Leistadter Kerwe

Leistadt – the highest district of Bad Dürkheim

Leistadt, with around 1500 inhabitants, is one of Bad Dürkheim's distinctive districts, located on a hill above the town center. Its exposed position with sweeping views of the Palatinate vineyards and, in clear weather, all the way to the Rhine Valley, makes Leistadt one of the most scenically attractive places in the city. Surrounded by vineyards and forests, Leistadt is a typical Palatinate winegrowing village with long-established wineries and a vibrant club and festival culture. The Kerwe is the social highlight of the year.

Five festival days on the first weekend of July

The Leistadter Kerwe spans five festival days from Friday to Tuesday. This exceptionally long festival duration allows for a broad program and corresponds to the typically Palatinate extension of the festival weekend beyond the classic Kerwe period. The opening takes place on Friday evening with barrel tapping and the first concert evening; Saturday is the most exuberant day; Sunday features the traditional Kerwe parade; Monday is Family Day with special offers; and Tuesday concludes with the "Kerwedienstag" and a cozy wind-down.

The Kerwe parade as a highlight

The highlight of the Leistadter Kerwe is the traditional Kerwe parade on Kerwe Sunday. Floats, clubs, traditional costume groups, music bands, and the Kerwe youth march through the district in colorful costumes and with lovingly decorated floats. Spectators line the streets, applaud, sway along, and celebrate the Palatinate festival tradition. The parade connects generations and is an expression of Leistadt's vibrant village culture.

Palatinate wine and culinary delights

At the wine stands, Leistadt's vintners serve their own wines: dry Rieslings, Müller-Thurgau, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, Rosé, and Dornfelder. Culinary delights are provided by local clubs and the volunteer fire department with Palatinate classics: Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Bratwürste (sausages), Sauerkraut (sauerkraut), Spundekäs (cheese dip), Handkäs (marinated cheese), Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart), and sweet specialties.