Cannstatter Volksfest

A Volksfest Born of Necessity — Founded in 1818

The Cannstatter Volksfest originated in 1818, in the midst of a hunger crisis following the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816 (a consequence of the Tambora volcano eruption). King Wilhelm I of Württemberg and his wife Katharina, a Russian Grand Duchess, established an Agricultural Central Festival — an exhibition of horse breeding, cattle breeding, and agricultural products to motivate the farmers. From these agricultural roots, the Volksfest evolved — today one of the largest Volksfests in the world.

Second Largest Volksfest in the World

With around 4 million visitors per edition, the Cannstatter Volksfest is the second-largest Volksfest worldwide after Munich's Oktoberfest. It runs for 17 festival days — from late September to mid-October — and hosts eight large beer tents, plus a complete amusement mile with roller coasters, thrill rides, carousels, and game stalls for families.

Eight Beer Tents and Their Atmosphere

The eight beer tents are the heart of the Volksfest, each with its own vibe:

• Klauss und Klauss Festzelt — The organizers' tent, where the keg tapping ceremony takes place on 09/26 at 4 PM
• Sonja Merz Festzelt — A traditional family beer tent
• Fürstenberg Almhütte — Alpine style
• Almhütte Royal — Upscale standard
• Also present: Wasenwirt, Schwabenwelt, Grandls Festhalle, among others.

Keg Tapping Ceremony on September 26 at 4 PM

The official start is marked by the keg tapping ceremony on Friday, September 26, 2026, at 4 PM in the Klauss und Klauss Festzelt, performed by Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Nopper. With three strong blows, the mayor drives the tap into the first keg — the blacksmiths watch the tradition intently, as too many blows mean a "stiefelschluck" (a penalty drink). The day before (09/25), however, is already the official start of the festival — the amusement mile and individual tents open then.

Agricultural Central Festival September 27–October 4

Running parallel to the Volksfest is the tradition-rich Agricultural Central Festival (LWH) from September 27 to October 4, 2026. An agricultural exhibition featuring horse breeding, cattle breeding, sheep farming, poultry, agricultural products, and agricultural machinery — a major exhibition every four years, more compact otherwise. Admission to the LWH is included with your Volksfest visit.

Historic Volksfest Parade on September 27

On the first Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 11 AM, the famous Historic Volksfest Parade takes place through Bad Cannstatt to the Wasen — 105 groups, 3,500 participants, approx. 150,000 spectators, live broadcast on SWR. Horse-drawn carriages, brewery horses, traditional costume groups, and floats depicting themes from Württemberg's history.

Cannstatter Wasen — The Festival Grounds

The Wasen (Mercedesstraße 50, 70372 Stuttgart) is a 35-hectare festival meadow on the banks of the Neckar river in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt — right next to the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Admission to the festival grounds is free. The beer tents usually require a minimum consumption reservation, but day visitors can find space everywhere. The amusement mile has its own showman prices.

Beer Price 2026 and Atmosphere

The beer price in 2026 is expected to be around EUR 14–16 per liter (trend since 2024). Classic beers include Stuttgarter Hofbräu, Schwabenbräu, and Dinkelacker. Folk music, Schlager classics, and party music after midnight — the atmosphere in the tents is similar to Oktoberfest but typically Swabian and less touristy.