Vatertagskirmes Kamp-Lintfort 2026

Vatertagskirmes — the Lower Rhine Classic

In Rhenish tradition, Ascension Day is traditionally the day when men ("Father's Day") go on hikes in groups with handcarts and celebrate. In Kamp-Lintfort, this has developed into a five-day Vatertagskirmes (Father's Day fair) — from Ascension Day Thursday to the following Sunday or Monday. In 2026, the festival runs from May 14 to 18 on the central Prinzenplatz and in the city center.

55 Showmen, Five Days of Program

The fairground extends from Prinzenplatz across Moerser Straße into the city center. Around 55 showmen set up rides, food stalls, and games: Ferris wheel, dodgems, haunted house, wave flyer, carousels for children. Classic food stalls with bratwurst, fries, crêpes, candied almonds, ice cream, and potato pancakes complete the picture. Admission is free, individual rides and games cost extra.

Thursday — Opening with Keg Tapping and Guggis

Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. is the official start of the festival: the deputy mayor taps the keg — the traditional act that marks the start of fair festivities in NRW. Musical accompaniment is provided by the Ruhr Pot Guggis, a Lower Rhine Guggenmusik group with carnival energy. Ascension Day is a public holiday — many Father's Day groups come to the fair after their handcart march.

Friday — Fireworks

On Friday, May 15, 2026, it's fireworks night: the aerial fireworks display starts late in the evening and is clearly visible from the city center. Families find spots on Prinzenplatz, and many visitors come specifically for the fireworks.

Sunday — Disney Character Day

A special feature of the Kamp-Lintfort fair is Sunday, May 17, 2026, as Disney Character Day: showmen dress up as Disney characters (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, princesses), children can have their photos taken, and small gifts are handed out. A program item that sets the Vatertagskirmes apart from other fair events in the Lower Rhine region.

Monday — Blue Monday

Blue Monday on May 18, 2026, is a tradition: on this day, showmen offer price reductions on rides, food, and games. Families can experience the full program on a small budget. The fair is open until midnight on this day — an extended evening to conclude the festival.

Kamp-Lintfort — Lower Rhine Town with History

Kamp-Lintfort is located in the Wesel district on the left bank of the Lower Rhine, about 30 km northwest of Duisburg. The town with around 38,000 inhabitants has its roots in the Cistercian monastery Kamp (founded in 1123) — Kamp Abbey with its terraced garden is one of the most important monastic complexes on the Lower Rhine. Visitors to the Vatertagskirmes can combine their day with a visit to Kamp Abbey or a walk in the Norddeutschland-Süd mining heap.