Four days of Volksfest in downtown Meppen — carousels, Intoxx looping coaster, dodgems, and Sunday shopping in March 2026
For decades, the Meppen Frühjahrskirmes has been the traditional season opener for showmen from northwestern Germany and for visitors from Emsland and beyond. As one of the first major Volksfeste (funfairs) of the year, it marks the beginning of the festival season and offers four days of concentrated Kirmes (funfair) fun in downtown Meppen. The combination of a central location, a variety of rides, and attractive food stalls makes the Frühjahrskirmes a must-visit for Kirmes fans.
The spectacular Intoxx looping coaster is one of the absolute highlights of the 2026 Frühjahrskirmes. Reaching a height of 22 meters, the ride offers a special kind of adrenaline experience and is one of the largest portable roller coasters of its class. In addition to the Intoxx, visitors can expect classic Kirmes (funfair) attractions such as dodgems, various carousels, Ferris wheel-like structures, haunted houses, shooting galleries, and sweet stalls offering gingerbread hearts, cotton candy, and candied almonds.
A particular strength of the Frühjahrskirmes is its connection with the retail businesses in downtown Meppen. On Sunday, March 15th, the downtown shops are open from 1 PM, allowing Kirmes visitors to combine spring shopping with their festival visit. Monday, March 16th, is Family Day: on this day, many showmen offer discounts, making the Kirmes experience particularly attractive for families with children.
The Frühjahrskirmes opens on Friday and Monday from 2 PM, on Saturday from 10 AM, and on Sunday from 1 PM (with Sunday shopping). This offers flexible time slots over four days for visitors from Emsland and the surrounding regions. The atmosphere of a large city Kirmes (funfair) — with the lights of the rides, the sounds, the scent of candied almonds and bratwurst — makes the Frühjahrskirmes a sensory experience that marks the arrival of spring in the city of Meppen.
The Kirmes extends along the full length of downtown Meppen, between the historic town hall and Windthorstplatz. Opening hours vary by day, allowing for flexible visit planning. Sunday combines the Kirmes with spring shopping, while Monday offers special conditions for families.
Friday, March 13th to Monday, March 16th, 2026.
Friday, 13.03.: from 2 PM. Saturday, 14.03.: from 10 AM. Sunday, 15.03.: from 1 PM (Sunday shopping). Monday, 16.03.: from 2 PM (Family Day with discounts).
Downtown Meppen from the historic town hall to Windthorstplatz, 49716 Meppen.
By car via the A31 (Meppen exit) or the B70. Parking available in downtown multi-storey car parks. By train to Meppen station, then about a 10-minute walk to the Kirmes.
Admission to the Kirmes grounds is free. Rides and food stalls at usual market prices, discounts on Family Day.
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