Schuhmachermarkt Hauenstein – 140 Years of the Shoe Industry

Hauenstein – the Shoemaker Town

Since the end of the 19th century, Hauenstein in the Wasgau region has been the center of the Palatinate shoe industry. With the construction of the first railway connection in 1875 and the founding of several shoe factories in the 1880s, the small Palatinate Forest community developed into an industrial center of national importance. In 2026, this development marks its 140th anniversary – the Schuhmachermarkt will be an anniversary festival with great effort and special program depth.

Three Stages and Over 25 Hours of Live Music

Spread across three stages in the town center, the 2026 program offers more than 25 hours of live music. Headliners include the Palatinate dialect rock band Anonyme Giddarischde, the acoustic pop band Acoustic Vibration, the soul and funk group From Da Soul, and the Palatinate dialect choir Zammesinge. Additional regional and national bands complement the program, ranging from rock and pop to Latin and acoustic sets.

Long Night at the German Shoe Museum

The German Shoe Museum Hauenstein – one of the region's most important cultural institutions – opens its doors for the Long Night on Friday, May 29th. In atmospheric lighting, the museum, featuring the special exhibition "Football Magic" (March to October 2026), can be explored, while the bands Rough Mix and The Spell play live in the museum setting. An extraordinary format that combines industrial culture and contemporary music.

Josef Seibel Shoe Olympiad on Sunday

One of the festival's original specialties is the Josef Seibel Shoe Olympiad on Sunday, May 31st, starting at 12:30 PM. Teams of two to four people compete for free in fun, shoe-related disciplines – a hilarious competition that humorously stages Hauenstein's shoe history. Registration on-site.

Cult Flea Market and Family Program

On Saturday, May 30th, the traditional cult flea market takes place in the Hauenstein town center – for years a magnet for collectors, bargain hunters, and lovers of the extraordinary. Simultaneously, there will be entertainment for children: magic shows, giant soap bubbles, fire department demonstrations, and interactive games.

Tractor Parade and Sunday Shopping

On Sunday, a parade of historic tractors will roll through the town center – a highlight for lovers of old agricultural machinery. The shops on the Schuhmeile are open on Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Sunday shopping from 1 PM to 6 PM. A free shuttle service connects parking lots on the outskirts with the town center.