Reeser Kirmes

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.