Maxdorf Kerwe

The Maxdorfer Kerwe transforms Maxdorf's Schillerplatz into a festival ground with Palatinate flair every year on the last weekend of September. For three days, the association of municipalities – consisting of Maxdorf, Birkenheide, Fußgönheim, and Lambsheim as the administrative seat – celebrates its central Kirchweihfest in the main town.

Friday: DJ Warmup from 4 PM

The Kerwe begins on Friday afternoon at 4 PM with the DJ Warmup. While the stalls are still being set up and the first visitors arrive, a DJ provides atmospheric music on Schillerplatz. Already on the first evening, the younger residents of Maxdorf and guests from neighboring municipalities gather for a convivial start.

Saturday: Kerwe Parade from 2 PM

The Kerwe parade on Saturday from 2 PM is the traditional highlight of the first festival weekend. Associations, music groups, Kerweborscht (young men who act as Kerwe officials), garden clubs, and floats parade through Maxdorf's town center. The highlight is the humorous Kerwepredigt (Kerwe sermon), in which the Kerweborscht satirically comment on the events of the past year in Maxdorf – a typical element of the Palatinate Kerwe tradition.

Sunday: Church Service and Frühschoppen

Sunday morning begins at 9:30 AM with the festive church service, which recalls the original religious character of the Kirchweih. This is followed by the Frühschoppen with brass music from the local music association, Bratwurst, Saumagen, Leberknödel, pretzels, and Palatinate wine. The stalls remain open all day Sunday, with a family program in the afternoon and a concluding dance evening in the evening.

Maxdorf's Association Life

Like all Palatinate Kerwen, the Maxdorfer Kerwe thrives on the voluntary commitment of local associations. The fire department, sports clubs, music associations, heritage society, carnival club, and the Kerweborscht groups are responsible for catering, stall supervision, and the program. The proceeds go towards youth work and association activities.

Maxdorf in the Rhein-Pfalz District

Maxdorf is located between Ludwigshafen and Bad Dürkheim, on the edge of the Palatinate Forest. With around 8,100 inhabitants, the municipality is the administrative seat of the association of municipalities of the same name. Maxdorf is regionally known for its apple wine press and its location at the transition between Vorderpfalz and Pfälzerwald – a mix that is also reflected in the festival calendar.