Event Details
Welcome to the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt 2026
From 11 to 21 September 2026, Bad Dürkheim once again celebrates its famous Wurstmarkt. Despite its name (literally "sausage market"), the festival is really all about Palatinate wine: with roots dating back to 1417, the town claims the title of the world's largest wine festival. Around 300 wines and sparkling wines, 36 traditional wheelbarrow stands ("Schubkarchstände") and a wine village with 13 wine tents and four food tents await visitors on the Brühlwiesen festival grounds, right next to the famous Dürkheim Giant Barrel.
Highlights
- Over 300 wines and sparkling wines from local Dürkheim vineyards
- 36 traditional wheelbarrow wine stands with long communal tables
- Official opening with a ceremonial barrel tapping
- Two large firework displays
- Literary morning gathering and wine tasting in the Jupiter Ferris wheel
- Music and family activities across the festival grounds
- Free entry to the entire festival site
Program
The 2026 Wurstmarkt runs in two blocks: from 11 to 15 September and from 18 to 21 September. In between lies the so called Zwischenmarkt on 16 and 17 September, when only part of the stands stay open. The official opening with the ceremonial barrel tap takes place on Friday, 11 September, around 6:00 PM, though some rides start earlier at midday. On all other festival days, the grounds open by 11:00 AM at the latest, and service continues until the last guest leaves. The program traditionally includes two large firework displays, a literary morning gathering and the popular wine tasting inside the Jupiter Ferris wheel, a long standing fixture of the festival.
Tickets
Access to the entire festival grounds is free. Payment happens directly at the wheelbarrow stands and wine tents; a quarter liter of wine or a wine spritzer typically costs a few euros, with exact 2026 prices set individually by the winegrowers. Separate fees may apply for fairground rides and special programs such as the Ferris wheel wine tasting.
Visitor Tips
- Traveling by public transport is strongly recommended by the city.
- Drivers should follow the signposted parking system; around 3,700 parking spaces are available during the festival.
- Wednesday and Thursday (Zwischenmarkt) offer a quieter visit with a reduced selection of stands.
- Arrive early on weekends, as the festival grounds get particularly crowded.
- Bring cash for the wheelbarrow stands, as card payment is not accepted everywhere.
