Name: Reeser Kirmes 2026
Start: 2026-09-26T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Reeser Innenstadt

Reeser Kirmes

About Reeser Kirmes

The Reeser Kirmes is one of the oldest and most popular Volksfests on the Lower Rhine. With roots dating back to 1240, it transforms the city centre of the historic Hanseatic city of Rees in the Kleve district into a colourful funfair for four days at the end of September. Over ten large amusement rides, a family day with reduced prices, and a spectacular closing fireworks display over the Rhine make the festival the undisputed highlight of the Rees event calendar.

Dates 26 Sep — 29 Sep 2026

Venue Rees (05154)

Prices Free

Status —

Edition 2026

Reeser Kirmes — edition 2026

The Reeser Kirmes 2026 will once again transform the city centre of the Hanseatic city of Rees into a huge amusement park at the end of September. It traditionally opens on Saturday with the barrel tapping by Mayor Sebastian Hense, followed by four days of Kirmes bustle with ten large amusement rides, a family day on Monday, and a closing fireworks display on Tuesday evening over the Rhine. From 2026, the revised Krammarkt concept will be launched — the traditional Wednesday market will be integrated into the Reeser Rheinfest.

What to Expect

The 2026 edition of the Reeser Kirmes follows the proven four-day rhythm from Saturday to Tuesday. Around ten large amusement rides are expected, as well as numerous food and game stalls throughout the city centre. Exact dates and programme details will be published in the summer of 2026 by the city of Rees on www.stadt-rees.de.

Programme Structure (Proven Schedule)

Saturday: Opening at 3:00 PM with barrel tapping by the Mayor
Sunday: Kirmes all day
Monday: Family Day with reduced prices at all amusement rides and stalls
Tuesday: Final day with grand fireworks display around 9:00 PM over the Rhine

New: Krammarkt Concept

From 2026, the traditional Reeser Krammarkt will no longer be directly linked to the Kirmes but will be integrated into the Reeser Rheinfest. The Kirmes itself will remain in its classic form.

Highlights Reeser Kirmes 2026

Barrel tapping on Saturday, Family Monday with reduced prices, closing fireworks over the Rhine on Tuesday evening.

Programme Reeser Kirmes 2026

Day 1 — Saturday

2:30 PM — Concert by Tambourcorps Rees
3:00 PM — Official opening with barrel tapping by Mayor Sebastian Hense
3:00 PM–3:30 PM — Happy Hour
from 3:00 PM — Kirmes operation with all amusement rides

Day 2 — Sunday

All day — Kirmes operation in the city centre

Day 3 — Monday (Family Day)

All day — Reduced prices at all amusement rides and stalls

Day 4 — Tuesday

From afternoon — last day of Kirmes
approx. 9:00 PM — Grand finale fireworks display over the Rhine

Detailed 2026 programme will be published in summer 2026 at stadt-rees.de.

Prices Reeser Kirmes 2026

Admission to the Kirmes grounds is free. Ride prices vary by attraction, reduced on Family Monday.

Practical information

Practical information — Reeser Kirmes

Getting There

By car: A3 exit Rees-Empel or Hamminkeln, then follow signs. Parking spaces are signposted along the Rhine promenade and in the city centre. By train/bus: Empel-Rees station, then bus towards the city centre. The city of Rees is located directly on the Lower Rhine Cycle Path.

Admission

Free entry to the Kirmes grounds. Ride prices vary per attraction; reduced on Family Monday.

Tip

Plan your visit for Tuesday evening to not miss the grand finale fireworks display over the Rhine — best views from the Rhine promenade.

A Kirmes with Almost 800 Years of History

When the lights of the amusement rides begin to flash above the gables of Rees's city centre at the end of September, you know: the Reeser Kirmes is here. With a tradition that, according to the city of Rees, dates back to 1240, it is one of the most traditional Volksfests in the entire Lower Rhine region. Over the centuries, a modern Volksfest has developed from medieval market rights, attracting several thousand visitors per day to the small Hanseatic city on the Rhine every year.

Four Days Between Tradition and Adrenaline

Classics like "Big Wage", "Rock Express", the "Fantastic Journey" or the chain carousel are permanent fixtures. In addition, changing attractions ensure variety — in 2025, for example, the 22-meter-high "X-Factor" ride and the 7D simulator "New World 3000" were on site. A total of around ten large amusement rides operate on the squares and streets of the city centre, supplemented by food stalls, shooting galleries, and sweet stalls.

From the Barrel Tapping to the Fireworks over the Rhine

Saturday: Opening at 3:00 PM with the traditional barrel tapping by Mayor Sebastian Hense, accompanied by the Tambourcorps Rees
Sunday: Family Day with a long Kirmes afternoon
Monday: Reduced prices at all amusement operators — "Family Monday" is a must for parents with small children
Tuesday: Last day with a grand finale fireworks display around 9:00 PM over the Rhine

Rees, Lower Rhine, NRW: Hanseatic City with Character

Rees is the oldest city on the lower Lower Rhine and part of the Kleve district in North Rhine-Westphalia. Located directly on the Rhine, with a historic promenade and medieval traces, the city offers a backdrop you won't find at any other NRW Kirmes. The fireworks display on Tuesday evening, shot over the river from the Rhine promenade, is one of the most beautiful Volksfest pyro shows in the entire state.

Concept Change for the Krammarkt from 2026

Important to know: The "Großer Reeser Krammarkt" (Grand Rees Market), traditionally held on the Wednesday after the Kirmes, was held in this form for the last time in 2025, coupled with the Kirmes. From 2026, the concept will be revised — the Krammarkt will be integrated into the Reeser Rheinfest in the future. The Kirmes itself remains unaffected and will continue to take place in its usual form at the end of September.