Over 570 years of Palatinate Kerwe tradition centered around the Lambrecht Billy Goat
Few folk festivals in Germany can look back on such a long tradition as the Lambrechter Geißbock-Kerwe. The 2026 edition is the 572nd of its kind, making it one of the oldest uninterrupted folk festivals in the Palatinate and Germany. Its roots reach back to the 15th century and are closely linked to the billy goat tradition between Lambrecht and Deidesheim.
Lambrecht's obligation to deliver a billy goat to Deidesheim dates back to a medieval legal dispute. Citizens of Lambrecht were allowed to use the pastures of Deidesheim and had to deliver a billy goat annually in return. This custom is still solemnly practiced every year: the most magnificent buck from Lambrecht's stock is transferred to Deidesheim amidst Palatinate folklore and music. The Geißbock-Kerwe includes the festival on the Lambrecht side; in Deidesheim, the handover is celebrated with the Billy Goat Auction Festival.
The Kerwe itself brings what defines a Palatinate Kerwe on the first weekend of August: a festival tent, stage, rides, and stalls, Palatinate specialties, wine spritzers, and beer. Friedrich-Ebert-Platz becomes the central venue, from which the festival extends into the surrounding streets. Kerwe Sunday and Kerwe Monday are traditionally among the busiest days.
The 2026 Geißbock-Kerwe continues the unbroken tradition that has shaped Lambrecht since the 15th century. The first weekend of August is reserved for the festival. For four days, Palatinate folk festival culture and the connection to the billy goat handover to Deidesheim will define the program.
The exact program for 2026, including the handover of the billy goat to Deidesheim, will be published by the town of Lambrecht in the summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years.
Friedrich-Ebert-Platz and surrounding area, 67466 Lambrecht (Pfalz).
Free admission. Payment for food, drinks, and rides is made directly on site.
By car via the A65 (exit Neustadt-Süd) through the Speyerbachtal valley to Lambrecht. Parking in designated areas on the outskirts of town. Accessible by public transport via Lambrecht (Pfalz) station on the Neustadt-Kaiserslautern line.
Increased visitor numbers are expected on Kerwe days. In warm summer weather, sufficient shaded areas can be found along the festival mile.
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