Bovenden Thanksgiving and Heritage Festival
Traditional Thanksgiving and Heritage Festival with a grand parade on the first weekend of October
About Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival
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Bovenden's Traditional Thanksgiving Festival
The Bovenden Thanksgiving and Heritage Festival is one of the most traditional heritage and Thanksgiving festivals in the Southern Lower Saxony region. The venue is the festival grounds at the Anger in the municipality of Bovenden, a rural community northwest of Göttingen with around 14,000 inhabitants. The festival traditionally spans four days, taking place on the first weekend of October.
Lantern Parade on Friday Evening
The festivities kick off on Friday evening with the lantern parade, which is particularly aimed at families with children. Families parade through the streets of Bovenden to the festival grounds with homemade or purchased lanterns. Afterwards, the first festival evening begins in the marquee with live music and catering.
Children's Program and Band Performance on Saturday
On Saturday afternoon, the focus is on the children's program with bouncy castles, game stations, a carousel, and interactive activities. In the evening, the band Musikuss takes over the marquee stage, providing a lively atmosphere with their program of pop, Schlager, rock, and cover classics.
Grand Parade on Sunday
The highlight of the festival weekend is the grand parade on Sunday at 2 PM. Several dozen decorated floats, marching groups, brass bands, and club banners march through Bovenden. The floats are elaborately decorated by clubs, community groups, and initiatives during months of preparation, addressing new themes each year. The parade attracts thousands of spectators from the entire Göttingen district and is considered the emotional peak of the festival.
Oktoberfest Brunch on Monday
The festival concludes on Monday with the traditional Oktoberfest brunch featuring Bavarian specialties – Weißwurst, pretzels, Leberkäse, roast chicken, and draft beer. This brings the festival to a close in a convivial gathering.
Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival — edition 2026
Thanksgiving Festival 2026
The 2026 edition, falling on Sunday, October 4th (Thanksgiving Sunday) and Monday, October 5th (shortly after German Unity Day), spans the extended festival weekend. The grand parade on Sunday is the undisputed highlight and has been a community effort in Bovenden for decades.
Programme Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival 2026
Friday, October 2, 2026 – Lantern Parade and Festival Kick-off
- Late Afternoon – Gathering of families for the lantern parade
- Evening – Lantern parade through the streets of Bovenden to the festival grounds
- Evening – Festival evening in the marquee with live music
Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Children and the Band Musikuss
- Afternoon – Children's program with bouncy castles, carousel, and game stations
- Evening – Concert by the band Musikuss in the marquee with pop, Schlager, and cover classics
Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Grand Parade
- 2:00 PM – Grand parade with decorated floats, marching groups, and brass bands through Bovenden
- From approx. 4:00 PM – Marquee events with food and music
- Evening – Dance evening in the marquee
Monday, October 5, 2026 – Oktoberfest Brunch
- Morning – Oktoberfest brunch with Bavarian specialties – Weißwurst, pretzels, Leberkäse, roast chicken, draft beer
- Midday – Lunch and convivial gathering
- Afternoon – Festival wind-down
Highlights Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival 2026
- Grand parade on Sunday at 2 PM with decorated floats
- Lantern parade on Friday evening for families with children
- Concert by the band Musikuss on Saturday evening
- Oktoberfest brunch on Monday with Bavarian specialties
- Most traditional Thanksgiving festival in Southern Lower Saxony
Prices Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival 2026
Practical information — Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival
Getting There
Festival grounds at Anger Bovenden. Arrive via the B27 or from Göttingen with public transport. Parking available at the festival grounds and designated parking areas.
Tickets
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Marquee evenings usually have a modest entrance fee. Food and drinks available at the club stands and in the marquee.
On Site
Large marquee with stage, festival grounds with carousel and fairground stalls, snack stands, beer stand. Toilets on the festival grounds. Parade route along Bovenden's main streets.
Accommodation
Guesthouses in Bovenden, hotels in Göttingen (approx. 10 km south).
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Bovenden Thanksgiving Festival al mejor precio.
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