Local festivals, fairs, and fun!

Ostermarkts, Oktoberfest, and Weinachtmarkts all give us good reason to travel to different places for festivities and fun. But wouldn’t it be nice to simply walk down the street and be among all the fun? Good news, there are plenty of opportunities this summer to do just that. More good news, the majority of these events are FREE!

JULY

July 7 – 10
The Veitsrodter Premium Market in Idar-Oberstein opens on Friday July 7. Taking place on the Veitsrodter Hohen, visitors can enjoy more than 18 music groups within the two large tents, as well as on the open-air stage. With over 300 vendors, you are sure to find a unique gift for that special someone. The festivities cap off on Monday evening with fireworks!

July 7 – 8
Celebrate Italienische Nacht (Italian Nights) in Stadt Kusel. Starting around 7 p.m. on Friday evening, people will join together in the Kochscher Markt (town center market) to celebrate the Italian heritage with delicious food and drinks! Live entertainment, music, and more!

July 8 – 9
The German-American Fair is a celebration of friendship! This free festival takes place in the heart of Ramstein. Beyond the usual culinary specialties, visitors can expect spectacular musical entertainment as well as plenty of activities for kids.

July 14 – 16
The Ohmbach Lake Festival takes place over the course of three days. Music and entertainment will surround the lake along with more than 50 booths offering a variety of international dishes and drinks. Be sure to stick around on Saturday and Sunday evening to watch the “Lake in Flames” (fireworks display). Outside drinks are prohibited. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed at this event.

Take aim! If you’re looking for something entirely different, set your target on the 3rd Annual Diamond Dart Cup at Messe Idar-Oberstein. Starting Friday afternoon on July 14, visitors will experience an atmosphere like that of Carnival or Oktoberfest! The Diamond Dart Cup is an e-dart tournament for professionals and amateurs. Anyone may participate regardless of skill level. Tickets can be purchased on site. More information can be found at www.web.messe-io.de/portfolio-item/dart-mio

July 21 – 22
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing! On Friday and Saturday night in the third week of July, take a quick trip to Nanstein Castle for Burgjazz. This two-night event offers various jazz musicians and groups that are sure to put a little boogie in your step.

Enjoy wine festivals but don’t want to drive far? You are in luck! Starting around 7 p.m. on Friday July 21, the Kuseler Weinfest kicks off in downtown Kusel. Sponsored by local organizations like Carnival Club Kusel and the men’s cooking Club of Bledesbach/Kusel, there will be games, delicious food, and of course, wine! The festival continues through Saturday evening.

July 22 – 23
In the town of Bann, Mittelbrunn parish and participating clubs are sponsoring Schnapsbrennerfest. This village fair invites guests from near and far to enjoy some of the wonderful cuisine while listening to local bands. All food and drink is provided by sponsors.

July 21 – Aug 25
At Ramstein Summer Nights starting mid-July, there are free concerts in front of the Ramstein City Hall. Dubbed “Ramstein Summer Nights,” this event offers an open-air stage with a different country theme each week. Every Friday night visitors can listen to traditional music, eat and drink the food of the particular country of focus. Admission is free! Concerts dates are 21 July, 28 July, 4 August, 11 August, 18 August, and 25 August.

AUGUST

Aug 4 – 5
On the evening of Friday, August 4, take a trip to Trippstadt for the Schlosspark Festival. The main focus of the festival is the picturesque garden of the Trippstadt baroque castle. Go for the live music, food, and wine but stay for the spectacular light show! Stroll the grounds to experience the illumination by torches and campfires. Don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks! A separate children’s program is also available.

Aug 4 – 6
If you have time to do both, be sure to stop by Goellheim’s Torbogenfest (Archway Festival). Beginning on Friday evening, visitors won’t want to miss the open-air concert in the ancient town center. Saturday festivities begin at 6 p.m. while Sunday everything starts a bit earlier at 10 a.m. Food, music, and entertainment are available as well as an exhibition by the Goellheim Cultural Association.

Aug 5 – 6
The first weekend of August offers overlapping festivals in Idar-Oberstein. Throughout the pedestrian zone, visitors can experience the breathtaking, colorful, and imaginative minds of actors and actresses at the Strassentheater Festival. The main event takes place in the church square offering incredible artists, poets, acrobatics, and various theater performances.
Simultaneously, take advantage of the beautiful jewels and gemstones on display at the German Gemstone Grinder and Goldsmith Market. Surrounding the Idar-Oberstein Museum and market square, goldsmiths, jewelers, diamond grinders, engravers, and designers will present their gorgeous items.

Aug 17 – 20
If you enjoy racing but cannot make it out to the Hockenheim Ring, you are in luck! Beginning on Thursday, August 17, the next round of the World Rally Championships will take place in and around Baumholder! Information on ticket prices as well as locations for spectators can be found at www.adac-rallye-deutschland.de.

AUGUST

Aug 18 – 20
Friday, August 18, marks the start of the 29th Annual Old Town Festival in Baumholder. Offering two stages with live music on either end of the main street with plenty of activities for all ages. Admission is free. Music begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.

If you’ve experienced the Baumholder Old Town Festival already but still want to venture out, take a short trip to the Altburg Festival near Idar-Oberstein. Celebrating its 29th year, this Celtic folk festival and medieval market highlights the historic Altburg wine-growing region. Musical entertainment is offered all three days. Admission prices vary. Children under 14 are free. Ticket information is available at www.altburgfestival.de.

Aug 19
Starting at 11 a.m., visitors can take a dip in the Miesau outdoor pool for ‘Game Day.’ Hosted by the Bruchmuehlbach-Miesau Union Community and the local clubs, children and families will have the opportunity to play funny games and activities. Stick around through the evening for live music and entertainment. Pricing information can be found at www.freibad-miesau.de.

Aug 25 – 28
Just outside the gates of Ramstein, the town of Miesenbach celebrates its village with a fair providing music and entertainment. In the village center, visitors can enjoy the beer garden as well as confectionary treats. Take the short trip to the sports center/grounds to enjoy the rides and various vendor booths.

Aug 26 – 27
A few minutes South of Kaiserslautern is the Backofenfest (Baking Oven Festival) in Stelzenberg. This historic festival takes place near the community center close to the ancient bake house. Visitors can fill their stomachs with traditional food and culinary specialties.

SEPTEMBER

Oktoberfest is right around the corner. What better way to get yourself ready for the festivities than with a few local autumn fairs!

Sep 2 – 6
Year after year, the biggest attraction for the small town of Kusel is the Kuseler Herbstmesse. This annual festival shuts down the main driving street in downtown Kusel. With nearly 100 vendors, there are different areas offering music and entertainment. Located directly next to the humungous beer tent are carnival rides for kids of all ages. It is an event you won’t want to miss!

Sep 2 – 3
If you have an interest in building and constructing, the Charcoal Fair might be for you. This festival, located just south of Kaiserslautern in Trippstadt, includes a variety of demonstrations in the art of blacksmithing. The Huber blacksmith’s shop will show visitors the old art of forging. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Sep 8 – 10
It will be difficult to miss the Landstuhl Stadtfest! For three days, downtown Landstuhl offers musical acts across three stages. Add in some delicious food and drink from around the region and you’ve got yourself a celebration! There is also a car show for auto enthusiasts.

Sep 8 – 11
The city of Rockenhausen, north of the KMC area, hosts the North Palatinate Fall Festival. Kicking off with a wine tasting on Friday evening, visitors can choose to partake or refrain depending on whether they’re competing in the ‘Rockie-Man-Triathlon’ the following morning. Along with stores staying open on Sunday, patrons can watch the festival parade as it beginning at 2 p.m. The festival culminates on Monday evening in the large tent where people can get together to celebrate the start of fall.

Sep 9 – 10
Every second weekend in September, in a small town north of Idar-Oberstein, the Schinderhannes Robber Festival takes place. There are more than 100 artists, craftsmen, and farmers selling their goods at this folk festival. Visitors can enjoy archery displays, silver and knife forging, as well as theater and puppet shows. A variety of food will be offered for purchase as well as delicious wines and beer.

Artists from all over the world will make their way to the 6th Annual Tattoo Convention. Taking place from Saturday, Sept. 9, to Sunday, Sept. 10, you can get inked up at the Idar-Oberstein Convention Center starting at 11 a.m. both days. Patrons can purchase tickets for as little as 8 euro. Children under 14 are free. More information can be found at www.tattoo-mio.de

Sep 10
Slightly southwest of Baumholder, Berglangenbach will hold it’s annual Farmers’ and Handcrafts Market. Taking place on the second Sunday in September, this event offers many vendors selling their handmade crafts and local farmer’s delicious produce. Additionally, you can watch a performance by the theater group of the singing association from Berglangenbach.

Sep 16 – 19
If you’re up for one final festival, the Ramstein Fair will take place the third weekend in September. Held in the market square in the center of Ramstein, the area is transformed into a fairground with rides, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to satisfy your appetite. The official start of the event is on Saturday with the tapping of a beer barrel. Sunday afternoon brings a traditional activity of the raising of the fair pole in front of the museum.