Oktoberkerwe Kaiserslautern

Autumn Volksfest in Kaiserslautern

The Oktoberkerwe complements the Maikerwe, creating a double Volksfest season program on the Kaiserslautern Messeplatz. While the Maikerwe opens the festival calendar around Pentecost, the Oktoberkerwe closes it with a ten-day program from October 16th to 26th, 2026. The typical autumn date makes the festival an occasion to celebrate the end of the warm festival days – with bratwurst, candied almonds, gingerbread hearts, and the last big carousel experience before winter.

Rides and Showmen

The spectrum of rides ranges from traditional children's carousels and ghost trains to modern large attractions such as looping coasters, giant swing ships, and rotating adrenaline machines. The showman industry values the Oktoberkerwe as an important late-season date in the Southern German tour calendar, which regularly leads to a good selection of current rides and novelties. The showman stalls offer classic throwing games, shooting galleries, candy stalls, and snack options.

Beer Tents and Gastronomy

Several beer tents with live music and DJ sets characterize the weekend evenings in particular. Palatinate beer and Palatinate specialties, from Saumagen to liver dumplings and Palatinate sausage specialties, are on offer, as are the classic Volksfest staples: fries, potato pancakes, fried dough, candied almonds, gingerbread hearts, and cotton candy. For those who prefer something heartier, there are also hearty specialties like pork knuckle and suckling pig, in keeping with the autumnal character.

Family Days and Highlights

As with the Maikerwe, there are also Family Days at the Oktoberkerwe with reduced prices for rides. The festival reaches its highest visitor numbers on weekends; weekdays have a more family-oriented and less crowded atmosphere. The exact program and possible highlights, such as opening or closing fireworks, will be published by the city and the showman association in early autumn.