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The program is dominated by a parade, a music night, and the anniversary of TG 1875
The Martinsviertel district is celebrating a special anniversary this year: the 75th Martinskerb festival place from September 12th to 15th, 2025. This folk festival has been an integral part of Darmstadt's cultural life since 1951. It was originally launched together with the Heinerfest as a symbol of a new beginning after the hardships of war and the post-war period.
The Kerb, colloquially known as "Watzeverdel," offers a diverse program even in its anniversary edition. Traditional highlights such as the grand parade, the "Watzemussiggnacht" with around 25 concerts, and the ecumenical church service on Sunday characterize the weekend.
Opening and anniversary of TG 1875
The festivities kick off on Friday evening with a small parade to Hahne-Schorsch-Platz and the raising of the Kerb wreath. At Riegerplatz, Mayor Hanno Benz will officially open the Kerb festival and present the Turngemeinde 1875 Darmstadt (Darmstadt Gymnastics Club) with a commemorative plaque marking its 150th anniversary. The club will be honored several times throughout the weekend. The band Funpluggers will provide musical accompaniment for the opening.
Program on Saturday
Saturday begins with a literary event: crime writer Michael Kibler will lead a reading on "Murder and Mayhem in the Martinsviertel." Afterwards, participants can enjoy a communal stew. The sporting activities continue with the traditional boules tournament in the Herrngarten. Simultaneously, families can enjoy the Kids' Fair with juggling, face painting, and other interactive activities. In the evening, live music and DJ sets are on the program, before the "Watzemussiggnacht" transforms the neighborhood's pubs into a large concert venue.
Festival Sunday with parade
The fair begins on Sunday with an ecumenical church service at Riegerplatz. A particular highlight is the parade through the Martinsviertel district starting at 2:30 p.m., for which residents are asked to keep the streets clear and decorate their houses. In the evening, live music will provide entertainment at the fairground.
Graduation on Monday
Traditionally, the fair ends on Monday – with a morning pint, anniversary free beer, an evening pint and music.
Notice for residents
The Martinsviertel district association asks all residents to keep the streets along the parade route clear on Sunday between 1:30 pm and 5 pm and to support the parade by decorating if possible.
Overview of the program for the 75th Martinskerb
Friday, September 12, 2025
- 6:15 p.m.: Small procession from Friedrich-Ebert-Platz to Hahne-Schorsch-Platz, raising of the Kerbekranz wreath
- 7:00 p.m.: Opening ceremony at Riegerplatz with the tapping of the first keg of beer, patron Frank Friedrich Grossmann, presentation of the honorary plaque to TG 1875, music: Funpluggers
Saturday, September 13, 2025
- 10:00 a.m.: Guided tour of the fair "Murder and Manslaughter in the Martinsviertel" with author Michael Kibler, meeting point Hahne-Schorsch-Platz
- 1 p.m.: Stew lunch for tour participants, Riegerplatz
- 2 p.m.: 23rd Watze-Boule Tournament (Herrngartenrondell) & Children's Flea Market around St. Martin's Church
- 3 p.m.: Kids' fair on Riegerplatz, juggler Till Pöhlmann, interactive show and face painting
- 4 p.m.: DJ music, courtyard of the former sports club Meusel, Kranichsteiner Str. 11
- From 7:00 PM: Kolonia Express
- 7:30 p.m.: Riegerplatz fairground, band Endorphine (party rock)
- 9 p.m.: 28th Watzemussiggnacht in around 25 restaurants in the Martinsviertel district
Sunday, September 14, 2025
- 10:00 a.m.: Ecumenical church service at Riegerplatz, followed by a traditional Bavarian brunch with pork knuckle and sauerkraut, music: DJ Tom
- 2:30 p.m.: Grand parade through the Martinsviertel district, followed by the presentation of parade medals
- 5:00 PM: Riegerplatz fairground, live music with Rediostix
Monday, September 15, 2025
- 11:00 a.m.: Traditional fair brunch in the Martinsstubb'
- 5:00–6:00 p.m.: Happy Hour, discounted prices at the drink stands, 150 glasses of anniversary free beer at the TG 75-Grohe stand
- 6:00 p.m.: Evening get-together at the festival grounds
The detailed program and information about the parade can be obtained from the Martinsviertel district association .
