Karneval am Werseufer — The Grand Gala

Karneval am Werseufer — The Münsterland Answer to Rhenish Carnival

Looking for carnival without getting lost in the mass events of Cologne and Düsseldorf? The Münsterland region has its own carnival tradition, smaller, more personal, but just as joyful. In 2025, the city of Ahlen gave this tradition a central stage with the 'Karneval am Werseufer' Gala — the premiere was completely sold out, and the second edition on January 31, 2026, promises an even more packed program.

Nine Carnival Societies, One Stage

The special aspect of the concept: Nine Ahlen carnival societies have joined forces to host a joint grand gala — instead of many small sessions that compete for the same audience. This creates a central carnival event in the Stadthalle Ahlen that brings together the best from all nine clubs: dance troupes, satirical speakers (Büttenredner), local Funkenmariechen (sparkling maids), and traditional swaying songs.

The Prominent Guests

The organizers are relying on a diverse program featuring regional performers and national stars:

• Christina May — Pop and party singer, a regular on Mallorca stages and in the largest carnival halls in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
• Christoph Engels — Comedian and acrobat, one of the most versatile stage performers in the Westphalian carnival scene
• Anna-Carina Woitschack — Pop star and television personality, known from numerous Schlager music shows
• Happy Trumpets — Live trumpeter ensemble that musically carries the evening

The Stadthalle Ahlen

The Stadthalle Ahlen, located at Rathausplatz, is the city's largest event venue with nearly 1,000 seats. It is situated right in the city center, next to the historic town hall and within walking distance of the train station. For the carnival gala, the hall will be reconfigured with a large stage, tables, and tiered seating — seats are provided, but the swaying atmosphere will be maintained.

Ahlen and the Münsterland

Ahlen is a medium-sized town in the Warendorf district, southern Münsterland, North Rhine-Westphalia, with around 52,000 inhabitants. The town is located on the Werse, a tributary of the Ems — hence the event name 'Karneval am Werseufer' (Carnival on the Werse Riverbank). Ahlen's carnival tradition is linked to its history as a mining town — miners from the Ruhr area brought carnival customs to the Münsterland in the early 20th century. Today, several societies continue to preserve the tradition.