Schierstein Harbour Festival

Tradition Since Post-War Era

The Schierstein Harbour Festival has been organised by the Verschönerungsverein Schierstein e.V. (Schierstein Beautification Association) since 1948. Schierstein, the westernmost district of Wiesbaden on the Rhine, has preserved its own sense of identity around its historic harbour – with its own carnival, its own Kirchweih (local festival), and this very Harbour Festival, which takes place every July. In 2026, it's the 78th edition.

Festival Scenery on the Rhine

The venue is the harbour promenade around the Schierstein Rhine Harbour. Around 150 stalls – catering and sales stands – are spread across the promenade. Several stages with live music are located directly on the water. The programme combines folk festival elements, water sports events, and maritime show features – an unusual mix that makes the Schierstein Harbour Festival special.

Water Sports and Maritime Highlights

The programme includes the traditional Rhine swimming (a swimming course along the Rhine bank), the Fun-SUP City Championship Wiesbaden (Stand-Up Paddle competitions), the Lions Club duck race with plastic ducks sold to benefit local projects, a flea market, and – as a visual highlight – the illuminated boat parade on the Rhine on Sunday evening.

Fireworks to Conclude

The festival traditionally concludes with a large firework display on Monday evening around 10:30 PM, launched from the opposite Rhine bank and visible from the harbour promenade. Also on the programme: children's and seniors' afternoons with their own events and discounted admission.

Schierstein Identity

Schierstein, the westernmost district of Wiesbaden, was an independent municipality with town privileges until 1926. This history is reflected in the area's self-image to this day: its own carnival, its own Kirchweih, its own Harbour Festival. The annual Harbour Festival is the largest and most identity-defining event in the Schierstein calendar.