Rheder Kirmes

One of the largest street funfairs in western Münsterland

The Rheder Kirmes is an institution in the Borken district: one of the most traditional and largest street funfairs in western Münsterland. Unlike most modern funfairs held on a central fairground, the Rheder Kirmes spreads across the entire city center – with its streets, squares, and shops. This makes it more of a traditional city festival with a funfair character than a fairground in the narrower sense.

Over 160 showman businesses – the variety makes it

With over 160 showman businesses, the Rheder Kirmes achieves a range that goes far beyond comparable city festivals. The program includes: rides from classic roller coasters to modern thrill rides, carousels for all age groups, showman stalls with games of chance and throwing booths, food stalls with bratwurst, fries, potato pancakes, sweets, and international street food selections.

Four days of funfair marathon with midnight opening

The Rheder Kirmes is designed for four days – and the opening hours make it clear who is being celebrated here:

• Friday, Aug 28: 2 PM–2 AM
• Saturday, Aug 29: 2 PM–2 AM
• Sunday, Aug 30: 11 AM–2 AM
• Monday, Aug 31 (Family Day): 2 PM until closing fireworks

With three consecutive nights until 2 AM, the Rheder Kirmes has cult status in the region – if you want to celebrate in Münsterland, come to Rhede.

Barrel tapping Friday at 4 PM

The funfair traditionally opens with the barrel tapping on Friday, August 28 at 4:00 PM. The mayor, showmen, and dignitaries gather before the first beer keg, setting the stage for the festive marathon.

Family Day Monday and Closing Fireworks

Family Day on Monday, August 31, is the classic conclusion to many Münsterland funfairs: reduced ride prices, special family offers, main attraction in the afternoon. The grand finale is the closing fireworks on Monday evening, which concludes the funfair with a light spectacle over Rhede's city center.

Rhede in Westmünsterland

Rhede is located in western Münsterland in the Borken district, near the Dutch border. With just under 20,000 inhabitants, the town is manageable, but its funfair tradition dates back centuries. The town is among the less touristically developed municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia – making the funfair atmosphere all the more authentic.

Getting there and accommodation

Rhede can be reached by car via the A31 (Bocholt exit) and the B70. By train: Regional train RB42 to Bocholt, then a bus to Rhede. For multi-day visits, a few country hotels and guesthouses are available in Rhede and neighboring Bocholt – they often book up quickly during the funfair weekend.