Leverkusen Carnival Parades 2027 – Dates, Routes & Tips

Welcome to the Leverkusen Carnival Parades 2027 in Leverkusen

Between Women’s Carnival Day and Rose Monday, the Leverkusen Carnival Parades 2027 move through five districts: Hitdorf (5 February), Schlebusch (6 February), Wiesdorf and Lützenkirchen (7 February), and Opladen (8 February). Colourful walking groups, floats and bands keep Rhineland street carnival alive – admission is free everywhere. Local carnival societies and the Festausschuss Leverkusener Karneval (FLK) organise the parades; current routes and road closures are published on lust-auf-leverkusen.de.

Highlights & Attractions at Leverkusen Carnival Parades in Leverkusen

• Five separate parades in Hitdorf, Schlebusch, Wiesdorf, Lützenkirchen and Opladen – each with its own route, motto and local club culture.
• Free street carnival: sweets (Kamelle), flower bouquets (Strüssjer) and costumes for spectators of all ages.
• Hitdorf on Friday, 5 February 2027, start around 14:33 – the “Hetdörper Schull- und Veedelszoch” with about 1,500 participants in many groups.
• Schlebusch on Saturday, 6 February 2027, start around 13:33 – the “Schliebijer Schull- un Veedelszoch” of KG Grün-Weiß Schlebusch with over 1,000 active participants.
• Wiesdorf and Lützenkirchen on Sunday, 7 February 2027 (starts around 13:33 and 14:11) – a city parade with thousands of onlookers and a smaller, family-style parade in Holzhausen.
• Opladen on Rose Monday, 8 February 2027, start around 14:11 – the main Rose Monday parade with floats, music and dance groups; family viewing areas including along Kanalstraße.
• Rhineland tradition from Women’s Carnival to Rose Monday: costumes, sweets and neighbourhood spirit in Leverkusen’s districts.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

Session 2026/27 peaks in early February 2027. Typical start times (subject to change – check shortly before): Hitdorf Friday 14:33 (roundabout Ringstraße/Hitdorfer Straße); Schlebusch Saturday 13:33; Wiesdorf Sunday 13:33 (e.g. Ludwig-Erhard-Platz / Friedrich-Ebert-Straße toward the pedestrian zone); Lützenkirchen Sunday 14:11 (junction Dohrgasse/Auf dem Bruch, no motorised floats); Opladen Rose Monday 14:11 (Volhardstraße/Kölner Straße via Opladener Platz, Kanalstraße, Altstadtstraße). Session mottos include “Oh Fasteleer, ich lieb dich sehr” (Wiesdorf) and “Vürhang op, dat Spill jeit loss, Opladen fiert hück janz jroß” (Opladen). Routes and closures are announced by the city and organisers in good time; changes may still occur.

Tickets & Admission for Leverkusen Carnival Parades Leverkusen

The Leverkusen Carnival Parades are public and free – no tickets are required. Watching from the roadside is free of charge. Indoor sessions, prince proclamations or sing-along concerts (e.g. “Leverkusen singt”) may be ticketed separately and are not part of the street parades. You can support the parades through donation campaigns and benefit events for the festival committee and local clubs. Official info and calendar: lust-auf-leverkusen.de and leverkusenerkarneval.de.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Leverkusen

• Getting there: Leverkusen is well served by S-Bahn/regional rail (e.g. Leverkusen Mitte, Opladen) and bus; on parade days expect closures and diversions – arrive early and use public transport. City-centre parking is limited; in Wiesdorf the car park under the elevated motorway may be restricted on Bayer 04 match days.
• Weather and clothing: Early February is often cold, wet and windy. Wear warm layers, sturdy shoes, a rain poncho and a costume over warm base layers; bring a bag for sweets for children.
• Where to stay: Book hotels and guesthouses in Leverkusen, Cologne or the Bergisches Land early if you plan several parade days. Many visitors come from the region and travel on the day.
• Families: All parades are family-friendly; Lützenkirchen is especially small and neighbourhood-based, Opladen has designated family areas. Keep clear of floats and respect barriers.
• Tradition: Women’s Carnival opens street carnival; Rose Monday is the peak. Costume is welcome but not mandatory. Check official sites and the City of Leverkusen for final routes, closures and safety notes shortly before each parade.