Saarbrücker Maikirmes
Largest Spring Volksfest in Saarland – 17 Days of Rollercoasters, Beer, and Family Days
2026
About Maikirmes Saarbrücken
Maikirmes Saarbrücken — edition 2026
The Saarbrücker Maikirmes 2026 lasts for 17 days – from Friday, April 24th to Sunday, May 10th. The venue is the Saarterrassen festival grounds in Burbach. Free admission, pay per ride. Wednesdays are rest days.
The 2026 program features over 45 rides and game stalls, as well as numerous food stands. The city administration of Saarbrücken expects around 700,000 visitors.
Highlights Maikirmes Saarbrücken 2026
- Traditional keg tapping for the opening on April 24th
- 45+ rides – modern and classic
- Family Days April 30th and May 7th – half prices
- Closing fireworks on May 9th around 10:30 PM
- 700,000 visitors expected
Programme Maikirmes Saarbrücken 2026
Opening: Friday, April 24th, 2026
- 5:00 PM — Opening of the festival grounds
- 6:30 PM — Traditional Keg Tapping by the Mayor, accompanied by Musikzug Dudweiler 1968
- until 12:00 AM — Opening night with all rides in operation
Family Day I: Thursday, April 30th, 2026
- 2:00 PM–12:00 AM — Half price on all rides and game stalls
Family Day II: Thursday, May 7th, 2026
- 2:00 PM–11:00 PM — Half prices again at all stalls and attractions
Closing Fireworks: Saturday, May 9th, 2026
- approx. 10:30 PM — Grand Fireworks Display over the Saarterrassen, best viewed from the bridge and the riverbank
Wind Down: Sunday, May 10th, 2026
- 1:00 PM–11:00 PM — Last day of the festival with extended family hours
Highlights 2026 among the rides: Tropical Trip (water ride), Beach Polyp, Break Dancer, Crazy Jungle (kids' rollercoaster), Ferris Wheel. Closed on Wednesdays.
Prices Maikirmes Saarbrücken 2026
Free admission. Pay per ride (Family Days April 30th and May 7th: half prices).
Practical information — Maikirmes Saarbrücken
Getting There
Take the Saarbahn Line 1 (towards Riegelsberg/Heusweiler) to the Burbach Mitte stop or Hauptbahnhof + Bus 124. By car, take the A620 (exit Saarbrücken Burbach), follow signs for Festplatz.
Parking
Free parking directly at the Saarterrassen festival grounds. These can be full on weekends and family days – arrive early or use public transport.
Opening Hours
- Opening Day Fri, April 24th: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
- Mon–Thu: 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Fri and Sat: 2:00 PM–12:00 AM
- Sundays and Public Holidays: 1:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Wednesdays: Rest Day (no operation)
Tips
Family Days on April 30th and May 7th for more affordable family fun. Closing fireworks on May 9th – find a spot with a good view early, e.g., on the Saar bridge. Plan for cash, many stalls do not accept cards.
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.
Where it takes place Maikirmes Saarbrücken
Maikirmes Saarbrücken at a glance
History of Maikirmes Saarbrücken
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