Event Details
Welcome to the German Wine Harvest Festival 2026 in Neustadt an der Weinstraße
From Friday, 25 September to Sunday, 12 October 2026, the entire city centre of Neustadt an der Weinstraße transforms into an 18-day festival island. The Deutsches Weinlesefest is Germany's largest wine harvest festival and one of Europe's most celebrated wine events. With roots stretching back to 1935, it brings together Palatinate cuisine, fine wines, live music and traditional parades for visitors from around the world.
Highlights 2026
- Palatinate Wine Village "Haiselscher": 25 September to 12 October 2026 – the festival's centrepiece with regional specialities and live stage acts
- Election and Coronation of the German Wine Queen: Final on 25 September 2026 at the Neustadter Saalbau
- Election of the 88th Palatinate Wine Queen: 2 October 2026
- w.i.n.e.FESTival with Mirror Palace "Bon Vivant" at Hetzelplatz: 2 to 12 October 2026
- Fairground with Ferris wheel, chain swing and rides: 2 to 12 October 2026
- Sparkling Wine Day: 3 October 2026
- Young Winemaker Matinée: 4 October 2026, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- 60th Great Palatinate Wine Tasting: 10 October 2026
- Grand Winemaker Parade with over 100 floats: Sunday, 11 October 2026 from 1:30 PM
The Palatinate Wine Village Haiselscher
The Palatinate Wine Village "Haiselscher" is the soul of the festival, open throughout the entire event from 25 September to 12 October. Wine bars, private booths and a Mediterranean garden invite visitors to relax and enjoy. RPR1 provides the live stage entertainment. Here, Palatinate hospitality meets fresh wines poured directly by local winemakers, accompanied by regional specialities including Saumagen, Flammkuchen and Leberkäse.
The Grand Winemaker Parade
The Grand Winemaker Parade on Sunday, 11 October 2026 is the spectacular closing highlight of the festival. Starting at 1:30 PM, the procession features over 100 lavishly decorated floats, folk costume groups and marching bands moving through the city centre. The crowned German Wine Queen and Palatinate Wine Royalty ride on magnificent floats along the parade route. Admission to the parade is free of charge.
Tickets & Admission
The Palatinate Wine Village Haiselscher, the city centre programme and the Grand Winemaker Parade are all free to attend. Tickets are required for selected special events: the Election of the Palatinate Wine Queen costs €39.00 and the Young Winemaker Matinée €14.00 (door price: €16.00). Tickets for the Sparkling Wine Day and other events are available via the official website.
Visitor Tips
- For the Grand Winemaker Parade on 11 October, arrive early to claim a good spot along the route.
- Travel by train is recommended; Neustadt an der Weinstraße is well connected via the Rhine-Neckar regional rail network.
- Book accommodation several months in advance, especially for the parade weekend when capacity fills up fast.
- The historic steam train "Kuckucksbähnel" offers scenic rides through the Elmstein Valley throughout the festival period.
- Those wishing to attend the German Wine Queen election on 25 September should secure tickets well in advance.
