Residenzfest Kirchheimbolanden
Traditional town and wine festival of the Kleine Residenz Kirchheimbolanden with Palatinate specialties, wines, live music, and fireworks
About Residenzfest KiBo
The Residenzfest in Kirchheimbolanden – “KiBo” for short – is one of the most traditional and popular town and wine festivals in the Nordpfalz region. For three summer days, the historic city center of the former princely residence of Nassau-Weilburg is transformed into a festive stage with Palatinate wines, culinary specialties, live music, and spectacular fireworks.
In 2026, the festival celebrates its 74th edition under the motto “Three Summer Days in the Kleine Residenz”. From Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 10th, the program includes a wine village, stage performances, fireworks, and a Sunday with open shops. The Residenzfest was already awarded as the most beautiful wine festival in 2017.
Kleine Residenz Kirchheimbolanden
Kirchheimbolanden, located in the Donnersbergkreis district at the foot of the Donnersberg mountain, was the residence of the Princes of Nassau-Weilburg in the 18th century. The historic architecture, including the Baroque church, orangery, palace gardens, and characteristic city walls, still shapes the cityscape today. The designation “Kleine Residenz” (Little Residence) refers to this princely past and is a central brand identity in the city's marketing.
74 Years of Residenzfest
The Residenzfest has been celebrated in Kirchheimbolanden for over seventy years. With its 74th edition in 2026, it is one of the most traditional town and wine festivals in the region. The festival is deeply rooted in the community and is jointly organized by the city, the marketing association proKIBO, local clubs, vintners, and restaurateurs.
Wine Village and Palatinate Delights
The wine village in the old town brings together vintners from the Palatinate, Nordpfalz, and potentially from Rheinhessen and the Nahe region. Palatinate specialties such as Saumagen (pig's stomach stuffed with meat and bread), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Weißwurst (white sausage), Bratwurst (fried sausage), and Riesling slices accompany the wine selection. Live music is offered on several stages on all three days – from cover bands and Palatinate Schlager to jazz and acoustic sets.
Fireworks and Sunday Shopping
The highlight of the festival is the grand fireworks display, illuminating the summer night sky over the old town. Sunday is also a day with open shops, allowing visitors to combine the festival with shopping. The Residenzfest is therefore not only a wine and cultural experience but also a significant boost for local retail.
Residenzfest KiBo — edition 2026
The 74th Residenzfest 2026 runs from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 10th in the city center of Kirchheimbolanden. Under the motto “Three Summer Days in the Kleine Residenz,” the festival celebrates with Palatinate specialties, a wide selection of wines, live music on all days, and spectacular fireworks. On Sunday, the shops will also open for Sunday shopping.
The exact stage and program schedule for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer and announced on donnersberg-touristik.de and visit-kirchheimbolanden.de. The structure will follow the proven key points of previous years.
Programme Residenzfest KiBo 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- Friday, August 8, 2026: Festival opening in the evening, wine village starts, live music on several stages
- Saturday, August 9, 2026: Food and drinks served all day, diverse live program, grand fireworks in the evening
- Sunday, August 10, 2026: Morning pint (Frühschoppen), family program, Sunday with open shops, live music until the festival concludes
- Wine Village: Vintners from the Palatinate with Riesling, Burgundy wines, and other specialties
- Palatinate Cuisine: Saumagen, Leberknödel, Bratwurst, Weißwurst, Riesling slices
- Music: Cover bands, Palatinate Schlager, jazz, acoustic sets on several stages
- Fireworks: Grand fireworks display over the old town
- Shopping: Shops open on Sunday (Sunday with open shops)
Current band performances, times, and stage plans available at donnersberg-touristik.de, visit-kirchheimbolanden.de, and pfalzfeste.de.
Highlights Residenzfest KiBo 2026
- 74th edition of the traditional wine and town festival
- Palatinate specialties and a wide selection of wines
- Live music on all three days on multiple stages
- Grand fireworks display on Saturday evening
- Sunday with open shops in the old town
- Awarded as the most beautiful wine festival in 2017
Prices Residenzfest KiBo 2026
Free admission, food and drinks à la carte. Palatinate wine typically costs 4-7 Euros per glass/schoppen.
Practical information — Residenzfest KiBo
Date 2026
Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 10th, 2026 (74th edition).
Location
City center of Kirchheimbolanden, 67292 Kirchheimbolanden, Donnersbergkreis.
Admission
Free entry to the festival, food and drinks à la carte.
Getting There
By car via the A63 (Kirchheimbolanden exit) or the B47. Parking is available on the outskirts of the old town. Public transport: Kirchheimbolanden train station with connections to the Donnersbergbahn.
Recommendations
Summer clothing, sturdy footwear for the cobblestone streets. Cash for food and drinks. The Sunday with open shops offers an opportunity for shopping. Overnight stays in KiBo or the surrounding area are recommended for a complete festival weekend.
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