Cannstatter Volksfest 2024 in Germany

Cannstatter Volksfest, also called Stuttgart Beer Festival, is one of the signature German festivals. Often compared to Oktoberfest in Munich, the annual three-week Volksfest is a mix of a beer festival and a family-friendly funfair. Held over three weeks from late September to early October, the festival offers free admission to the public. Parking is 6 euro a day for cars and 12 euro for coaches.

The massive event by the river Neckar, which attracts about 4 million visitors every year, features amusement rides, a hot air balloon race, delicious food and drinks, music, and a fun atmosphere. The festival boasts nine tents with excellent beer, traditional culinary, and premier entertainment options. Live music and plenty of delicacies await the guests in every tent.

Volksfest History

For over 200 years, the Cannstatter Volksfest has been a beloved Stuttgart tradition and the biggest festival in Baden Württemberg. In 1817, Volksfest was initiated as an agricultural fair with horse races. The festival currently takes place in the riverfront Wasen area, in the district of Bad Cannstatt.

Entertainment for Children

Cannstatter Volksfest is adored by children. Every Wednesday is a Family Day at the festival with plenty of kids' entertainment and activities: a children’s railway, clowns, a fairy tale carousel, many stalls, and large festival tents.

Festival Parade (September 29, 2024)

Among the highlights of Cannstatter Volksfest is the traditional parade, which usually occurs on the first Sunday of the festival. Lavishly decorated horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, military groups, and people in folk costumes make up a spectacular procession, which heads off from the Cannstatter Kursaal and proceeds through Bad Cannstatt to Wasen. An incredible show for the whole family was founded in 1994. The parade is attended by 250,000 spectators, lining the streets. The procession goes through König-Karl-Straße, Liebenzeller Straße, Wilhelmstraße, Brunnenstraße, Marktstraße, Wilhelmsplatz, Seelbergstraße, and Daimlerstraße.

The Traders' Market

The Traders’ market guarantees a unique shopping experience at the festival. The marketplace features over 50 traders and artisans, offering leather and household goods, decor, jewelry, textiles, fine art, tea, herbs and spices, cosmetics, and gifts for the whole family. The marketplace is located on the Wasen near the König Karls Bridge.