Pfungstädter Kerb

South Hesse's Largest Kerwe

The Pfungstädter Kerb – known in local dialect as "Pungschter Kerb" – is South Hesse's largest Kerwe and the most important city festival of the brewery town of Pfungstadt. It traditionally takes place on the second weekend of September. In 2026, the Kerb runs from September 11th to 13th. The organizer is the City of Pfungstadt.

Three Days of Festivities with Hessian Tradition

The Kerb follows the classic South Hessian format:

• Friday: Opening with a beer barrel tapping, first festival tent dance evening
• Saturday: Day with family program, parade in the afternoon, grand dance evening in the evening
• Sunday: Morning "Frühschoppen" (morning pint), family day, closing in the late evening

The program includes amusement rides, food stalls, a parade, live music, and catering by local clubs – a classic South Hessian Volksfest (folk festival).

Pfungstadt – The Brewery Town

Pfungstadt, with around 25,000 inhabitants, is located south of Darmstadt in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, at the transition from the Bergstraße region to the Rhine Plain. The town is primarily known for the Pfungstädter Brewery (founded in 1831), one of the oldest still-operating family breweries in South Hesse. During the Kerb, Pfungstädter beer is, of course, served – a local trademark.

Parade on Saturday Afternoon

The highlight of the Kerb is the parade on Saturday afternoon: Clubs, schools, decorated floats, music groups, and equestrian groups march through the center of Pfungstadt to the fairgrounds. The town, with its small-town atmosphere, transforms into a festive spectacle.

Tradition as an Anchor of Identity

In Pfungstadt, as in many small towns in South Hesse, the Kerb is more than just a Volksfest. It is an expression of the town's identity: Over the Kerb weekend, people from Pfungstadt of all generations meet, former residents travel from the region and beyond, and clubs showcase their work throughout the year. The city administration praised the 2025 festival with words like "great atmosphere, excellent parade, wonderful music, and delicious food" – indicating its strong roots in city life.