🗺️ Wine celebrations in Rhineland-Palatinate: nine festivals in 2026 with dates and entry

Autumn in Rhineland-Palatinate smells like young wine. From August 7 to October 4, the region hosts a series of wine festivals, and each one draws tens of thousands of visitors.

We picked nine festivals from Mainz to Bad Dürkheim. For each one, you'll find the exact 2026 dates, how to get to the venue, and the main tastings. One festival runs for two weekends, another stretches for almost two weeks, and that changes your plans.

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What these festivals are and when they run

💡 In short:

Rhineland-Palatinate has six wine regions: Mosel, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Nahe, Mittelrhein, and Ahr.
The festivals run from August 7 to October 4, 2026.
Dates and admission: 09/2026, according to the Rhineland-Palatinate wine festival calendar

Pink Landtag building of Rhineland-Palatinate in Mainz

Rhineland-Palatinate produces most of Germany's wine. Six wine regions stretch from the Mosel through Rheinhessen to the Pfalz, and nearly every one holds its own festival (as of 09/2026, general festival calendar). Riesling remains the main variety here, but Müller-Thurgau and Grauburgunder are also grown.

It's best to check dates in advance: some festivals are held in two rounds, and in between the town goes about its normal life. A common feature of almost all venues is that they're open-air, so rain changes the evening program.

The festivals come in different formats. In Mainz you stroll through a park with a glass of wine, in Bernkastel-Kues a procession with fireworks fills the old town, and in Bad Dürkheim a huge fair operates around the wine tents. Below you'll find all nine in order, with dates and details.

Festival	2026 dates	What it's known for
Weinmarkt Mainz	August 27-30 and September 3-6 (site)	a wine walk through the park
Weinfest der Mittelmosel, Bernkastel-Kues	September 3-7 (official)	300 meters of wine street and fireworks
Winzerfest Bingen	August 28 - September 7 (Winzerfest dates)	musical fireworks over Burg Klopp
Weinfest Boppard	September 25-28 and October 2-4 (Weinfest Boppard dates)	Riesling from Bopparder Hamm
Heimat- und Weinfest Cochem	August 27-31 (Cochem dates)	fireworks over the Moselle
Rotweinfest Ingelheim	September 26 - October 4 (official site)	tastings at Burgkirche
Backfischfest Worms	August 29 - September 6 (program)	big Festumzug and fried fish
Deidesheimer Weinkerwe	August 7-11 and August 14-18 (Weinkerwe dates)	Woigass wine street
Wurstmarkt Bad Dürkheim	September 11-15 and September 18-21 (city of Bad Dürkheim)	Weindorf and the 610th fair

1. Weinmarkt Mainz

Weinmarkt Mainz takes place in Stadtpark and Volkspark. In 2026, the festival is being held for the 90th time, and around 300,000 people visit the grounds over the course of the season (As of: 09/2026, mainzer-weinmarkt.de). The grounds are split into two parts: in the city park people drink and taste, while concerts and a crafts market take place in the Rosengarten.

Many visitors come specifically for the Schlenderweinprobe wine walk. You go from stand to stand and taste Riesling, Grauburgunder, and rosé directly from the winemakers. Tickets for the walk are sold in limited quantities: at the info stand by the Flamingoteich and in the mainz STORE online shop (As of: 09/2026, Mainz tourism portal).

The stands are run by winemakers from Rheinhessen and neighboring regions, so in one evening you can compare not just one estate but dozens at once. New vintages are poured generously here, and the sellers themselves offer tastes of wines that haven't reached stores yet (As of: 09/2026, Weinmarkt Mainz program).

Music rounds out the tastings. The RPR1 stage and the Sektfest stage have performances on both weekends, and kids stay busy on the lawn by the Flamingoteich (As of: 09/2026, music program). On Saturdays and Sundays, the Künstlermarkt with handmade crafts runs in the Rosengarten.

Getting there from the station is easy: Mainzer Mobilität buses go straight to the grounds, and discounted tickets are available on weekends. Lines 62 and 92 to the Rosengarten stop work, as does the S-Bahn to the Römisches Theater stop (As of: 09/2026, Mainz transport).

When: August 27-30 and September 3-6, 2026, both weekends start on Thursday (As of: 09/2026, mainz.de).
Tickets: Schlenderweinprobe quantities are limited, so people look for tickets well in advance.
The catch: on weekends the stands get crowded, and tasting tickets sell out fast.

Book accommodation for both weekends early: hotels in Mainz on Trip.com.

2. Weinfest der Mittelmosel in Bernkastel-Kues

White building of St. Nicholas Hospital in Kues

Weinfest der Mittelmosel runs for five days and draws around 20,000 guests (As of: 09/2026, bernkastel.de). The small town with its half-timbered houses fills up completely during these days, so hotels in Bernkastel-Kues are booked months in advance.

There's plenty to drink here. More than twenty wineries from over twenty Mosel communities bring their current vintages, and stands are set up at more than twenty locations (As of: 09/2026, Weinfest stands). Visitors taste Riesling and compare the styles of neighboring villages side by side.

Main program highlights:

Moselblümchen trifft Winzerkittel evening
reception and coronation of Mosella, the town's wine queen
a 300-meter wine street with music
wine hikes through the vineyards
fireworks on Saturday evening
the traditional Winzerfestzug
folk festival and crafts market

Vineyard hikes are offered again, for the second time: on September 4 and 5 at 2:00 PM, groups depart from Graacher Tor and walk with views of the town and the Moselle. The route covers viticulture, spots are limited, so registration is required (as of 09/2026, vineyard hikes).

The opening takes place on Thursday around 6:30 PM at Marktplatz. Many guests come in local costumes: women in the Moselblümchen-Tracht with a bodice, blouse, and skirt, men in the traditional Winzerkittel. A costume is not required, but those who wear one to the opening receive a small gift (as of 09/2026, costumes and opening).

On Friday at 8:00 PM, Mosella is expected: the wine queen rides onto Marktplatz on a carriage accompanied by two princesses, and with her come about twenty wine queens from other Moselle communities. The current Mosella is named Luna I, and she has held the title for two years (as of 09/2026, Mosella coronation).

The wine street remains the center of the festival throughout. On Thursday from 5:00 PM, it hosts Weinprobierabend, where small pours are even free, and Riesling is paired with local snacks and live music (as of 09/2026, Weinprobierabend).

The Winzerfestzug takes place on Sunday at 2:00 PM and goes through the old town. It is commented at three points: on Römerstraße, at Marktplatz, and near the bridge, and the procession includes wine queens, winemakers' associations, and music societies with their own floats (as of 09/2026, Winzerfestzug).

When: September 3-7, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Mittelmosel schedule).
Getting there: the nearest major station is Wittlich, then bus or along the river; parking in the town itself is scarce.
Who it's for: for those who want the old town, costumes, and fireworks in one day.
The catch: with 20,000 guests, the town gets crowded, and hotels get more expensive during the festival days.

It's best to book a night in the old part of town in advance: hotels in Bernkastel-Kues on Trip.com.

3. Winzerfest Bingen

Winzerfest in Bingen has been running for over sixty years and is considered one of the longest festivals on the Rhine: in 2026 it spans 11 days (as of 09/2026, Rhineland-Palatinate festival calendar). The main pours here are Grauburgunder and Riesling, including as Sekt.

The program doesn't pause for a single day. In the evenings, live bands play on the festival grounds, an amusement park operates in Hindenburganlage, and at the stands you can try local cuisine like Binger Bratwurst (as of 09/2026, Winzerfest program).

The main evening event remains the Musikprachtfeuerwerk above Burg Klopp. The fireworks are set to music, and the old town offers the best view. The second fixed item, the Festumzug on the second Sunday, winds through the city center.

The festival's quality has been officially recognized: Rheinhessenwein GmbH awarded it the "Ausgezeichnetes Weinfest" seal for its cuisine, wine, and overall organization (as of 09/2026, Ausgezeichnetes Weinfest seal).

When: August 28 - September 7, 2026 (as of 09/2026, 2026 schedule).
Getting there: Bingen sits on the Mainz - Koblenz line; the festival grounds are within walking distance of the station.
The catch: the musical fireworks are shown only once, so check the program for the exact date.

If you want to stay for a couple of days, hotels in Bingen on Trip.com can help you find an option near the center.

4. Weinfest Boppard

Bopparder Hamm vineyards above the Rhine

Boppard sits on a bend of the Rhine, and the Bopparder Hamm vineyards produce a Riesling the entire region takes pride in (as of 09/2026, Bopparder Hamm vineyards). Nearby they also grow Weissburgunder and Rosé-Spätburgunder, so the selection at the wine stand goes beyond a single variety.

The festival takes place on and around Marktplatz. Winemakers pour their Riesling, and you taste it directly from the producers. Music plays all evening, and the winemakers themselves are happy to talk about the harvest. The detailed 2026 program will be announced closer to the dates.

When: September 25-28 and October 2-4, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Boppard schedule).
How to get there: Boppard sits on the Mainz - Koblenz line, trains run along the Rhine, and the station is right next to the center.
The catch: the detailed program is published late, so check the opening hours of the stands before you go.

Hotels in Boppard on Trip.com are right by the Rhine line.

5. Heimat- und Weinfest Cochem

Cochem sits beneath its castle on the banks of the Moselle, and Heimat- und Weinfest has been held here for more than eighty years (as of 09/2026, festival history). The festival takes over Marktplatz, the old town, and the waterfront: wine stands, stages, and food stalls are set up there.

The wine is primarily local, from surrounding estates, but varieties from other regions are also brought in. It's easy to get around on foot, since all the venues are within the old town.

Two program highlights are known in advance. The Festumzug takes place on Sunday at 2:00 PM and winds through the alleys of the center. And at 10:00 PM the Brillant-Feuerwerk is launched: you'll see the fire reflected in the water while the castle is lit up from the slope (as of 09/2026, Cochem program).

A separate reason to visit Cochem awaits you in late autumn. Federweißenfest pours young, still-fermenting wine on October 30 and 31, and then on November 6 and 7, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Federweißenfest 2026).

When: August 27-31, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Cochem schedule).
How to get there: Cochem sits on the Moselle line from Koblenz, and Cochem station is right next to the old town.
The catch: in August the waterfront and alleys get crowded, especially in the evening hours.

If you want to watch the fireworks from a balcony, hotels in Cochem on Trip.com are worth booking with a view of the Moselle.

6. Rotweinfest Ingelheim

White Burgkirche of Ingelheim among trees and vineyards

The name is misleading: at Rotweinfest Ingelheim they pour not only red, but also white, rosé and grape Sekt. The festival takes place on the historic grounds around the Burgkirche in the Ober-Ingelheim district (as of 09/2026, ingelheim-erleben.de).

The festival's history goes back to the 1930s. Until 1932, the Ober-Ingelheimer Kerb filled the Marktplatz with noise, then a wine festival replaced it, and in 1948 the Rotweinfest as we know it today appeared (as of 09/2026, rheinhessen.de).

Today, carousels reminiscent of the Kirmes operate next to the wine stands again, and live music plays. You taste wine right by the Burgkirche, and the festival is opened by the reigning Rotweinkönigin and her two princesses. Since 2014, the organizers have used the "Ausgezeichnetes Weinfest" label, and in 2026 the festival runs for the 80th time (as of 09/2026, 80th edition).

When: September 26 - October 4, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Rotweinfest schedule).
How to get there: Ingelheim sits on the Rhine line between Mainz and Bingen; you can walk to the Burgkirche from Ingelheim station.
Who it's for: those who want tastings in a historic setting, not a fair.
The catch: the festival lasts nine days, and the main evening with the coronation falls on opening day.

It's best to look for accommodation near the Burgkirche in advance: Hotels in Ingelheim on Trip.com.

7. Backfischfest Worms

Backfischfest festival in Worms on the Rhine

Backfischfest is considered the largest folk and wine festival on the Rhine (as of 09/2026, backfischfest.de). The name comes from the Wormser Fischerzunft, Germany's oldest fishing guild: it was founded in 1106 (as of 09/2026, Fischerzunft guild).

In 2026, the festival runs for the 93rd time (as of 09/2026, worms-erleben.de). Venues are spread across the whole city: from Kisselswiese via Marktplatz to Wonnegauer Weinkeller.

The opening takes place on August 29 at Marktplatz. By tradition, the Wormser Barockbläserensemble performs as the guild march Stadtpfeifermarsch begins, and the "Bojemääschter vun de Fischerwääd" and his "Backfischbraut" receive the keys to the city for the duration of the festival and run affairs at the town hall (as of 09/2026, opening on August 29).

The Festumzug parade takes place on Sunday, August 30. At the front of the procession are the flag bearers, the city's Fanfarencorps, and the Fischerwääder-Verein with the "Bojemääschter" and his "Backfischbraut", along with the lord mayor and the Rhenish Hesse wine queen. In total, more than 80 groups march through the streets (as of 09/2026, Festumzug on August 30).

The finale is the Höhenfeuerwerk fireworks display on the Rheinpromenade. On the last day of the festival, you'll see the city lit up with colorful lights over the water, and it's the best evening to walk the entire route from one end to the other.

The 2026 program has not yet been officially announced in full, but every year the official opening at Marktplatz, the big Festumzug, the sparkling wine and wine tasting at Wonnegauer Weinkeller, and the big fireworks display all repeat (as of 09/2026, Backfischfest program).

When: August 29 - September 6, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Backfischfest schedule).
Getting there: Worms is on the Mainz - Ludwigshafen line; from the station you can walk to the center.
Who it's for: families with children: carousels, fried fish, and a big street festival.
The catch: the 2026 program has not yet been announced in full, so check the times for individual events.

Booking a night in central Worms is easier in advance: hotels in Worms on Trip.com.

8. Deidesheimer Weinkerwe

Historic town hall and St. Ulrich's Church in Deidesheim

Deidesheimer Weinkerwe has been running since 1972 and is considered one of the most visited festivals in the Palatinate (as of 09/2026, Palatinate calendar). In 2010, the German Wine Institute (DWI) named Deidesheim the pinnacle of wine culture.

The center of the festival is Bahnhofstraße: for two weekends it becomes a "Woigass" with rows of stands, Palatinate dishes, and wine from local estates. On August 7 you can catch the coronation of the wine queen, and on August 8 the "Kerwebuwe" perform on Marktplatz: they give a speech about the year's events, raise the "Kerwebaum," and parade down the street with songs (as of 09/2026, Deidesheim program).

When: August 7-11 and August 14-18, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Weinkerwe schedule).
How to get there: Deidesheim has its own station, and Bahnhofstraße is within walking distance.
The catch: Woigass only runs for two short weekends, so you'll have to choose between them.

Hotels in Deidesheim on Trip.com are useful if you want to make it to both weekends.

9. Wurstmarkt Bad Dürkheim

Panorama of Bad Dürkheim with tiled roofs and vineyard

Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim is considered the largest wine festival in the world (as of 09/2026, official Bad Dürkheim website). In 2026 it will be held for the 610th time, and wine has been flowing here for more than six centuries.

Despite the name, wine is still the main event: sausage is also served, but few people come here for it. The "Schubkarchstände" have become a festival classic: narrow wooden tables and benches where guests sit with a glass (as of 09/2026, bad-duerkheim-interaktiv.de). They serve Sekt and wine from Dürkheim vineyards, more than 300 selections every year.

Weindorf has been part of the festival since 1992. It features 13 wine tents with white, red, and grape Sekt, plus 4 food tents with Palatinate cuisine; live music, including jazz, is played in the tents (as of 09/2026, Weindorf).

The official opening takes place on September 11 on the stage at Michaeliskapelle am Gradierbau. The Eröffnungsspiel, a theatrical production about the festival's history, is performed there, and the Wurstmarktwinzermeister taps the barrel (as of 09/2026, Wurstmarkt opening).

The fireworks are scheduled for September 15 at 9:00 PM. Lights go up over the city while you ride the Jupiter Ferris wheel and watch the celebration from 50 meters up (as of 09/2026, fireworks September 15).

When: September 11-15 and 18-21, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Wurstmarkt schedule).
How to get there: Bad Dürkheim is on the Neustadt - Bad Dürkheim line; from the station you walk to the square.
Who it's for: anyone who wants the full scale: fairground, wine tents, and evening fireworks.
The catch: on weekends the entrance and Weindorf get very crowded, so arrive at opening time.

Hotels in Bad Dürkheim on Trip.com are best booked before September: during the fair there are almost no rooms left.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to wine festivals in Rhineland-Palatinate?

September gives you the densest calendar. The first weekend brings Winzerfest Bingen and Backfischfest Worms, mid-month Wurstmarkt Bad Dürkheim is running, and at the end Rotweinfest Ingelheim opens. August suits those who want to start the season earlier: that's when Cochem and Deidesheimer Weinkerwe take place (as of 09/2026, fall calendar).

How much does entry to wine festivals cost?

Entry to the festivals is generally free. You pay for wine, food, and individual tastings. At Weinmarkt Mainz, Schlenderweinprobe tickets are sold in limited numbers, and at Weinfest der Mittelmosel small pours are free on Thursday (as of 09/2026, entry and tickets).

Which festival should I choose with kids?

Worms and Bad Dürkheim are the most convenient. At Backfischfest there are carousels, and the opening and Festumzug take place during the day. In Bad Dürkheim, the wine is paired with a fairground and the Jupiter Ferris wheel with a view over the city from 50 meters up, and in Mainz kids have the lawn by Flamingoteich (as of 09/2026, Wurstmarkt program).

How do I get to the festivals without a car?

Almost all the towns are connected by rail. Mainz, Bingen, Boppard, and Worms sit on the line along the Rhine, Cochem lies on the Moselle line from Koblenz, and Deidesheim and Bad Dürkheim have their own stations. Bernkastel-Kues has no station of its own; you get there by bus from Wittlich station. From the station you can walk to the festival grounds or take a bus (as of 09/2026, wine festival calendar).

Where should I stay during the festival?

The widest choice is in Mainz, Worms, and Bingen. In Bernkastel-Kues and Cochem hotels sell out fast, so book several months ahead, especially during Weinfest der Mittelmosel and Heimat- und Weinfest Cochem (as of 09/2026, 2026 calendar).

In short: what to book

Wine festivals run until October 4, and the best plan depends on which weekend you have free.

If you have one day off in early September: go with Mainz, Bingen, or Worms.
If you want scale and a fairground: Bad Dürkheim in mid-September.
If you're drawn to costumes and fireworks: Bernkastel-Kues in early September.
If you want a quieter format: Boppard in late September.

All the venues are easy to reach by train, so book your tickets in advance on Trip.com.

When to go to the wine festival in Rhineland-Palatinate: nine dates from August to October 2026