Kerwe Hochspeyer

The Kerwe Hochspeyer is the annual Kirchweih (church consecration festival) of the Palatinate municipality of Hochspeyer in the Kaiserslautern district. On August 8th and 9th, 2026, the Kerwe will be celebrated on the festival grounds by the swimming pool – a particularly beautiful location where the festival tent is set up amidst trees, meadows, and the proximity to the forest.

Hochspeyer in the Palatinate Forest

Hochspeyer is located in the northern Palatinate Forest between Kaiserslautern and Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The municipality is an important hub of the Pfälzerwald-Bahn (Palatinate Forest Railway) and is home to around 5,000 inhabitants. Its location in the forest, proximity to the B37 federal road, and the Pfälzerwald-Bahn make the town well-connected by transport and attractive for tourism.

Kerwe by the Swimming Pool

The festival grounds by the swimming pool are a special feature of the Hochspeyer Kerwe. The swimming pool is in operation during the summer, and the immediate proximity to the pool gives the Kerwe a relaxed, almost holiday-like summer atmosphere. Families can combine a day at the pool with a visit to the festival.

Palatinate Kerwe Rhythm

The program follows the classic Palatinate Kerwe rhythm: opening on Saturday afternoon with barrel tapping, an evening dance with live music, Frühschoppen (morning pint) on Sunday morning with brass music, Kerwe parade on Sunday afternoon, family program, and festival finale in the evening.

Kerwe Parade

The Kerwe parade on Sunday is a highlight: Kerweborsch (Kerwe lads), local clubs, music bands, and decorated floats parade through Hochspeyer's village streets. Afterwards, there will be a Kerwerede (Kerwe speech) at the festival grounds and festival activities until the evening.

Palatinate Hospitality

The local clubs – the sports club, fire department, and music club – provide the festival tent, bar, and catering. The menu features Palatinate classics: Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Bratwurst (fried sausage), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Schwenkbraten (grilled pork neck), and fries. Draft beer, Palatinate wine, and non-alcoholic drinks complete the offering. On Sunday afternoon, the women of the parish serve coffee and cake.