FrühlingsFest Kassel

North Hesse's Largest Spring Volksfest

The FrühlingsFest Kassel is North Hesse's answer to Munich's Frühlingsfest and Frankfurt's Wäldchestag-Volksfest: for four weeks, the Schwanenwiese in Bettenhausen transforms into a fairground with 13 large rides, stalls, beer tents, and hundreds of fairy lights. The festival is Kassel's biggest spring Volksfest and one of the key dates for showmen in the Hessian fairground calendar.

Schwanenwiese in Bettenhausen

The venue is the Schwanenwiese at the Platz der Deutschen Einheit, in the Bettenhausen district in eastern Kassel. The meadow is conveniently located near the A7 motorway and can be reached by tram from the city center in 10 minutes. The grounds are large enough for the major rides and yet close enough to residential areas to attract families.

13 Major Rides

The lineup of rides for 2026 includes 13 major attractions, such as:

• Liberty Wheel – an approx. 80 m high chain carousel, serving as a visual landmark
• Kuddel der Hai and X-Racer – roller coasters
• Frisbee, Ghost, Heroes – spin and action rides
• Giant dodgems, haunted house, family carousels
• Beer tent and festival restaurant

Opening Fireworks on April 25

On Saturday, April 25, 2026 – the first Saturday of the festival – the grand opening fireworks will light up the evening sky over the Schwanenwiese. A North Hessian classic that bathes the entire Bettenhausen skyline in color and draws visitors from all over the Kassel district.

Special Days: Wednesday Family Day, Thursday Ladies Evening

Two special days each week shape the Volksfest's rhythm:

• Wednesdays: Family Day with 30% discount on all rides and special offers at all stalls. A classic family outing for multi-generational visits.
• Thursdays 7–8 PM: Ladies Evening with €1.50 per ride for all ladies. A popular girls' night out that attracts a younger audience.

Opening Hours and Weekly Schedule

Unlike most Volksfeste, the FrühlingsFest Kassel does not run continuously: it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 3 PM to 10 PM (until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), and from 1 PM on Sundays and public holidays. The closing days give the showmen a break and concentrate visitor traffic on the open days.