Sommerfest Show & Tanzgarde Herne 87 / St. Pius

When the Tanzgarde and Parish Come Together

In Herne-Eickel, a district of the Ruhr city Herne, an unusual alliance exists: the Show & Tanzgarde Herne 87 — a traditional carnival club with dance groups of all ages — and the Catholic St. Pius Parish jointly host a summer festival. On the grounds of St. Pius Church on Werftstraße, parish community and club life come together — celebrating summer.

July 11, 2026 — The Festival Day

The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM. The program:

• Live Music with Tina Turner Tribute Emily K. — the soul show queen tribute artist performs classics like “The Best,” “Proud Mary,” or “Simply the Best” on the festival stage
• Duo Kaipitanja — Acoustic set with cover classics
• Janine Marx — Solo performance by the singer
• Dance Performances by Show & Tanzgarde Herne 87 — Dance groups of all ages showcase their repertoire of guard and show dances
• Flea Market — Stalls by parish and club members
• Barbecue Stand with sausages, steaks, and vegetarian options
• Waffles from the parish kitchen
• Tombola — Raffle tickets with prizes
• Face Painting and game stations

Show & Tanzgarde Herne 87 — The Club

The Show & Tanzgarde Herne 87 is one of the most important carnival clubs in the northern Ruhr area. Dance groups from children to adult dancers perform at numerous carnival sessions and during the carnival season in Herne and the surrounding area. The summer festival is a deliberate counterpoint to the carnival focus: the club presents itself outside the season as well.

St. Pius Parish — The Church Location

The St. Pius Parish in Herne-Eickel is part of the Catholic community in the Diocese of Münster. The St. Pius Church on Werftstraße is a 20th-century building. The parish grounds, with its forecourt, garden, and parish hall, offer space for neighbourhood festivals — a deliberate strategy by the community to position itself as a meeting place.

Herne — The City Between Bochum and Recklinghausen

Herne (approx. 156,000 inhabitants) is located in the heart of the Ruhr area, between Bochum and Recklinghausen. Shaped by mining (the last mine closed in 2008), the city is now experiencing structural change — with cultural highlights such as the Cranger Kirmes (one of Germany's largest Volksfeste), the LWL Museum of Archaeology, and many vibrant districts like Eickel. The summer festival at St. Pius Church is a typical example of Herne's lively neighbourhood scene.