Cannstatter Volksfest

Name: Cannstatter Volksfest
Start: 2025-09-25
End: 2025-10-11
Location: Stuttgart

Stuttgart’s Autumn Festival of Tradition, Flavor, and Community

2025/09/25 - 2025/10/11

Every autumn, Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Wasen fairgrounds burst into life with the opening of the Cannstatter Volksfest, filling the air with vibrant decorations, music, and laughter. Known as the world’s second-largest beer festival after Munich’s Oktoberfest, this 17-day event draws more than 4 million visitors. But Cannstatter Volksfest is more than just beer: it’s a spectacular fusion of thrilling funfair rides, hearty Swabian cuisine, and over 200 years of tradition. Whether you’re a family seeking adventure, a foodie craving local specialties, or a traveler eager to experience an authentic German autumn festival, Cannstatter Volksfest is a feast for all the senses.

Spread across 25 hectares along the Neckar River in Stuttgart’s Bad Cannstatt district, the Wasen transforms into a giant playground for all ages. The aroma of roasted almonds and grilled sausages, sparkling illuminations, and the elegance of traditional costumes fill the air. Locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the harvest, strengthen community bonds, and create lifelong memories in this unique festival setting.

Main Attractions

Massive Beer Tents, Rides, and the Fruit Column

The heart of Cannstatter Volksfest is its nine enormous beer tents, each seating thousands and buzzing with the sounds of oompah bands and clinking steins. Unlike Oktoberfest, the beer here spotlights Swabian and Baden-Württemberg breweries, and each tent offers its own unique menu. Outdoors, more than 320 stalls and attractions line the grounds, from double-loop roller coasters and giant Ferris wheels to drop towers and classic carousels. The festival’s symbol, the 26-meter “Fruchtsäule” (Fruit Column), is adorned with fruits and grains-a tribute to the festival’s agricultural roots and a must-see photo spot.

Parades, Fireworks, and Family Days

On opening Sunday, a traditional parade featuring over 3,500 participants-marching bands, horse-drawn brewery wagons, folk groups in Tracht (traditional dress), and historic floats-winds through Bad Cannstatt to the Wasen. Every Wednesday is Family Day, with discounts and special activities for children, including face painting, fairy tale carousels, magic shows, and games. The festival closes with a free fireworks show lighting up the night sky.

Traditional Costumes and Decorations

To truly immerse yourself, wear Tracht: lederhosen for men and dirndl dresses for women. While not required, many festival-goers-especially at night in the beer tents-dress up in colorful embroidery, aprons, and feathered hats, creating a vibrant sea of tradition. The tents and grounds are decorated with bunting, garlands, and harvest motifs, while the parade features floats adorned with flowers and local produce.

Swabian Food and Local Drinks

Cannstatter Volksfest is also a culinary celebration. Enjoy Swabian specialties like Maultaschen (stuffed pasta), Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles), Schupfnudeln (potato dumplings), and crispy Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle). Pretzels are so big you’ll wonder if they’re real, and they pair perfectly with a liter of beer or a glass of local wine. For dessert, try roasted almonds, Schneeball (snowball-shaped fried pastry), or a gingerbread heart. Each beer tent has its own menu and offers non-alcoholic options, so everyone can join the toast.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Cannstatter Volksfest began in 1818, founded by King Wilhelm I of Württemberg to revive the region’s economy and celebrate the harvest after the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Tambora. The first event was a modest agricultural fair with horse competitions and livestock shows, but by 1841, the parade alone drew 10,000 participants and 100,000 spectators. The “Fruit Column,” covered in fruits and grains, became the enduring symbol of the festival.

Over the past 200 years, Cannstatter Volksfest has grown into one of Germany’s largest folk festivals, blending Swabian and Bavarian traditions with modern amusements. Despite wars and economic crises, it remains a beloved “fifth season” for locals-a time to celebrate resilience, community, and the bounty of the land. For visitors, it’s a window into the heart of southern German culture, where everyone is welcomed.

Participant Voices

The atmosphere was breathtaking-everywhere you looked, people were singing, dancing, and raising their steins. The view of Stuttgart from the Ferris wheel at sunset was stunning, and I ended the night sharing a table with locals, eating Maultaschen and laughing even though I barely spoke German. I felt like part of the family.

Fun Facts

With about 4 million visitors each year, Cannstatter Volksfest is Germany’s second-largest and one of Europe’s biggest folk festivals.
The “Fruit Column,” a tradition since 1818, stands 26 meters tall and is decorated with over 3 tons of fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Festival Dates

Cannstatter Volksfest is held every year from late September to mid-October at the Wasen fairgrounds in Stuttgart’s Bad Cannstatt district. Entry is free, but beer tent reservations are recommended for weekends and evenings.