Heppenheim Festival: A new start with a happy vineyard and lots of blood!

Heppenheim Festival: A new start with a happy vineyard and lots of blood!

Next weekend Heppenheim will be transformed into a winter wonderland! The St. Nicholas market not only promises a festive atmosphere, but also a great selection of handmade gifts, regional delicacies and an atmospheric supporting program. With mulled wine and pastries you will look forward to the coming holidays and enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere together.

But that's not all, because Heppenheim has a lot more to offer in the next few months: The famous Heppenheim Festival is fast approaching. Again Bergsträßer Anzeiger reports, the premiere of Carl Zuckmayer's “The Happy Vineyard” will take place on July 15, 2025 after a two-year Corona break. There is great excitement because the festive summer event is being held for the first time under the direction of Iris Stromberger, who, together with her husband, Ingo Schöpp-Stromberger, is approaching the planning full of energy.

Changes and innovations

For the coming season, the city of Heppenheim plans to increase the number of seats to give spectators a better view. This change will be particularly beneficial on the slope of the site. The city has also purchased new furniture, including 40 tables, 80 benches and comfortable chairs with backrests. Thanks to a generous permanent loan from the Sparkassenstiftung Starkenburg, these chairs are equipped with weatherproof and washable upholstery that can be easily attached with Velcro straps.

Mayor Rainer Burelbach emphasizes the fruitful cooperation between the operating company and the city. “The return of happiness to the Kurmainz district court is a positive sign after the difficult years,” said Burelbach. Not only is the premiere almost sold out, there is also great interest in the second production “Cash!”, which will be performed on July 22, 2025.

Program points and outlook

Overall, the open-air summer in Heppenheim is an exciting affair that includes numerous events: In addition to the festival, the Bergstrasse wine market, the Alley Sensations and the Starkenburg Festival are also part of the colorful program, as is the town fair, which will expand the festive framework. Despite a tight budget situation, the city has to reduce its financial commitment to these activities, which makes the future shape of the summer program uncertain Heppenheim Festival confirm.

The past few years under the direction of Iris Stromberger have already set a clear example, with an increasing number of visitors and effective productions. The mayor is optimistic about the future, as the temporary break in 2026 could create space for new planning for 2027.

All this anticipation about the festival and experiencing the St. Nicholas Market makes it clear that Heppenheim still has many highlights in store. Whether it's sipping mulled wine or looking forward to the open-air events in summer, the city knows how to make people's hearts beat faster!