76th edition from September 11th to 14th with parade, concerts and Watzemussiggnacht
From September 11th to 14th, 2026, Darmstadt's Martinsviertel district will once again be transformed into the "Watzeverdel" (a local term for a lively, festive area): The 76th Martinskerb festival will feature four days of music, parades, traditional events, and activities for all ages. Highlights include the grand parade on Sunday and the 29th Watzemussiggnacht (a night of music and entertainment) with more than 20 concerts on Saturday evening.
The Martinskerb festival, as it is known today, was revived in 1951 to mark the rededication of St. Martin's Church, which had been destroyed in World War II and subsequently rebuilt. This year, the festival celebrates its 75th anniversary since its revival . The Heinerfest festival also originated in 1951. Both festivals symbolized a new beginning after the war and postwar years.
The patron of this year's St. Martin's Fair and sponsor of the fair's commemorative medal is Karola Krichbaum, head of A&G Objektservice. The fair is organized by the Martinsviertel District Association (BVM) together with its fair committee, the TG 1875 sports club, and the fairground operators.
Opening ceremony with wreath and beer tapping
The Martinskerb festival opens on Friday, September 11th. At 6:15 pm, a small procession will proceed from Friedrich-Ebert-Platz to Hahne-Schorsch-Platz, where the festival wreath will be raised.
At 7 p.m., the official opening of the fair and the tapping of the first keg of beer will take place on Riegerplatz, with patron Karola Krichbaum. Afterwards, the band Rediostix.
Watzemussiggnacht with more than 20 concerts
The fair Saturday begins at 10 a.m. with a walking tour entitled "Hot City, Cool Head: Through the Martinsviertel with the Heinerboxes". The meeting point is Hahne-Schorsch-Platz. At 1 p.m., a stew lunch for participants will follow at Riegerplatz.
The 24th Watze Boule Tournament starts at 2 p.m. in the Herrngarten roundabout at the adventure playground. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Memory House of the Darmstadt Dementia Forum at Heinheimer Straße 54 will also be open. Starting at 3 p.m., the Kids' Fair on Riegerplatz will offer face painting and other activities for younger visitors.
In the evening, the band Endorphine will play at Riegerplatz starting at 7:30 p.m. At 9 p.m., one of the traditional highlights of the Martinskerb festival begins: the 29th Watzemussiggnacht, featuring concerts in more than 20 pubs and restaurants in the Martinsviertel district. This music night has been organized for over 25 years by former BVM chairman Michael "Chappi" Schardt.
Large fair parade on Sunday
Sunday , September 13th, begins at 10 a.m. with an ecumenical church service at Riegerplatz. Afterwards, there will be a morning get-together with music by DJ Feierfuchs.
The grand Kerb parade sets off at 2:30 p.m. The parade medals will be awarded at the end. A 90s party with DJ Danny follows at Riegerplatz starting at 5:00 p.m
Kerbemontag with “Uffgebassd” and Tobi Vorwerk
To conclude, the festivities begin on Monday, September 14th, at 11 a.m. with the traditional Kerbefrühschoppen (a morning gathering) in the Martinsstubb'.
From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., "Uffgebassd" feature an hour-long discussion on current events in the Martinsviertel district. Between 5 and 6 p.m., there will be a happy hour with discounted prices at the BVM and TG 75 beverage stands.
The evening get-together with DJ Feierfuchs begins at 5:30 p.m. on the festival grounds. Tobi Vorwerk will provide the musical finale to the 76th Martinskerb festival starting at 7 p.m. on Riegerplatz.
The Martinskerb 2026 at a glance
Dates: Friday, September 11th to Monday, September 14th, 2026
Location: Martinsviertel Darmstadt, central festival grounds on Riegerplatz
Friday: Small parade, opening of the fair and Rediostix
Saturday: Fair walk, Watze-Boule tournament, Kids' fair, Endorphins and 29th Watzemussiggnacht
Sunday: Festival church service, morning pint, large fair parade and 90s party
Monday: Fair morning pint, "Uffgebassd" (a local tradition), evening pint and Tobi Vorwerk
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
