(Kalmit Wine Festival Along the Affenschaukel)

When the vineyards around Kleine Kalmit transform into a festive event venue at the end of July, it means: Welcome to the Ilbesheimer Kalmitfest. On July 25 and 26, 2026, visitors in Ilbesheim near Landau can expect one of the most atmospheric and now legendary wine festivals of the Palatinate – right in the vineyards, with a wide view over the Southern Palatinate and a unique mix of regional delights, culture, and genuine Palatine joie de vivre. Under the motto "The Wine Experience Along the Monkey Swing," six wineries from the Gast & Wein association present their wines along the popular vineyard path below Kleine Kalmit. Visitors can look forward to creative dishes, relaxed music, and a distinctive ambiance. Among the offerings are tarte flambée, burger variations, tapas, buffalo mozzarella with basil pesto, or classic Palatine specialties – accompanied by excellent Ilbesheimer wines. This year, friends from the partner community of Chavot-Courcourt in Champagne will enrich the Kalmitfest with a fine selection of different Champagnes, creating a special German-French culinary experience along the Monkey Swing. A special highlight at the opening of the Kalmitfest this year is the presentation of the current Kalmit vineyard wine from large bottles. In addition, guests can expect a special Ilbesheimer Pinot Blanc tasting at the historical village center: On Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., a dedicated Pinot Blanc bar invites attendees to discover the variety of this grape variety. The calcareous soils around Kleine Kalmit provide ideal conditions for character-rich Pinot Blanc wines. Numerous Ilbesheimer winemakers present their personal interpretations of this popular grape variety – from fresh and fruity to powerful and elegant. Musically, the festival also provides genuine Palatinate feeling: The bands "Pälzer Helden" and "Max meets Marc" create a lively atmosphere along the Monkey Swing, adding to the summer festival vibe. The experience is complemented by art installations from artist Thierry Gangloff, whose sculptures made from old vineyard stones strikingly underline the connection between wine, landscape, and culture.

The festival weekend already kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. with a lively after-work party in the historical village center. There, live music, tarte flambée, and cool drinks invite a relaxed start. Local clubs offer various culinary delights and true Palatine hospitality during the festival weekend. On all event days, guests can also expect a varied lunch menu with numerous Palatine specialties and regional delicacies in the village center. The Ilbesheimer Kalmitfest was awarded the title of "Most Beautiful Wine Festival of the Palatinate" by Pfalzwein e.V. back in 2004 – a title that still holds true today. Amidst vineyards, wine enjoyment, and summer evening atmosphere, guests experience the Palatinate in its most authentic form.

Facts about the Kalmitfest 2026

Friday, July 24, 2026
• After-work party in the village center starting at 6 p.m.
• Live music starting at 7 p.m.
• Tarte flambée, winemaker sparkling wine, wine, and summer drinks

Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Official opening of the Kalmitfest at 2 p.m. at stand No. 1
• Opening of "Wine & More" in the village center from 11:30 a.m.
• Lunch menu, coffee & cake as well as numerous Palatine specialties
• Opening of the stands along the Monkey Swing starting at 2 p.m.
• Ilbesheimer Pinot Blanc tasting in the village center from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, July 26, 2026
• Opening of "Wine & More" in the village center from 11:30 a.m.
• Lunch menu, coffee & cake as well as numerous Palatine specialties
• Opening of the stands along the Monkey Swing starting at 12 p.m.
• Dialect church service at 10 a.m. in the village center
• Open church from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

General information
• Live music, art installations, and special culinary offers along the entire festival route
• Sturdy footwear recommended, as the area around the Monkey Swing is natural