Heilbronner Maifest 2026

Kick-off to the Heilbronn Festival Season

When the Theresienwiese comes alive with color in April, the festival season begins for Heilbronn. From Thursday, April 30, to Monday, May 4, 2026, the Heilbronner Maifest will take place — one of the most important spring Volksfeste in Northern Baden-Württemberg. 46 showman families, over 2/3 from the region around Heilbronn, present their rides, stalls, and catering stands on one of the largest festival grounds in the region.

Rides — from the Ferris Wheel to the Roller Coaster

The range of rides caters to all age groups. Classic family highlights: Ferris wheel, family carousel, propeller ride for children. Thrill rides for teenagers and adults: Break Dance, the fast and tight circular ride that has been a Volksfest classic for decades. Two premieres in 2026: a new chain carousel that takes guests to breathtaking heights, and a new family roller coaster — a showman investment that underscores the modern standard of the Heilbronner Maifest.

Special Opening and Family Day

A cleverly marketed tradition: The special opening on the Wednesday before the official start with "prices like 20 years ago" from 4 to 6 PM. An early bird special for Heilbronn residents who want to experience the festival before the official Thursday start — the showmen will keep prices at 2006 levels for two hours. On Monday, Family Day, there will be reduced ride prices from 2 to 6 PM — especially for families with children.

Culinary Offerings

In addition to the rides, the culinary diversity characterizes the Maifest. Classic Volksfest specialties — candied almonds, "Schmalzbrot" (lard bread), sausage with bread, fries, crêpes, gingerbread hearts — are complemented by regional specialties from the Heilbronn showman families. Several beer tents and food stalls provide adults with beer, wine, and cocktails. Heilbronn is located in the Württemberg wine region — accordingly, the wine selection at the Maifest is prominent.

Theresienwiese — Heilbronn's Central Festival Ground

The Heilbronner Theresienwiese is one of the largest festival grounds in Southern Germany. With an area of around 8 hectares in the west of the city on the Neckar riverbank, it is the venue not only for the Maifest but also for the Heilbronner Volksfest in autumn and numerous other major events. Its location on the Neckar, proximity to the city center, and excellent public transport connections make it an ideal festival ground for large events.

Heilbronn — City of Wine, Industry, and BUGA

Heilbronn, with around 127,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the Heilbronn district. It is located on the Neckar in northern Baden-Württemberg. Known as one of the most important wine-growing regions in Southern Germany (third-largest German wine-growing area after Palatinate and Rheinhessen), as the seat of important industries (Audi, Schwarz Group / Lidl-Kaufland Group), and as the host city of the Federal Garden Show 2019. The Maifest is part of the city's festival identity — one of many major events that structure Heilbronn's event year.