidelberg's second-largest district) is located in the north of Heidelberg on the slope of the Heiligenberg. Until 1903, Handschuhsheim was an independent municipality before being incorporated into Heidelberg. Despite this incorporation over 120 years ago, Handschuhsheim maintains a remarkably strong sense of local identity with its clubs, traditions, and historical awareness. The Tiefburg — a 13th-century moated castle ruin — is its historical landmark. The Tiefburgplatz in front of it is the venue for the Hendsemer Kerwe.

Heidelberg's Most Famous District Festival

The Hendsemer Kerwe is considered Heidelberg's most famous district festival. It attracts thousands of visitors annually from across the city, as well as from Dossenheim, Schriesheim, and the entire Bergstraße region. In 2026, it runs from Saturday, June 20th, to Monday, June 22nd, 2026. The narrow Dossenheimer Landstraße will be closed and filled with fairground stalls, wine huts, a festival tent, and food vendors.

The Historic 1886 Carousel

A true sight to behold: the historic carousel from 1886, which has been set up at the Hendsemer Kerwe for generations. Two tiers of richly carved wood with painted horses, swans, and small carriages — powered by an original steam engine, now electric but retaining its historic mechanics. The carousel is a cult object of the Kurpfalz region and one of the main reasons families from far and wide make the pilgrimage to the Kerwe. A ride on the carousel offers parents and grandparents a trip down memory lane to their own childhood.

Wine Huts from Handschuhsheim Vintners

A second unique feature: Handschuhsheim is a wine-growing area — the district's wine families cultivate small vineyards on the Heiligenberg slope (Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Spätburgunder). At the Kerwe, they open their wine huts directly on Tiefburgplatz — serving their own wines from their estates, offering a cozy wooden stall experience, and providing personal contact with the vintners. This characteristic sets the Hendsemer Kerwe apart from the classic Palatinate beer festivals (Bier-Kerwen).

Opening with Hendsemer Herolde at 6:30 PM

The official opening on Saturday, June 20th, 2026, at 6:30 PM will be performed by the Fanfarenkorps Hendsemer Herolde — a brass ensemble well-known in Handschuhsheim and the region, heralding the start of the festival with fanfares and drums. Afterwards, the first mugs will be poured on the square, the fairground attractions will open, and the festival tent program will begin.

Festival Finale on Monday with Frühschoppen

A Palatinate tradition: The Kerwe traditionally lasts until Monday — three days of festivities, not just a classic weekend. Monday features a traditional Frühschoppen with brass band music, a family and seniors' afternoon, and the festival concludes in the late afternoon. Monday afternoons are typically quieter than the weekend and are popular with regulars.

Handschuhsheim District Association — Organizer for Decades

The organizer is the Stadtteilverein Handschuhsheim e.V. (STV) — one of Heidelberg's most traditional district associations. It has been organizing the Kerwe for decades and is also responsible for other Handschuhsheim traditions (Vituskerwe, Spring Market, cultural events).