Cyclists in colorful costumes race their gearless folding bikes up Kalmit mountain on Saturday during the quirky and beloved Folding-Bike-Cup. (Pfälzer Klappverein e.V. )
This weekend the KMC is packed with a variety of lively events that promise music, culture, quirky traditions and delicious food. Whether you’re in the mood for festival fun, a wine celebration, or something truly unique like a folding bike race, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Swinging Lautern in Kaiserslautern (Sept. 5-7, 2024): The annual “Swinging Lautern” event returns with live swing, jazz, salsa, and soul performances across various stages. In addition to great music, visitors can enjoy special shopping opportunities, car shows and an open-air cinema.
Old Town Festival in Speyer (Sept. 6-7, 2024): Speyer’s 47th Old Town Festival kicks off with a traditional beer tapping and live music. Family fun includes the 18th Hasepiehler Duck Race and a children’s festival filled with games. Bands like Montez and HELP! A Beatles Tribute will perform across multiple stages, creating a lively atmosphere.
Landstuhler Stadtfest (Sept. 6-8, 2024): Landstuhl’s City Festival features 18 bands, a DJ, and four show groups spread across four stages. Visitors can explore artisan booths and food stalls while enjoying a relaxed shopping experience during the open-shop day on Sunday.
Bad Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt (Sept. 6-9, 2024): The world’s largest wine festival, the Wurstmarkt, offers excellent local wines, delicious food and exciting market stalls. The festival kicks off with a place concert and a grand beer tapping ceremony on Friday, followed by performances, tastings and fireworks over the next two weekends.
Welcome fall in Rockenhausen (Sept. 5-9, 2024): Rockenhausen celebrates its 75th autumn festival with live music, wine tasting, and a park picnic on Thursday. Don’t miss the first-ever Rockie’s Kids Run on Saturday, a traditional parade, triathlon and fireworks. Enjoy the local Weindorf, artisan stands, and festivities for all ages.
Ready for a Klapp-off? (Sept. 7, 2024): Get ready for the quirky and beloved Klapprad-Cup, a challenging yet fun race up the highest peak in the Haardtrand on gearless folding bikes. This year’s race brings out hundreds of Klappradlers dressed in aviation-inspired costumes. The first official “flight” takes off at 3 p.m. as riders, donning their creative outfits and vehicles, race to the top, where the best costumes will be celebrated.
Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Exhibition (Aug. 23 – Nov. 3, 2024): Don’t miss the world’s largest pumpkin exhibition at Ludwigsburg Palace. From August to November, the Baroque in Bloom Palace Gardens host a spectacular display of 450,000 pumpkins and 600 varieties. Marvel at elaborately carved sculptures and indulge in pumpkin-based dishes like soup, waffles, and the local favorite Maultaschen (ravioli)
Pumpkins, squash and gourds are on display at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival on Sept. 1, 2024. (Ann Pinson/Stars and Stripes)
Carved figures are on display at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival on Sept. 1, 2024. (Ann Pinson/Stars and Stripes)
The gardens of the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace provide a backdrop for the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival on Sept. 1, 2024. (Ann Pinson/Stars and Stripes)
Anything missing? Let us know at eurodesk@stripes.com
September 5, 2024 14:42
