The events and festivals in Bremen on October 17 and 18, 2026 revolve around the fifth season. Over 300 showmen fill the Bürgerweide at the Freimarkt, while the Historical Market takes over the old town.
The Bürgerweide lies right behind the main station, and the Bremer Freimarkt opens there on October 16. The events and festivals in Bremen on October 17 and 18, 2026 revolve around the fifth season. Over 300 showmen fill the Bürgerweide at the Freimarkt, while the Historical Market takes over the old town.
The Freimarkt on the Bürgerweide
The Bremer Freimarkt is the largest folk festival in northern Germany and one of the oldest in the country: the first Freimarkt took place in 1035. Around four million people visit the fairground every year.
On roughly 100,000 square metres, over 300 showmen set up their stalls, alongside about 40 rides from the Ferris wheel to modern high-tech attractions. The big Freimarkt has stood on the Bürgerweide since 1893.
The Freimarkt is open on Saturday, 17 October, and on Sunday. Entry to the grounds is free, while rides and stalls are paid for individually.
Ischa Freimaak: that is the traditional greeting in Bremen during these weeks.
In the city centre, the Kleine Freimarkt adds nostalgic carousels in a calmer atmosphere.
Medieval stalls on the Schoppensteel
The Historischer Markt zu Bremen occupies the Schoppensteel and the front of the Unser-Lieben-Frauen-Kirchhof between the Church of Our Lady and the town hall. The Bremen Town Musicians stand only a few steps away.
The Schoppensteel feels properly medieval, while on the churchyard production and costumes span the 17th to the 19th century. Guild masters show their skills, a leatherworker makes everything from shoelaces to purses, and market music plays throughout.
The cookhouses serve potato fritters, bratwurst, fried salmon and fresh pretzels. In the tavern on the Schoppensteel, mead and hot spiced fruit wine warm the visitors.
The market was founded in 1985 for the 950th anniversary of the Freimarkt.
It is open from 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday and on Sunday.