German-American Friendship Festival Heidelberg
Eleven days of Volksfest on the former US Airfield — Ferris wheel, live music, US food, and two fireworks displays
About DAFF Heidelberg
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a DAFF Heidelberg al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
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.
DAFF Heidelberg — edition 2026
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.
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.
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
Prices DAFF Heidelberg 2026
Free admission. Parking €3 per day. Payment at rides and stalls directly on site.
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.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a DAFF Heidelberg al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place DAFF Heidelberg
Airfield Heidelberg (Kirchheim / Pfaffengrund)
ehemaliges US-Airfield, 69124 Heidelberg