Wittener Zwiebelkirmes

Wittener Zwiebelkirmes — Over 600 Years of Folk Festival

Thought the oldest folk festival in Germany was Oktoberfest? Witten boasts an event first documented in 1427, held in an almost unbroken series ever since — the Wittener Zwiebelkirmes. 2026 marks the 599th edition, with the 600th anniversary in sight for 2027. Four days of city center folk festival in the southern Ruhr area's mid-sized city, blending centuries-old tradition with a modern family celebration.

The Name "Zwiebelkirmes"

The name stems from historical market rights: In the Middle Ages, Witten held significant onion market rights — onions were a central trade good for miners and rural supply in the southern Ruhr area. Even today, the onion remains a symbolic element of the event — featured in the opening parade, the sack race, and many food specialties during the festival.

The Onion Parade to Open

The event kicks off on Friday, September 4, 2026, with the Zwiebelumzug (onion parade) — a historically inspired procession with floats, costumed groups, brass bands, and onion motifs, winding from a central point through the city center to the festival grounds. Thousands of visitors line the route, many traveling from Bochum, Hattingen, Dortmund, and Wattenscheid specifically for the parade.

Onion Sack Race — A Witten Specialty

A unique highlight of the Wittener Zwiebelkirmes is the Zwiebelsackträgerstaffellauf (onion sack race) on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Teams of four carry sacks full of onions along a designated course through the city center — speed, carrying strength, and team coordination are key. Two competitions are held: Children's races starting at 3 PM in nine age groups with certificates and vouchers as prizes, and an adult competition starting at 6 PM with cash prizes (€150, €100, €50). Registration deadline for all categories: September 1, 2026.

Sunday with Open Shops and Family Day

Sunday, September 6, 2026, is a day with open shops in Witten's city center — stores are open from 1 PM to 6 PM. The fair operates concurrently. Monday, September 7, is Family Day with discount offers on rides and a child-friendly program.

Witten and the Southern Ruhr Area

Witten is a district town in the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis, Arnsberg district, North Rhine-Westphalia, with approximately 96,000 inhabitants. The city is located on the Ruhr river, in the southern Ruhr area, between Bochum and Hagen, and is home to the Witten/Herdecke University. The Zwiebelkirmes is clearly the most important event in Witten's annual calendar — it shapes the city's identity like hardly any other festival.