Graphic of The city of Kaiserslautern, Germany and St. Martin’s church lit up at night (Photo provided by Dennis Keck-Adobe Stock )
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For the whole year of 2026, Kaiserslautern is celebrating 750 years! This includes repainting 10 of the city’s fish statues, plus many events throughout the year.
Kaiserslautern is a unique and beloved city. With origins in medieval times as a “Barbarossa City,” it has proved its strength, surviving major destruction during the Thirty Years’ War and heavily targeted bombing during WWII. The city has become a “City of Science” and a high-tech IT hub and hosts a large U.S. military community.
One legend that originates in Kaiserslautern suggests that in the late 1400s a 20-foot, 350 lb. pike fish was caught in the former Imperial Pond, called the Kaiserwoog. It is said that the pike carried a golden ring from Emperor Friedrich II that was inscribed with the date 1230, marking it as the first to be placed in the lake. This legend inspired the fish used on Kaiserslautern’s town seal and coat of arms. And later, in 2001, city organizations, schools and artists designed colorful fish sculptures for the “Fishing for Fantasy” project that can be spotted throughout the city.
The pike inspired the fish used for Kaiserslautern’s coat of arms (Ahmed-Adobe Stock )
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This year, the city is bringing the project back. The existing collection of city fish will be cleaned and 10 were selected to get a brand-new look. Two sculptures will be designed with the official anniversary colors (red and white), one sculpture will be redesigned by a secondary school, and the remaining seven fish’s new designs will be determined through proposals. The city took submissions until March 31. In April, the community will vote on which designs will be used.
Koi fish from the pond in Kaiserslautern’s Japanese Garden (Katie Wells)
If you’d like to see where all the fish statues are located, visit the Lauter Knowledge interactive map. To get to know the city better, visit some of these important sites.
Ruins of Hohenecken Castle in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany (Lapping Pictures-Adobe Stock)
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It’s not too late to participate in the celebration. Visit the KL 750 website, to submit a creative idea, story or contribution to the city. From a club event to a song, all contributions are welcome.
Listed below are just a few highlights from Kaiserslautern’s yearlong celebration, visit the KL 750 website for all the events. For other activities in the city such as musical performances, theater, art shows and tours, check the city’s event calendar.
APRIL
Kaiserslautern Through the Eyes of Children | April 17–Sept 19
Children are invited to write and draw on small pennants the things they like about Kaiserslautern or their favorite place. On Sept. 19, 2026, during the Children’s Old Town Festival, there will be another chance to decorate pennants. The pennants will be displayed throughout the city the following week during Children’s Rights Week.
Culinary Hike to Humberg Tower | April 18-19
With eight stations of culinary specialties and regional wines along the way, info booths about the forest and musical programs, this leisurely hike is a lovely way to spend the day. At the first station you can get a Wine Pass, and after completing it, you can enter a raffle to win prizes.
Walking up to the Humberg Tower in Autumn. (Katie Wells)
16th Weekly Market Festival | April 25
The market at the Stiftsplatz is a weekly staple for many Kaiserslautern residents, where they can pick up fresh produce, flowers, meats and more. The festival will have music, special offers and culinary highlights.
MAY
May is especially packed with events and guided tours, including music and medieval themes.
This Land is Your Land | May 9
It’s the annual German-American Friendship Day and music is the way to celebrate! Kaiserslautern is celebrating 750 years, and the U.S is celebrating 250. This musical program will take listeners on a journey with a wide range of American music through the ages.
Book Launch: Soundtrack of a City | May 13
At the Fruchthalle, the editors Mathias Aicher, Christina Bacher and Michael Halberstatd discuss “Soundtrack of a City” and Kaiserslauterns’ music scene from the 1960s to 1990s. There will be photos, a panel discussion, live music and a book signing.
Anniversary Film: “Lauterer Stories” | May 14
Natives from Kaiserslautern have made a 90-minute film that answers the question “Isn’t Kaiserslautern actually a lovable and livable city?” See the city through the lens of those who live here.
Senior Citizens’ Week Opening | May 18
At this special event, Mayor Beate Kimmel will open Senior Citizens’ Week. Enjoy songs sung by the Schubert Choir of Kaiserslautern.
Wine in the Park | May 22-25
Sipping wine on the grass (SDF_QWE-Adobe Stock)
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Listen to music, dance in the countryside and sip carefully selected wines from the Palatinate at the Volkspark.
JUNE
Summer Ball | June 20
At the Fruchthalle, you’re invited to a night of glamor, live music, dancing and show acts. The motto is “UniverCity” with the promise of an intergalactic evening.
ARTWALK | June 25-27
At multiple locations spread across the city, artists and other initiatives will put on programs for visitors to admire and take part in.
JULY
Musical City Tour | July 2 and 5
This city tour covers music in Kaiserslautern from the 1960s–1990s. Follow the steps of musicians and bands that emerged from Kaiserslautern.
AUGUST
RPR1. On Tour Together with the Rheinpfalz Newspaper | Aug. 15
Listen to culture and sport talk in Kaiserslautern and other fun interviews, play Wheel of Fortune and other games, and meet the local editorial team.
Medieval-themed tours | Aug. 29
Enjoy a medieval-themed tour (Anna Ritter (Adobe Stock))
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On this Saturday, there are seven different medieval-themed tours that take in particular aspects of life during the Middle Ages.
SEPTEMBER
Children’s Old Town Festival | Sept. 19
This family festival is held to celebrate Children’s Rights Week. There will be fun activities and experiments to participate in. There will also be clowns, magic and dancing. Keep an eye out for the pennant you made.
Thanksgiving Harvest Festival | Sept. 26
Shop the weekly market for Thanksgiving staples like squash and pumpkins. This harvest festival will have culinary highlights, special offers and music.
Night of Crafts | Sept. 26
At this open workshop, all ages can learn how to create exciting crafts.
OCTOBER
Sunday Shopping | Oct. 18
Enjoy an extra day to shop this week from stores that are usually closed on Sundays.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Kaiserslautern Advent | Nov. 17–Dec. 23
Kaiserslautern Christmas Market (Katie Wells)
A true tradition and wonderful way to close out KL’s 750th year, the Kaiserslautern Christmas market enjoy the cozy Christmas market along with a culture market at the Fruchthalle and an indoor market in the Edith Stein Haus.
Sunday Shopping | Nov. 29
Need to get last-minute Christmas gifts? Enjoy an extra day this week to shop at stores that are usually closed this Sunday.
