Darmstädter Herbstmess
Traditional Darmstädter Herbst-Volksfest on the Messplatz
About Darmstädter Herbstmess
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Darmstadt's Second Fair of the Year
The Darmstädter Herbstmess is, after the Frühjahrsmess (April/May), the second major Volksfest in the science city of Darmstadt. For decades, the venue has been the Messplatz in the Bessungen district — one of Hesse's traditional fairground sites. In 2026, the Herbstmess will run from Wednesday, September 23, to Saturday, October 3 — almost eleven days, culminating on German Unity Day.
Opening Fireworks and Classic Program
As befits a Hessian Volksfest, the Herbstmess begins with opening fireworks on the first evening. This is followed by eleven days of classics: Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel, haunted house, dodgems, children's carousels, along with shooting galleries, lottery stalls, candied fruit and almond stands, bratwurst and fries stands, a beer garden tent, and a cocktail bar.
After a Break in 2025
Darmstadt Marketing GmbH announced in 2025 that neither the spring nor the autumn fair would take place — a painful cut in the Volksfest calendar for many Darmstadt residents. The Herbstmess returns in 2026; the Frühjahrsmess had already returned from April 24 to May 3, 2026.
Bessungen and the Messplatz
For generations, the Messplatz in Bessungen has been Darmstadt's premier fairground. When the fair is on, the scent of roasted almonds drifts for miles, the Ferris wheel is visible from many streets, and on weekends, thousands of visitors from southern Hesse flock to the Messplatz. Free admission — a Volksfest as it should be.
Darmstädter Herbstmess — edition 2026
Classic city Volksfest with opening on Wednesday evening, continuous operation of showmen and stalls, family days during the week, and a grand closing weekend around the German Unity Day holiday.
Programme Darmstädter Herbstmess 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 — Opening
- Official opening in the afternoon
- Rides open
- Grand opening fireworks in the evening
September 24–25, 2026 — First Days
- Full Volksfest operation
- Likely family day with reduced prices on selected rides
September 26–27, 2026 — Weekend 1
- Main operating period, live music in the beer tent
- Extended opening hours late in the evening
September 28 – October 2, 2026 — Weekdays
- Regular afternoon and evening opening hours
- Family days and showman promotions
Saturday, October 3, 2026 — Finale on German Unity Day
- Last day of the festival
- Full showman operation
- Traditional closing in the evening
Detailed daily program and family day conditions are usually communicated by Darmstadt Marketing 1–2 weeks before the festival begins.
Highlights Darmstädter Herbstmess 2026
- Return after a break in 2025
- Opening fireworks on the first evening
- Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel, dodgems, haunted house
- Beer tent and gastronomy
- Finale on German Unity Day
Prices Darmstädter Herbstmess 2026
Free admission. Rides and stalls at usual Volksfest prices. On selected days, family prices on selected rides.
Practical information — Darmstädter Herbstmess
Getting There
By tram: Lines 3 (Lichtenbergschule) and 9 towards Bessungen, stop Messplatz. By car: A5 / A67, parking in the residential area around the Messplatz (full on weekends). Public transport is expressly recommended.
Admission
Free. Rides and stalls at usual Volksfest prices.
Family Days
On selected days of the Herbstmess, reduced prices for rides apply for families — details are usually communicated 1–2 weeks before the start.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Darmstädter Herbstmess al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Darmstädter Herbstmess
Messplatz Darmstadt
Messplatz, 64289 Darmstadt