Gaubodenvolksfest

Name: Gaubodenvolksfest
Start: 2026-08-06
End: 2026-08-16
Location: Straubing

Bavaria’s Summer Carnival of Beer, Tradition, and Community

2026/08/06 - 2026/08/16

Every August, the town of Straubing in Bavaria is enveloped in the vibrant colors, lively music, and the enticing aroma of roasted almonds during the Gaubodenvolksfest. Often called “Bavaria’s second Oktoberfest,” this 11-day folk festival combines rural traditions with the excitement of a modern fairground, attracting around 1.5 million visitors annually. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a family with children, or a traveler eager to experience authentic Bavarian culture, this summer festival offers a feast for all the senses.

The festival takes place every mid-August at the Am Hagen fairgrounds in Straubing. Open to all, it is a celebration of local pride, agricultural heritage, and the joy of gathering under the Bavarian blue sky.

Main Attractions

Beer Tents

At the heart of Gaubodenvolksfest are the massive beer tents, each seating thousands and filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the sound of brass bands. Local breweries brew special festival beers served in one-liter Maßkrüge, while staff dressed in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen bustle through the crowds. The scent of freshly baked pretzels, roast chicken, and sauerkraut whets the appetite. Each tent offers a unique atmosphere—from lively party scenes to family-friendly spaces—ensuring everyone finds their perfect spot to raise a toast.

Parade and Traditional Costumes

The opening parade is a grand procession of color and tradition. Over 3,500 participants clad in Tracht (traditional Bavarian attire), accompanied by decorated horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and folk dancers, make their way through the streets. The flutter of embroidered skirts, the shine of brass buttons, and the rhythmic stomp of boots embody Bavarian pride. Spectators line the streets, waving blue and white flags and eagerly catching sweets tossed from the parade participants.

Fairground Attractions

Outside the beer tents, a wonderland of over 120 rides and attractions awaits visitors. From towering Ferris wheels and thrilling roller coasters to nostalgic carousels, there’s fun for all ages. The sweet aroma of caramelized nuts, popcorn, and cotton candy fills the air, while the joyous shouts of children and the rush of spinning rides create the soundtrack of summer delight.

Traditional Food and Drink

Food stalls offer a wide array of Bavarian specialties: crispy Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Weisswurst (white sausage) with sweet mustard, grilled fish on a stick (Steckerlfisch), and hearty dumplings. The tangy sauerkraut, crunchy radishes, and rich Obatzda cheese pair perfectly with the cold local beers. For dessert, apple fritters dusted with cinnamon sugar and seasonal plum cake are highly recommended.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Gaubodenvolksfest began in 1812 as an agricultural fair aimed at promoting regional farming and strengthening community bonds. With over 200 years of history, it has grown into Germany’s second-largest folk festival after Munich’s Oktoberfest. For the people of Straubing and Bavaria, the festival represents pride in their homeland, reunions with family and friends, and the passing of traditions to future generations. It is a vibrant symbol of living Bavarian culture, blending rural roots with modern festivities.

Participant Voices

"I traveled from the UK and was amazed by the scale. The parade was truly spectacular, and everyone was incredibly friendly. The pork knuckle and plum cake were fantastic! We made friends with a Bavarian couple at our table and ended up singing folk songs late into the night." — Tom, visitor

Fun Facts

Gaubodenvolksfest attracts over 1.4 million visitors annually, making it one of Germany’s largest folk festivals.
More than 700,000 liters of beer are consumed during the 11-day event.
The opening parade features over 3,500 participants and dozens of decorated horse-drawn carriages.
Each beer tent serves special festival brews from local Straubing breweries with centuries of history.
The festival grounds cover approximately 90,000 square meters, roughly equivalent to 13 football fields.