Herbstkirmes Essen-Steele

Herbstkirmes in the Heart of Steele

When October arrives in Essen, one weekend belongs to the showmen: From October 10th to 13th, 2026, Grendplatz and the adjacent Kaiser-Otto-Platz in the Steele district will transform into a Kirmes stage. Four days of rides, stalls, and gastronomy make the Herbstkirmes a seasonal highlight for the people of Steele and all Essen residents south of the Ruhr.

Rides and Stalls

Confirmed for the 2026 edition include:

• Berg- und Talbahn „Herzchenbahn“ by showman Hüsgen — a classic with a heart shape and a circular route
• Autoscooter by Hanowski
• Other rides and classic showman stalls (shooting gallery, lottery stall, sweets)
• Gastronomy with Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), sausages, crêpes, mulled wine, and almonds

Grendplatz and Kaiser-Otto-Platz

The Kirmes is spread across two adjacent squares in the Steele city center: Grendplatz is the traditional showman location with the larger rides, while Kaiser-Otto-Platz hosts additional stalls and gastronomic stands. Both squares are connected via the Steele pedestrian zone — the district becomes a Kirmes mile accessible on foot.

Essen-Steele — Mini-Metropolis in Southern Essen

Steele is located in the south of the independent city of Essen in North Rhine-Westphalia, directly on the banks of the Ruhr and with its own historical identity — until 1929, Steele was an independent city. This independence has been preserved in the district's consciousness: The Herbstkirmes is the annual stage where Steele revives its district identity. The program will be published on kirmes-essen.de and the Steele app.