Wollmesheim Dampfknopp-Kerwe
Traditional Palatinate Kerwe of the village community associations at the end of summer
About Dampfknopp-Kerwe
What is a Palatinate Kerwe?
The Kerwe or Kirchweih is deeply rooted in the Palatinate. Originally the anniversary of the consecration of a parish church, it has developed over centuries into a multi-day folk and wine festival. Characteristic are the Kerwerede (a humorous speech about local events of the past year), the digging up and burying of the Kerwepetter – or a similar symbolic figure – as well as the appearance of the Kerweborsch.
Dampfknopp as a symbol
The Dampfknopp is a sweet yeast dumpling specialty, cooked in steam and traditionally served with vanilla sauce, fruit compote, or warm wine sauce. In Wollmesheim, it is the namesake of the Kerwe. Over the years, the specialty has become the flagship of the festival and is a firm part of the culinary offerings in the village community's festival kitchens.
Four festival days in the village center
The Kerwe classically extends from Friday to Monday. It kicks off on Friday with the tapping of the keg and opening speech. Saturday and Sunday feature the full program with wine service, hot food, live music on stage, and dance events. Monday concludes with the Kerwekehraus and the traditional burying of the Kerwepetter.
Intertwining with Wollmesheim's club life
The Kerwe is organized by the village community associations, from the fire brigade and sports club to the church community and music band. The Kerwe is therefore not only a festival but also an important pillar for the associations' financing. Many Wollmesheim residents return to the village especially for the Kerwe.
Dampfknopp-Kerwe — edition 2026
The Kerwe is the social highlight of the second half of the year in Wollmesheim. It attracts both regular guests from the village and the Landau region, as well as travelers on the Southern Wine Route. The atmosphere is significantly more relaxed than at large city festivals; the wine and shared meals are the focus.
Programme Dampfknopp-Kerwe 2026
Friday, August 28, 2026
- Festival opening with tapping of the keg
- First wine service
- Musical opening with Palatinate bands
Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Full program in the village center
- Wine service from Wollmesheim vintners
- Hot food with Dampfknopp specialty
- Live music in the evening
Sunday, August 30, 2026
- Kerwe Sunday with Frühschoppen (morning pint)
- Family program
- Kerwerede by the Kerweborsch
- Evening dance event
Monday, August 31, 2026
- Kerwekehraus (farewell celebration)
- Burying of the Kerwepetter
- Festival finale in the evening
The exact 2026 program will be published by the organizer in late summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years.
Highlights Dampfknopp-Kerwe 2026
- Four festival days from Friday to Monday
- Dampfknopp – sweet yeast dumpling specialty of the Palatinate
- Wine service from Wollmesheim vintners
- Classic Kerwe traditions with tapping of the keg, speech, and farewell celebration
Prices Dampfknopp-Kerwe 2026
Practical information — Dampfknopp-Kerwe
Venue
Village center Wollmesheim, 76829 Landau-Wollmesheim.
Admission
Free admission. Payment is exclusively for wine, food, and drinks directly at the association stands.
Getting there
By car via Landau in der Pfalz, continue to the Wollmesheim district. By train and bus to Landau main station and then by city bus to the district. Parking spaces are limited in the side streets.
Information
Program details shortly before the event at wollmesheim.com.
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