Lambrechter Geißbock-Kerwe
Edition 2026 Heritage History Folk traditions

Lambrechter Geißbock-Kerwe

Over 570 years of Palatinate Kerwe tradition centered around the Lambrecht Billy Goat

Lambrecht (Pfalz) — Landkreis Bad Dürkheim (07332) Since 1454
Dates 04 Aug — 07 Aug 2026
Venue Lambrecht (Pfalz) (07332)
Prices Free
Status

About Geißbock-Kerwe

The Lambrechter Geißbock-Kerwe is one of the oldest folk festivals in the Palatinate and celebrates its 572nd edition in 2026. On the first weekend of August, Friedrich-Ebert-Platz in Lambrecht transforms into a festival mile with rides, stalls, a festival tent, and a stage program. At its heart is the centuries-old tradition of the Lambrecht Billy Goat: Lambrecht is obliged to deliver a live billy goat to the town of Deidesheim annually, a historically documented custom dating back to the 15th century, making Lambrecht synonymous with the 'Billy Goat Town'. The Kerwe itself is among the longest continuously celebrated folk festivals in Germany.

572 Years of Living Tradition

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.

The Lambrecht Billy Goat

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.

Palatinate Folk Festival Atmosphere

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.

Geißbock-Kerwe — edition 2026

The 572nd Lambrechter Geißbock-Kerwe will be celebrated in 2026 from August 4th to 7th at Friedrich-Ebert-Platz and in the surrounding town center. The traditional Palatinate Kerwe once again combines with the centuries-old billy goat tradition between Lambrecht and Deidesheim. Rides, stalls, a festival tent with a stage program, and catering by local clubs are expected.

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.

Programme Geißbock-Kerwe 2026

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026

  • Opening of the 572nd Geißbock-Kerwe at Friedrich-Ebert-Platz
  • Kick-off with Palatinate specialties and music in the festival tent

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026

  • All-day Kerwe operation with rides and stalls
  • Stage program in the festival tent

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

  • Kerwe day with morning pint and evening program
  • Traditional Palatinate cuisine and wine spritzers

Friday, August 7th, 2026

  • Winding down of the Geißbock-Kerwe
  • Last chance for rides and the festival tent

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.

Highlights Geißbock-Kerwe 2026

  • 572nd edition of one of the oldest Palatinate Kerwen
  • Traditional connection with the billy goat handover to Deidesheim
  • Festival mile at Friedrich-Ebert-Platz with rides and festival tent
  • Palatinate specialties and regional wine

Prices Geißbock-Kerwe 2026

Free admission. Prices for food, drinks, and rides are payable directly on site.

Practical information — Geißbock-Kerwe

Venue

Friedrich-Ebert-Platz and surrounding area, 67466 Lambrecht (Pfalz).

Admission

Free admission. Payment for food, drinks, and rides is made directly on site.

Getting There

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.

Notes

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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Geißbock-Kerwe at a glance

Heritage History Folk traditions Folklore Family Free Landkreis Bad Dürkheim