This weekend, Idar-Oberstein shows how closely art, culture and craftsmanship can be linked. Whether you're a quiet observer, an enthusiastic family or a curious stroller - there's something for everyone here. And best of all: admission is free. The event is rounded off by an open Sunday, when retailers in the Oberstein district invite you to enjoy a leisurely shopping trip from 11 am to 6 pm.
Market
Visitors can experience the fascinating world of gemstones and minerals as well as the variety of different pieces of jewelry at the 50 or so stands of this unique market. Whether you are looking for individual jewelry design, high-quality gemstones or inspiration for your jewelry box, you will find everything your heart desires on the market grounds below the Felsenkirche. Artisan demonstrations of jewelry making and gemstone processing make a visit to the market a special experience for the whole family.
Street theater
In addition, Oberstein's city center is once again dedicated to street art. International artists transform stages, squares and street corners into lively backdrops, bringing their skills to the cobblestones in the open air - directly to the people.
Poetic moments, comic encounters, artistic amazement and spontaneous interactions arise between the market stalls, fountains and shop windows. The pedestrian zone becomes a stage for jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, puppeteers and wordless poetry. There is dancing, juggling, music and improvisation - the audience becomes part of the production.
What makes the festival in Idar-Oberstein so special is its proximity. Artists mingle with passers-by, performances start out of nowhere, art happens in the middle of a stroll. It is not the grand spectacle that counts here, but the direct contact, the fleeting moment that enchants. It is a festival for all generations that invites you to marvel, laugh and join in.
Enrico Gracias and Fissa Papa Orchestra - "La Fafara": A rousing cumbia-rock-caliente foursome that activates the laugh muscles and turns the street into a seething dance floor! Their musical credo: old cumbias, timeless jazzy hits, calypsos, hot rock.
Txema Muñoz - "comedy magic": magic combined with the poetry of the wordless clown. Fantasy becomes choreography: a cup appears, coins jingle in pockets, spoons slide out of sleeves as if by magic - absurd, playful, surprising.
OMÂ - "One-Woman-Circus-Show": multilingual with humor, poetry and juggling, exploring themes such as origin, identity and privilege. Inspired by the imaginary meeting of her Iranian and East Frisian grandmothers, the artist plays with clichés - and herself.
Roikkuva - "Cosmic Carousel": a poetic circus play that tells of failure and hope with music, magic and humor. Five bizarre characters between tragedy and comedy - in the midst of failed magic tricks, wobbly tightrope dances and powerful improvisations.
Elias Soap Bubbles - "Soap Bubble Show": huge bubbles, smoke bubbles and even people in soap bubbles! Elias conjures up a dazzling spectacle for young and old - accompanied by music and lots of amazement.
Mlle Prr - "Oracle to go!": Oracle in the middle of the hustle and bustle - shrill, charming and surprising. Whether gummy bears, pig throwing or crystal ball: no means is too crazy for the master to receive answers from the beyond. Her prophecies are full of humor, magic and confetti.
Sisters of Soap: three dirt-loving sisters in once-white dresses cruise through the pedestrian zone on BMX bikes. With soap, water and towels, they create a surprising, visual moment of care and poetry in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
Cuchufleta - "Walkact": As if resurrected from the moss-covered forest floors, the forest spirits walk on stilts and spread nature messages. Full of poetry and compassion, with an invitation to listen to nature, its inhabitants and their stories.
The Beez - "Rock'n Roll on a school trip": The Beez from Australia bring a wild mix of their own songs and surprising cover versions to the stage: from blues to Balkan, from funk to Freddy Mercury, from pop to punk.
Information on
The gemstone cutters' and goldsmiths' market is an event organized by the Schmuckkultur Idar-Oberstein e. V. association. The stalls are open on Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. The Idar-Oberstein Cultural Office's street theater program starts at 1 pm on both days. The event is supported by Kreissparkasse Birkenfeld, OIE AG, Bürkle Stiftung, Globus Idar-Oberstein and the Ministry for Family, Women, Culture and Integration. Further information and the street theater schedule can be found at www.schmuck-kultur.com.