Offsteiner Kerwe

Offstein, a Village in Wonnegau

Offstein is located in southern Rheinhessen, in the municipality of Monsheim, and is one of those typical Rhenish villages where wine, agriculture, and club life shape everyday life. The Engelsberghalle forms the social center of the town, and in its surroundings, the so-called Kerwedorf is set up every year in September – a specially erected festival site with a marquee, stage, stalls, and wine stands.

The Kerwegemeinschaft as the Heart of the Festival

The Offsteiner Kerwe is organized by the Kerwegemeinschaft Offstein – a group of dedicated citizens who have been organizing the festival on a voluntary basis for years. This grassroots organization gives the Kerwe its special character: it is not the product of a professional festival agency, but a real village festival by Offstein residents for Offstein residents and their guests.

Wine, Food, and Music

Wine stands from Offstein's vintners line up in the Kerwedorf. Riesling, Silvaner, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, and increasingly dry sparkling wine variations are served. The local clubs provide the culinary catering with Rhenish classics: Spundekäs, Handkäs, Saumagen, Bratwürste, Zwiebelkuchen, and Reibekuchen. Cover bands, dialect musicians, and DJs take turns on the stage.

Three Days of Festivities from Friday to Sunday

The festival days follow a proven rhythm: Friday evening is the opening with the tapping of the first keg and the first concert evening, Saturday brings the most exuberant concert evening, and Sunday is dedicated to families with a morning pint (Frühschoppen), lunch, and a relaxed conclusion. Unlike some Rhenish Kerwen that last until Monday or Tuesday, the Offsteiner Kerwe traditionally ends on Sunday, concentrating its energy on three intensive festival days.