Ründerother Maikirmes

A Fair with 435 Years of History

The Ründerother Maikirmes is one of the oldest fair events in the Oberbergischer Kreis — the first documented event dates back to 1589, making it one of the oldest of its kind in all of North Rhine-Westphalia. Over four centuries, the format has evolved — from a 16th-century market fair to a modern funfair with rides — but its roots in the community and its fixed date on the first May weekend have remained.

May 1st to 5th, 2026 — Five Days of Funfair in the Town Centre

In 2026, the fair opens on Friday, May 1st, with the traditional keg tapping at 3 PM by Mayor Lukas Miebach on the Alter Markt. Afterwards, the rides will begin operating around the Protestant church and along Kamperstraße. The opening hours vary daily:

• Thursday, April 30th: from 3 PM (pre-opening)
• Friday, May 1st & Saturday, May 2nd: from 2 PM
• Sunday, May 3rd & Monday, May 4th: from 12 PM (after church service)
• Tuesday, May 5th: Wind-down

42 Showmen — The Rides for 2026

With 42 showmen, the Maikirmes is unusually large for a district with 7,000 inhabitants. The main rides for 2026:

• Break Dance — Showman Bonner
• Rock & Roll — Showman Deinert
• Musik Express — Showman Noack-Ahrend
• Skooter (Bumper cars) — Showman Alexius
• various children's carousels, shooting galleries, lottery stalls, food stands

Local Clubs at the Heart of the Fair

What distinguishes the Ründerother Maikirmes from purely commercial folk festivals is the active role of local clubs and residents, who operate their own drinks stands. The marksmen's club, sports clubs, carnival club, fire brigade, and church community are present with pavilions and ensure the familiar, cosy atmosphere that has shaped the fair for generations. People know each other here — and visitors from outside are immediately integrated.

Fireworks on Monday, May 4th at 10 PM

The visual highlight is the fireworks display on Monday, May 4th, at 10 PM — a classic that attracts families from all over the Oberbergischer Kreis. Those who want to see the spectacle from an elevated position should choose a spot on the slope above the Alter Markt.

Ründeroth — A District with Character

Ründeroth is one of nine districts of the municipality of Engelskirchen in the Oberbergischer Kreis, southeast of Cologne on the Aggertal river. The town has a historically grown centre with half-timbered houses, a Protestant church from the 14th century, and an active club structure that organises events throughout the year. The Maikirmes is the largest and oldest of these.