Name: German-American Friendship Festival Heidelberg 2026
Start: 2026-05-14T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-05-25T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Airfield Heidelberg (Kirchheim / Pfaffengrund)

DAFF Heidelberg

About DAFF Heidelberg

From May 14 to 25, 2026, the former US Airfield on the border between Kirchheim and Pfaffengrund will transform into a huge open-air Volksfest (traditional folk festival) for eleven days: The German-American Friendship Festival (DAFF) Heidelberg combines a classic fairground atmosphere with American lifestyle. A 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, live bands, US food trucks, and two spectacular fireworks displays for the opening and closing ceremonies are the highlights of the program. In addition, there are US car meets, themed evenings, and a family day. Admission is free.

Dates 14 May — 25 May 2026

Venue Heidelberg (08221)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

DAFF Heidelberg — edition 2026

Eleven days of Volksfest on the former US Airfield Heidelberg: a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, live bands every evening, US food, two fireworks displays (May 14 and 25), US car meets on May 17 and 24, Cosplay Day on May 23, and Family Day on May 21. Free admission.

Festival Program 2026

DAFF 2026 runs for eleven days, combining classic Volksfest elements with special American programs. Opening with fireworks on May 14, closing fireworks on May 25. Between the two Sundays, May 17 and 24, the major US Car Meets will take place starting at 11 AM. Family Day on May 21, Cosplay Day on May 23, Malle Party and 80s/90s Night on various evenings.

Highlights DAFF Heidelberg 2026

50-meter-high Ferris wheel with views over Heidelberg
Opening fireworks on May 14, closing fireworks on May 25
US Car Meets on May 17 and 24 (Mustang, Camaro, Cadillac)
Live bands like The Wheelers and Dirty Deeds
Cosplay Day (May 23), Family Day (May 21), Malle and 80s/90s Nights
US Food: Burgers, BBQ ribs, hot dogs, mac & cheese
Over 1,200 parking spaces, free admission

Programme DAFF Heidelberg 2026

Thursday, May 14, 2026 — Opening

2:00 PM — Opening of the festival grounds
5:00 PM — Official opening with city representatives
10:00 PM — Opening fireworks
until 12:00 AM — Festival operations

Friday/Saturday — Live Music

Rock/Pop/Cover bands (incl. The Wheelers, Dirty Deeds) on the main stage, 2:00 PM–12:00 AM / Sat until 1:00 AM

Sunday, May 17, 2026 — US Car Meet

11:00 AM — Arrival of US classics (Mustang, Camaro, Cadillac, Pickups)
11:00 AM–6:00 PM — Show and meet on the airfield

Thursday, May 21, 2026 — Family Day

Discounts on rides, children's program, face painting stations

Saturday, May 23, 2026 — Cosplay Day

Cosplay meet-up, competitions, US geek program

Sunday, May 24, 2026 — Second US Car Meet

11:00 AM–6:00 PM — Larger gathering of US classics

Monday, May 25, 2026 — Closing

10:00 PM — Closing fireworks
11:00 PM — End of DAFF 2026

The full daily band lineup, themed evenings, and special events will be published on the official website starting in spring 2026.

Prices DAFF Heidelberg 2026

Free admission. Parking €3 per day. Payment at rides and stalls directly on site.

Practical information

Practical information — DAFF Heidelberg

Getting There

By bus: Lines 717, 720, and 721 stop directly at the festival grounds. Approximately 15 minutes from Heidelberg main station. Easily accessible by bicycle, with secure parking facilities on site. By car via the A 5 (Heidelberg/Schwetzingen exit), over 1,200 parking spaces available, parking fee €3 per day.

Opening Hours

Daily 2 PM–11 PM, Fridays and Saturdays until midnight, Sundays from 11 AM. Free admission.

Tips

Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends. For the fireworks on May 14 and 25, 2026, arrive early — best views from the west side of the grounds.

Volksfest on historic ground

The German-American Friendship Festival (DAFF) originated after the withdrawal of US forces from Heidelberg and has since celebrated the city's decades-long bond with the United States. The venue is the former US Airfield on the city border between Kirchheim and Pfaffengrund — a vast area that is perfectly suited for a Volksfest of this magnitude.

Ferris wheel, rides, and atmosphere

At the heart of the festival is a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, offering views to the city center and Königstuhl on clear days. Surrounding it are classic fairground rides: dodgems, Wave Flyer, chain carousel, several roller coaster modules, mirror palaces, and children's rides. The "American Look" is also evident everywhere — from the carousel design to the US flags.

US Food and Gastronomy

The food offerings make DAFF a must-visit for lovers of American cuisine: Burgers, BBQ ribs, hot dogs, pulled pork, mac & cheese, donuts, funnel cakes, and milkshakes are served alongside classic Volksfest fare such as bratwurst, candied almonds, and lángos. Several beer tents, cocktail bars, and US sports bars complete the offerings.

Live Program and Themed Evenings

Regional and national rock, pop, and cover bands like The Wheelers and Dirty Deeds perform on the main stage every evening. Additionally, there are themed evenings: Malle Party, Old School 80s & 90s Night, Cosplay Day (May 23), Family Day (May 21).

US Car Meets and Fireworks

On the two Sundays, May 17 and 24, 2026, the renowned US Car Meets will take place starting at 11 AM — gatherings of American classics including Mustangs, Camaros, Cadillacs, and pickup trucks. The festival opens on May 14 with a grand opening fireworks display and concludes on May 25 with a closing fireworks display.

Heidelberg and its DAFF

Heidelberg is part of the Rhein-Neckar district and, with around 160,000 inhabitants, is one of the most important university and tourist cities in southern Germany. DAFF is one of Heidelberg's largest Volksfeste and attracts visitors from Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, the Odenwald region, and the Palatinate.