The Worms Summer of Culture 2026
There’s something going on in the Nibelungen city
Worms blossoms on April 11 and 12
Due to its geographical location, Worms is usually a few weeks ahead of most regions in Germany when it comes to the weather. In other words, where elsewhere spring is still a little reluctant to sprout buds, the cherry and almond blossom in Rheinhessen beguiles the eyes from the beginning of March and seduces with its delicate fragrance. It goes without saying that the motto in April is “Worms blossoms”. The name says it all. Once again this year, numerous nurseries, florists, artisans, decorators and other businesses present their products and ideas for beautifying gardens, balconies and homes at “Worms blossoms”. As if that wasn’t enough nature in the city, the Parks Department and the municipal gardeners from the City of Worms’ waste disposal and construction company (ebwo) transform the numerous green spaces in the city center into a sea of flowers. Naturally, nothing is left to chance here and so there is of course a color theme – this year’s motto is “Orange-Purple-White”. A total of 40,000 flowers were planted in the fall and are now unfolding their blooms as temperatures rise. Added to this are 27,000 tulips in 18 varieties, which were also planted in the fall. All the plants were produced by the city nursery. Retailers will once again be open on Saturday, while Worms city center will be open on Sunday from 1 to 6 pm.
The Lutheranlage offers a wide range of play opportunities for children. Regional car dealerships will be presenting their latest models on the market square. In front of the Holy Trinity Church, visitors can find out about various e-bike models and get advice. Culinary delights are also on offer: From hearty dishes and sweet specialties to refreshing drinks, there is something for every taste. Of course, there will also be various wine stands. Catering and fairground businesses as well as local clubs also contribute to ensuring that the physical well-being is not neglected. The Worms fire department and the Worms DRK district association also present themselves at the Römischer Kaiser as part of a small “blue light mile”.
Wine mile in Worms’ city wall moat from April 23 to 26
There was a time when wine was grown in the middle of Worms city center. But that is long gone. Today, only a small plot of land at the end of the city wall moat is a reminder of this tradition. This in turn goes by the name of Luginsland and is still cultivated by a Worms winery. Once a year, a few meters further on, from Wergers Eck to the Wormser Vinothek at the parking lot, winegrowers and visitors celebrate this winegrowing tradition at the so-called Wine Mile. Around twenty wineries present their products on this mile past the historic Luther monument.
At the same time, you have the opportunity to talk to winegrowers about their wines. Of course, it is also worth visiting the Wormser Vinothek on Parmaplatz or enjoying a refreshing spritzer or a Wormser beer from the Sander brewery. There is a special meeting point for children on the Platz der Partnerschaft with a bouncy castle and a program by SSC Trappenberg. Wine lovers can stroll around with the Bummelpass, which guarantees cashless enjoyment at every wine stand after purchase.
Vino et Musica from May 14 to 16 at the Helmut Kloos organic winery / Worms Horchheim
Helmut Kloos is a true Worms original. Not only was he the first winegrower in the Nibelungen city to convert his business to organic winegrowing back in the early 1990s, but his name also stands for culture and a mischievous, often quirky sense of humor. You will encounter both during a visit to the popular Vino et Musica farm festival in Worms-Horchheim. The festival traditionally kicks off on Ascension Day with a musical wine tasting in the morning. This is accompanied by small, lovingly prepared snacks. Those who prefer something more hearty can of course also enjoy a sausage fresh from the grill or other delicacies. Meanwhile, the winegrower himself tells you something about the wines served in his usual affectionate manner. The evening program of the next three days is also dedicated to wine enjoyment, but also to musical entertainment. Instead of information about the wine, there will be a program of rock, folk or even blues. Dancing is definitely encouraged on these evenings.
Spectaculum from May 15 to 17 in Wormser Wäldchen
Are you interested in the Middle Ages, would you like to experience field battles or find out which herbs are suitable as remedies and which as spices? Would you also like to experience a few hearty open-air concerts, enjoy a barbecue or practise shooting with a bow and arrow? Then the “Spectaculum” in Wormser Wäldchen is an absolute must for you. What once began as a small gathering of like-minded medieval fans is now known as the largest medieval market in south-west Germany. Every year, around 20,000 people make the pilgrimage to the expressly family-friendly festival, which impresses with equally family-friendly prices. Where else can you find an open-air event plus three large live concerts for less than 15 euros? Admittedly, you also have to have a soft spot for medieval rock. This year, Friday evening belongs to the band “Haggefugg”. Since 2015, the band has stood for energetic, honest medieval rock – handmade, down-to-earth and with plenty of oomph. With bagpipes and shawms in a rock line-up, Haggefugg makes the stage shake, while their own and traditional melodies are told in a fresh way. This is followed by a fire show that is absolutely worth seeing.
On Saturday evening, Koenix promise an absolutely crazy mix of music. The band Koenix from Switzerland delivers explosive medieval rock that gets straight to your feet. With bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, sitar, dulcimer and flutes, they combine folk and medieval rock with influences from electronica and ska – in several languages. The finale on Sunday afternoon once again belongs to “Spilldeyvel”. The medieval music group from the Trier region has stood for authentic, humorous and energetic shows since 2020. With many of their own songs, they will take you on a musical journey – from cheerful and danceable to melancholy and dreamy. The devilish musicians unleash their energy on stage with thundering drums, booming drums and lots of fun. In addition to the large main stage at the foot of the supposedly highest hill in Worms, the Äschebuggel, authentic medieval groups perform minnesongs and other songs on another side stage. The large area is again dominated by a merchants’ mile and various tent villages where life in the Middle Ages can be observed. For the past two years, the “Fafnir Cup”, a national full-contact invitational tournament of the Iron League, has also been held during the Spectaculum.
Rhine Cycling on May 17 between Oppenheim and Worms
If you’re not feeling medieval this weekend, you can of course hop on your bike and take part in the Rhine Cycling event. The EWR-RheinRadeln is the largest active festival in Rheinhessen and once a year transforms the old Bundesstraße 9 (B9) into a gigantic adventure mile for cyclists, skaters and pedestrians. Over a distance of around 25 kilometers between Worms and Oppenheim, the asphalt belongs entirely to the non-motorized participants. The road will be completely closed to motor traffic. The special thing about the Rhine Cycle is not just riding on the open road, but also the huge supporting program. Numerous wineries, clubs and restaurants in the towns along the route (such as Guntersblum, Alsheim and Mettenheim) invite you to take a break with regional specialties and Rhine-Hessian wine. Radio stations and local bands provide live music on several large stages. There will be hands-on activities, competitions and information stands.
Whitsun market from May 23 to 31 on the Kisselswiese fairground
For nine days, the fairground directly on the banks of the Rhine is transformed into a colorful world of thrills, enjoyment and conviviality. As a classic family folk festival, the Whitsun market combines modern fairground rides with the cozy atmosphere of a historic merchants’ mile. An integral part of the program is the popular family day (usually on Thursday), which attracts visitors with reduced prices and special offers. Another visual highlight is the traditional balloon glow, which creates a magical backdrop on the Rhine at nightfall.
Culture night on June 13, 2026 Worms city center
Culture is a reflection of society. With this in mind, Worms shows a creative urban society at its annual Culture Night, which is just as good at painting as it is at literature, drama and music. At the same time, Worms city center shows its most attractive side on this night. Relaxed people linger in atmospheric locations between the Museum of the City of Worms in the Andreasstift, St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Heylshof Museum and the synagogue. Neighborhood associations, such as the Hamburger Tor in Worms’ old town, celebrate the communal character of a street festival on a warm summer night, while bands pass the baton to each other on the Obermarkt in the heart of the city center to transform the square into a single concert arena. In short, a night as diverse as life itself.
“The Hun Queen” – Nibelung Festival from July 17 to August 2
“British eccentricity meets German myth” is what I wrote about the performance of the play “The Hun Queen” as part of my work for WO! the Worms city magazine. This insight refers to the fact that for the first time in the 24-year history of the Nibelungen Festival, a creative team from the British Isles is taking over the artistic destiny of the Nibelungen. The play, in which Brünhild takes center stage as the titular “Queen of the Huns”, is written and directed by Oliver Lansley and James Seager. They are best known in the UK as the founders of the theater company “Les enfants terribles”. This stands above all for crazy, visually intoxicating productions. In their own words: “Known for our striking visual aesthetic and innovative use of props, puppetry and live music, we constantly strive to explore new ways of telling stories and immersing our audiences in the weird and wonderful worlds we create in our shows.”
As the title suggests, the story centers on Kriemhild, who becomes Queen of the Huns at King Etzel’s court and, how could it be otherwise, naturally craves revenge. She is prepared to set the world on fire to achieve this. Retelling the familiar in a new way is also the challenge that appeals to Lansley and Seager: “Working on the epic, rich and complex story of the Nibelungs and adding our own to the long line of great interpretations is an exciting challenge”. At the same time, they promise: “As English theater makers, we want to approach this famous German saga with all the enthusiasm and energy, but also with the creative respect it deserves.” While the secret of the cast and further details about the performance will not be revealed until the end of April, it has already been announced in the meantime that a prominent musical guest will be appearing on stage. The successful singer Alice Merton, together with the experienced stage composer Alexander Wolfe, will provide the musical accompaniment for this journey into the heart of darkness.
The photos for the article are from the production “Lake of Ashes” from the year 2025
Jazz and Joy from August 21 to 23 around St. Peter’s Cathedral
The festival has been one of the region’s top festivals for 35 years. As the name suggests, jazz plays a not insignificant role. Over time, however, the festival has developed a great passion for life’s joyful moments. Spread over four stages around Worms Cathedral, the audience has the opportunity to listen to around 30 bands over the weekend. This year’s program once again promises top-class musical enjoyment. The best way to sum it up is in the words of the organizing culture and event company: “While Vincen García impresses as one of the most sought-after bass virtuosos of the present day with his high-energy funk and fusion grooves, Emma Smith brings the glamour of the London jazz scene to Worms.
With MUNDAY, analog warmth meets clear, modern pop with driving live grooves and melodic hooks that stay in your ears. With deep bass lines and soulful finesse, the VRONI FRISCH BAND provides real goosebump moments. The South West Oldtime All Stars are fully committed to the authentic sound of early jazz. Minimalist precision and cinematic jazz moments of rare intensity are provided by Kalkyl.” Of course, this is by no means the complete program, such as Thomas D & the KBCS. Yes, exactly the Thoma D. from the Fantas. In addition to the official festival program, there will also be a special concert on the largest stage on the market square, which is not included in the weekend ticket. This year, the successful German pop singer-songwriter Clueso will be performing. He will of course be bringing his new album “Deja Vu 1/2” with him, as well as plenty of hits such as the song “Zusammen”.
Backfischfest from August 28 to September 6 at the Kisselswiese fairground
For most people in Worms, the wine and folk festival on the Kisselswiese not far from the banks of the Rhine is nothing less than the ultimate party highlight of the year. For nine days, the festival recalls the customs of the long-gone fishermen’s guild in Worms. This tradition is brought to life above all by the traditional Fischerwääder e.V. association, which is an integral part of the Backfischfest and accordingly celebrates the smallest Kerb in south-west Germany in the immediate vicinity, the Kleine Fischerweide. Small not because it is only sparsely attended. Quite the opposite. Once a year, the small side street, which was once inhabited by fishermen, is transformed into a party mile with live music, conversations and delicacies for one evening. This is when the Fischerwääderkerb is traditionally celebrated on a Wednesday. Marquees on the fairground invite you to a varied program with a changing program for nine days, including wine tastings, live music and DJ parties. On the square, a colorful mix of rides provides thrills or simply fun.
