Name: 629. Palmkirmes Recklinghausen 2026
Start: 2026-03-20T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-29T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Saatbruchgelände (Stadtteil Hillerheide)

Palmkirmes Recklinghausen

About Palmkirmes Recklinghausen

The Palmkirmes Recklinghausen is one of Germany's oldest and largest Volksfeste (popular fairs). The 629th edition runs from March 20 to 29, 2026, on the Saatbruchgelände (Hillerheide district). Over 180 showmen, around 1 million visitors; it is considered the largest spring fair in North Rhine-Westphalia. Highlights 2026: Music fireworks on Thursday, March 26th at 9:30 PM, Children's Day on Tuesday, March 24th, Family Day on Wednesday, March 25th. New additions for 2026: Airwolf 22, Poco Loco (world premiere), Havanna Fun Garage. Opening on Friday, March 20th at 2:00 PM (first 15 minutes free carousel rides).

Dates 20 Mar — 29 Mar 2026

Venue Recklinghausen (05562)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Palmkirmes Recklinghausen — edition 2026

The 629th Palmkirmes Recklinghausen runs from March 20 to 29, 2026, on the Saatbruchgelände (Kurt-Oster-Str. 2, Hillerheide district). Over 180 showmen, approx. 1 million visitors, largest spring fair in NRW. Opening Fri, March 20, 2:00 PM (first 15 mins carousel rides free). Highlight: Music fireworks Thu, March 26 at 9:30 PM. Free admission.

Organized by the City of Recklinghausen. Three spectacular new additions: Airwolf 22 (looping swing ride), Poco Loco (world premiere), Havanna Fun Garage. Children's Day Tuesday, March 24th with meet-and-greet, Family Day Wednesday, March 25th with discounts. Showmen's Service Sunday, March 22nd, 10:00 AM.

Highlights Palmkirmes Recklinghausen 2026

629th edition — one of Germany's oldest Volksfeste
180+ showmen, ~1 million visitors
Music fireworks Thu, March 26 at 9:30 PM
World premiere of the Poco Loco ride
Children's Day (Tue) + Family Day (Wed) with special offers

Programme Palmkirmes Recklinghausen 2026

Program 629th Palmkirmes Recklinghausen 2026

Friday, March 20 — OPENING
- 2:00 PM–2:15 PM: 15 minutes of free carousel rides
- 6:00 PM: Official opening with mayor's speech and beer tapping
- 2:00 PM–12:00 AM: Full operation
Saturday, March 21: 2:00 PM–12:00 AM
Sunday, March 22: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM; 10:00 AM Showmen's Service
Monday, March 23: 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
Tuesday, March 24 — CHILDREN'S DAY
- 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
- From 4:00 PM: Meet-and-Greet with stars from popular children's series
Wednesday, March 25 — FAMILY DAY with discounts
Thursday, March 26 — HIGHLIGHT
- 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
- 9:30 PM: Grand Music Fireworks
Friday/Saturday, March 27/28: 2:00 PM–12:00 AM
Sunday, March 29 — CLOSING: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

New Attractions 2026: Airwolf 22, Poco Loco (world premiere), Havanna Fun Garage.

Detailed program: palmkirmes.de/programm.

Prices Palmkirmes Recklinghausen 2026

Free admission to the fairgrounds. Rides typically €4–€8 per ride. Family Day Wed, March 25th with discounts on many rides.

Practical information

Practical information — Palmkirmes Recklinghausen

Getting There

By car: A2, exits Recklinghausen-Süd or Recklinghausen-Ost. Parking: Herner Straße (€4/day) or Beckbruchweg (180 spaces, €4). Public transport: Bus lines SB20, 236, 237 directly to the fairgrounds.

Prices

Admission to the fairgrounds is free. Rides and refreshments at usual fair prices. Family Day on Wed, March 25th with discounts.

Tip

Weekday afternoons are considerably more relaxed than weekend evenings. If you want to experience the music fireworks live: Thursday, March 26th — arrive early, spots around the Saatbruch will be scarce from 7 PM onwards.

Over 600 Years of Fair Tradition

With documented tradition dating back to the late 14th century (first mentioned in 1397), the Palmkirmes Recklinghausen is one of Germany's oldest Volksfeste. It takes place annually in the week before Palm Sunday – hence the name. The 629th edition in 2026 runs from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 29, 2026, on the traditional Saatbruchgelände at Kurt-Oster-Straße 2, Hillerheide district. With over 180 showmen and approx. 1 million visitors, it is undisputed the largest spring fair in North Rhine-Westphalia.

2026 Programme Highlights

Opening Friday, March 20, 2026

2:00 PM: Opening with the first 15 minutes of free carousel rides
6:00 PM: Official opening ceremony with the mayor's speech and ceremonial beer tapping

Weekend Special Sundays

Sundays open from 11:00 AM instead of 2:00 PM (weekdays). On Sunday, March 22nd at 10:00 AM: Showmen's Service — a special tradition.

Children's Day — Tuesday, March 24

From 4:00 PM onwards: Meet-and-Greet with stars from popular children's series — character mascots from current kids' TV formats will parade through the fair.

Family Day — Wednesday, March 25

With discounted admission and ride prices, ideal for extended family visits.

HIGHLIGHT: Music Fireworks Thursday, March 26

The grand music fireworks at 9:30 PM are the absolute highlight. Synchronized to a musical score, the Saatbruchgelände is transformed into a spectacle of light. Tens of thousands flock to Recklinghausen for this evening.

New Attractions 2026

Three spectacular new additions:

Airwolf 22 — Latest generation looping swing ride
Poco Loco — WORLD PREMIERE, new ride with innovative mechanics
Havanna Fun Garage — new themed ride in Caribbean style

Opening Hours

Monday–Thursday: 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 2:00 PM–12:00 AM (Opening Friday from 2:00 PM with special program)
Sunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Recklinghausen-Hillerheide

The Saatbruchgelände is located in the Hillerheide district in southwestern Recklinghausen, near the Vestlandhalle. Spread over several hectares, you'll find rides, carousels, haunted houses, a Ferris wheel, shooting galleries, food stalls — a complete fair city for 10 days.