Saarbrücker Maikirmes

A 200-Year Tradition

The Saarbrücker Maikirmes has its roots in the 19th century when the then St. Johann was developing into an industrial city and the population needed a spring festival to match the burgeoning urban life. Today, the Maikirmes is the largest spring funfair in Saarland, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually to the Saarterrassen on the Burbach bank of the Saar river.

When is the Kirmes?

17 days of Volksfest, from Friday, April 24th to Sunday, May 10th, 2026. Opening on April 24th at 6:30 PM with the traditional keg tapping, accompanied musically by the Musikzug Dudweiler 1968. Wednesdays are rest days – open on all other days.

What to Experience

Over 45 rides and game stalls, plus dozens of food and drink stands. The mix of modern highlights and Kirmes classics is what makes it appealing:

Modern Rides

• Tropical Trip – Water ride with themed world
• Beach Polyp – Tentacle carousel with a high-flying experience
• Break Dancer – the Kirmes classic for adrenaline fans
• Crazy Jungle – Rollercoaster for children
• Ferris Wheel with views over the Saar river and Saarbrücken

Family Offer

Children's carousels, trampoline park, shooting galleries, ball toss games – the Maikirmes is very family-friendly. On the Family Days on April 30th and May 7th, all rides and game stalls cost only half price.

Culinary Delights

Beer tent with Maibock and Pilsner, pizza, Bratwurst, Lyoner sandwich, fries, almond house with candied almonds, cotton candy, crêpes, churros, traditional pastries, ice cream – the full spectrum. Sweet and savory, German and international.

Festival Highlights

Keg Tapping – Friday, April 24th

At 6:30 PM, the Mayor opens the Maikirmes with the traditional keg tapping. Followed by a concert by Musikzug Dudweiler 1968.

Family Days

Thursday, April 30th and Thursday, May 7th: All rides at half price. Popular dates – early arrival recommended.

Closing Fireworks – Saturday, May 9th

Grand fireworks display around 10:30 PM over the Saarterrassen. Thousands come specifically for this – best views from the bridge and the riverbank.

The Festival Grounds – the Saarterrassen

The Saarterrassen in Burbach have been *the* festival grounds of Saarbrücken for decades. The Saarbrücker Christkindlmarkt Ferris wheel and other Volksfeste also take place here. Its location directly on the Saar river with a view of the twin town of Burbach is unusual for a Kirmes – not an industrial site, but green meadows with water views.

Why the Maikirmes is a Saarland Original

Unlike the Munich Frühlingsfest or the Düsseldorf Größte Kirmes am Rhein, the Maikirmes has an unpretentious charm. Here, people eat (Lyoner, Schwenker), speak (dialect is omnipresent), and celebrate in the Saarland style – familiarly, warmly, without tourist hustle.