Traditional start to the fair season on the Neuwied fairground with a grand fireworks display and Nostalgia Day
Neuwied is considered the fair city on the Middle Rhine. Three major fair events shape the year: the Osterkirmes as the season opener, the Heddesdorfer Pfingstkirmes as the largest event, and further district fairs in late summer/autumn. Everyone meets on the same fairground, a traditional festival site on Engerser Landstraße.
With the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by the mayor, not only the fair begins, but symbolically the entire showman and open-air season of the region. Holy Saturday is dedicated to the grand fireworks display, traditionally set off late in the evening, attracting thousands of visitors. Nostalgia Day on the last day — Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 — offers rides on the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and carousels for 1 Euro per ride, bringing one family after another.
The fairground features classic rides (Ferris wheel, bumper cars, chain carousel, swing boat) as well as modern high-tech attractions, a haunted house, shooting galleries, lottery stalls, and a wide range of food options from bratwurst and fries to candied almonds and crêpes. Families with small children will find a dedicated area with children's rides.
Neuwied is located directly on the right bank of the Rhine, opposite Andernach. The Osterkirmes is traditionally popular with residents from the Westerwald, the Middle Rhine, and the left-bank Rhine area (Andernach, Mayen, Koblenz). For travel, train (Neuwied station) and city bus are recommended, as parking can be challenging on peak days around the fairground.
The 2026 opening will be by Mayor Jan Einig on Saturday, March 28th, at 2 PM with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg. Holy Saturday is the busiest evening with the grand fireworks display. The final Tuesday (April 7th) is "Nostalgia Day" with reduced ride prices — a classic for families and regulars.
The exact lineup of rides and showmen for 2026 will be published by the city of Neuwied in spring.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the city of Neuwied in spring 2026. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
Free admission to the fairground. Rides and stalls are paid for on-site; usual prices range from 2 to 5 Euros per ride. On Nostalgia Day, April 7th, each ride costs 1 Euro.
By train to Neuwied station, then take a city bus or walk for about 20 minutes. By car via the B42 or A48 exit Bendorf, then follow signs for Neuwied. Designated parking areas are available near the train station and at the city entrances.
From March 27th to April 7th, 2026. Weekdays usually from 2 PM, on weekends and public holidays from 11 AM. Exact times will be announced by the city of Neuwied in spring 2026.
The fairground is freely accessible; individual rides and stalls are paid for on-site. On Nostalgia Day (April 7th, 2026), each ride costs 1 Euro.
Family-friendly area with children's rides; main paths are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
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