38th Rüppurrer Maibaumfeschd

Maypole Festival with Tradition Since the 1980s

The Rüppurrer Maibaumfeschd is one of Karlsruhe's oldest district festivals and celebrates its 38th edition in 2026. The festival is organized by the Bürgergemeinschaft Rüppurr e.V. together with the Koffler family from Kofflers Gastro. The venue is Rastatter Straße at the corner of Lange Straße — right in the south of Karlsruhe, a few minutes from the Battstraße tram stop.

Five Days of Program from April 29th to May 3rd

The 38th edition starts on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, at 4 PM. From 6 PM, the Shakin Cats will heat things up with 1950s rock'n'roll. Thursday, April 30th, is the traditional Maypole raising day: the Rüppurr Volunteer Fire Department will erect the Maypole around 6 PM, the innkeeper will provide free beer, and the Harry Cane Band will accompany the dance into May. On May 1st, there will be a Weißwurst breakfast with a Big Band from 12 PM, and Kognito Soul will play in the evening. On Saturday, May 2nd, the band Cherrylane will take over the street festival, and on Sunday, May 3rd, the Sean Tracy Band will close the festival with the final concert at 5 PM.

Mexican Culinary Delights and Mai-Fest Beer

Culinary delights are dominated by the charcoal grill combined with Mexican specialties from the Koffler family. On Saturday and Sunday, a Mexican breakfast will also be offered from 10 AM to 4 PM — reservations are recommended due to high demand. The Mai-Fest beer, specially brewed for the festival by the Karlsruhe brewery Moninger, will flow freely, with cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks also available. Covered and heated seating areas protect against unpredictable spring weather.

Family Program and Neighborhood Charm

For the younger guests, a bouncy castle is set up, the children's carousel spins its rounds, and fantasy faces are conjured at the face painting station. The confectionery stand offers almonds, gingerbread hearts, and cotton candy. The festival is considered a successful blend of tradition, enjoyment, and entertainment — embedded in the charm of the historic Rüppurr district with its half-timbered houses and proximity to Rüppurr Castle.

Karlsruhe-Rüppurr — District Between Castle and Forest

Rüppurr in the south of Karlsruhe has been incorporated since 1907 and today has around 11,000 inhabitants. The Maibaumfeschd is the social highlight of the district and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Karlsruhe and the surrounding Hardt region every year. With tram line 2 or S1/S11 to Battstraße, you are directly at the festival grounds in ten minutes from Karlsruhe Marktplatz.