Remscheider Maikirmes

Remscheid — City of Tools in the Bergisches Land

Remscheid, with just under 110,000 inhabitants in the southern Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia, has been one of Germany's most important tool cities since the 19th century — the City of Tools, as it calls itself, home to companies like Mannesmann, Wuppermann, and WERA. This industrial identity shapes the cityscape and the local club scene: The Remscheider Schützenverein von 1816 Korporation is one of Germany's oldest marksmen's associations and has been a central player in city life for over two centuries.

Schützenplatz and Stadtpark — the Festival Grounds

The Schützenplatz at Stadtpark has traditionally been the marksmen's festival grounds since the club's founding in 1816. Generously sized and centrally located with good connections to the main train station, public transport, and several parking garages, it offers space for one of the largest Kirmes events in the Bergisches Land. The Maikirmes is the larger of the club's two annual Volksfest events (a smaller autumn Kirmes follows in the fall).

Eleven Days of Kirmes from Walpurgis Night to Mother's Day

The Maikirmes 2026 spans a full eleven days — from April 30 (Walpurgis Night, eve of Labor Day) to May 10 (Mother's Day). This is exceptionally long for a traditional Kirmes format and makes the event one of the most important dates in the Rhenish-Bergian spring calendar. Admission is free; opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 2:00 PM, Sunday from 12:00 PM.

Nine Large Rides Plus Children's Area

In 2026, the Schützenplatz will feature nine large rides for adults and teenagers: the spectacular Break Dance carousel, the high-altitude ride Mad Max, the horror house Zombie, and other classics from the showman's repertoire. This is complemented by eight children's attractions: the Fantasy World carousel, the Silbermine children's roller coaster, and smaller carousels for the little ones. In addition, there are candy stalls (cotton candy, candied almonds, gingerbread hearts, chocolate-covered fruit), snack stands with bratwurst and fries, cocktail bars, and lottery booths.

Two Fireworks Displays — The Highlights

Pyrotechnic highlights are the two large fireworks displays after dark: on Thursday, April 30 (Walpurgis Night opening) and on Friday, May 8 (second highlight before the festival weekend). Both fireworks displays are accompanied by music and are visible from afar in Remscheid.

Family Day and Meet-you-Stars Thursday

Two special program points round off the Maikirmes: Family Day on Wednesday, May 6 offers reduced prices on rides and snack stands — aimed at families with smaller budgets. Thursdays feature the Meet you Stars format: children can meet famous comic and children's heroes, with photos and small activities.

Embedded in Marksmen Tradition

The Maikirmes is more than a showman's festival — it is part of Remscheid's centuries-old marksmen tradition. The association uses the proceeds for club purposes, charity, and the preservation of marksmanship. Visitors to the Maikirmes thus also support the social and cultural work of the city's oldest club.