City fair of the "Lion City" Hachenburg with proclamation, festival tent, pretzel parade, and live concerts — "The Wacken of the Westerwald"
The Hachenburger Kirmes is considered one of the most traditional city fairs in the Westerwald region. Affectionately known as the "Wacken of the Westerwald," it combines centuries-old customs, its own festival tent tradition, live concerts, and a large amusement park in the heart of the "Lion City" for four days.
In 2026, the Kirmes will run from August 9th to 12th. It is organized by the traditional Kirmesgesellschaft Hachenburg and is one of the city's central identity events. From the proclamation on Saturday morning and the festive opening on the Alter Markt to the traditional Ischelessen on Monday morning, the customs are closely linked to city life.
The Hachenburger Kirmes is more than just a folk festival — it is an essential part of the city's identity. Generations of Hachenburg residents grow up with the customs, songs, and rituals of the Kirmes. The Kirmesgesellschaft preserves this heritage and carefully develops it without losing sight of its core.
The Kirmes formally begins on Saturday morning with the "Ausrufen" (proclamation), a traditional city procession. On Saturday evening, the festive opening takes place on the Alter Markt with the Musikverein Siershahn and a top-class concert. In 2026, the cover band Supagroove Extended Gold Reloaded will perform at the opening. In parallel, the evening party with the Dohlemer Boube starts in the large festival tent.
On Sunday morning, the traditional "Bretzelumzug" (pretzel parade) takes place. This parade is a Hachenburg specialty: clubs, schools, the Kirmesgesellschaft, and dignitaries march through the city, accompanied by music groups. Afterwards, there is the "Frühschoppen" (morning pint), and in the evening, the big concert — in 2026, the band VIER GEWINNT will perform.
Monday begins at 8:30 AM with the traditional "Ischelessen," a convivial breakfast. This is followed by the festive parade at 10:00 AM through the city center, and then the "Frühschoppen." In the afternoon, the Lasterbacher Musikanten will play to conclude the Kirmes.
The "Lion City" with its baroque cityscape, the castle, the striking Alter Markt, and its half-timbered houses is one of the most beautiful small towns in the Westerwald. During the Kirmes, the entire city center is festively decorated and comes alive around the clock.
The Hachenburger Kirmes 2026, from August 9th to 12th, follows the traditional structure of the Westerwald city fair. The Musikverein Siershahn and the cover band Supagroove Extended Gold Reloaded will perform at the festive opening on the Alter Markt on Saturday evening. In parallel, the party with the Dohlemer Boube starts in the festival tent. Sunday's program includes the pretzel parade, "Frühschoppen," and an evening concert with VIER GEWINNT. Monday begins with the "Ischelessen," followed by the festive parade, "Frühschoppen," and the finale with the Lasterbacher Musikanten.
The 2026 program has been published in detail by the Kirmesgesellschaft Hachenburg. The four-day city fair offers a mix of traditional customs (proclamation, pretzel parade, Ischelessen, festive parade), live music in the festival tent and on the Alter Markt, as well as a large amusement area. Ticket prices for the paid program segments range from €12 to €15.
Program 2026:
Tickets are available directly from the Kirmesgesellschaft Hachenburg and at the specified advance booking offices.
Free admission to the public program in the city center. Opening concert €15, Saturday festival tent party €12, VIER GEWINNT concert €14. Other events as per organizer information.
Sunday, August 9th, 2026 to Wednesday, August 12th, 2026.
Alter Markt and city center, 57627 Hachenburg. Large festival tent with its own program.
Free admission to the public program in the city center. Concerts and events in the festival tent may be ticketed (Opening concert €15, Saturday festival tent party €12, VIER GEWINNT concert €14).
By car via the A3 (Mogendorf exit) or A45, then continue on the B414. Train: Hachenburg station. Parking available in parking garages and city center areas.
Secure tickets for festival tent concerts in advance, especially for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Early arrival is recommended for the "Frühschoppen" on Sunday and Monday.
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