Nordpfälzer Herbstfest Rockenhausen

Tradition and Significance

The Nordpfälzer Herbstfest has been celebrated in Rockenhausen since the 1940s and has developed over the decades into the largest wine festival in Nordpfalz. The town in the Donnersbergkreis is the seat of the Nordpfälzer Land association and the cultural center of this region between Donnersberg and Glan. The festival is deeply rooted in the community and is organized by the city together with clubs, vintners, and restaurateurs.

Wine Village in the Castle Park

The wine village in Rockenhausen Castle Park brings together vintners from the three major wine-growing regions of Rhineland-Palatinate: Pfalz, Rheinhessen, and Nahe. The variety of wines offered is impressive – from dry Riesling to fruity sweet Auslese, from Burgundy to Dornfelder, from a tasting glass (Schoppen) to a bottle for home. In 2026, new vintners representing Nahe, Rheinhessen, and Pfalz are also announced.

Parade, Marquee, and Live Music

The parade on Sunday is the traditional highlight of the festival. Clubs, citizens, traditional costume groups, and floats parade through the old town, combining tradition with festivity. Live music is offered in the marquee on all days – in 2026, including the well-known Palatinate dialect rock band "Die Anonyme Giddarischde" on Saturday, September 12th, from 8:30 PM. Cover bands, schlager musicians, and local bands complete the program.

Dubbeglas and Palatinate Tradition

The Dubbeglas is the traditional wine glass of the Pfalz – a 0.5-liter schoppen with indentations called "Dubbe," which sits securely in the hand. At the Nordpfälzer Herbstfest, new Dubbegläser with the festival imprint "ROK" (for Rockenhausen) are issued annually, which have become popular collector's items. Enjoying wine from the Dubbeglas is an essential part of the Palatinate festival experience.