Herbstvolksfest Gera
Two weeks of rides and Volksfest atmosphere in the Hofwiesenpark — October 17–31, 2026
About Herbstvolksfest Gera
Gera — Tradition of Festival Ground Culture
Gera, with around 92,000 inhabitants, is the third-largest city in Thuringia and boasts a long tradition of Volksfests. The season begins in spring with the Geraer Frühlingsfest, followed by the Höhler- and Hofwiesenparkfest in summer, and in autumn, the Herbstvolksfest at Hofwiesenpark marks the traditional end of the season. The Hofwiesenpark — a spacious green area along the White Elster river — provides the ideal setting as a festival ground with ample space for rides and tents.
Two Weeks of Showman Program
For over two weeks, the festival grounds will feature a variety of rides, carousels, roller coasters, water rides, thrill rides (Ferris wheel, Break-Dancer), and game stalls (shooting galleries, duck fishing, lucky wheels, lotteries). A gastronomy mile with beer tents, bratwurst stands, crêpes, gingerbread, candied almonds, and snack bars will cater to visitors. Showmen from Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt come to Gera for these two weeks — many are family businesses that have been operating for generations.
Family Days and Halloween
The Family Days on Wednesdays with reduced prices are the social hallmark of the festival: Families with children and grandparents traditionally visit the Volksfest on these days. The showmen offer special prices for carousel rides, snacks, and game stalls — a tradition maintained at many Volksfests in eastern Germany. Around October 31 (a public holiday in Thuringia, Reformation Day), several showmen organize a Halloween program: pumpkin decorations, costume events, candy specials for children, and spooky effects in ghost trains and the like.
Finale with Fireworks
The highlight of the festival is the closing fireworks display on the last day — a pyrotechnic show over the Hofwiesenpark, visible from afar along the White Elster and in the surrounding residential areas. Thousands of visitors come just for the fireworks, which mark the end of Gera's Volksfest calendar until the following spring festival. In the state of Thuringia and the East Thuringian region, the Herbstvolksfest Gera is one of the most important festival dates of the year.
Herbstvolksfest Gera — edition 2026
Herbstvolksfest 2026 — Program Structure
The 2026 dates are officially confirmed: Opening on Saturday, October 17, 2026, closing on Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Reformation Day weekend). Throughout the festival, the rides, food stalls, and game stands at the Hofwiesenpark festival grounds will be open. Halloween in 2026 falls on the last day of the festival — coinciding the Halloween program and the closing fireworks.
Programme Herbstvolksfest Gera 2026
Herbstvolksfest Gera 2026 — Program Overview
Saturday, October 17, 2026 — Opening
- Parade of showmen
- Beer tapping ceremony on the festival grounds
- Opening fireworks (small scale)
- All rides and stalls open
Wednesdays — Family Days
- October 21 and October 28, 2026
- Reduced prices at showmen, food stalls, and game stands
- Special promotions for children and grandparents
Main Attractions
- Thrill Rides: Ferris wheel, Break-Dancer, Looping Carousel, Roller Coaster
- Family Rides: Carousels, Swing Rides, Water Ride
- Game Stalls: Shooting galleries, Duck fishing, Lucky wheels, Lotteries
- Gastronomy Mile: Beer tents, Bratwurst stands, Crêpes, Gingerbread, Candied almonds
Saturday, October 31, 2026 — Halloween & Finale
- Halloween costume event for children
- Pumpkin decorations and spooky specials in ghost trains etc.
- Candy specials (“Trick or Treat”)
- Spectacular Closing Fireworks in the evening over Hofwiesenpark
Detailed daily program and list of showmen: gera.de.
Highlights Herbstvolksfest Gera 2026
- October 17–31, 2026, at Hofwiesenpark Gera
- Two weeks of rides and game stalls
- Family Days on Wednesdays with special prices
- Halloween program around October 31
- Spectacular closing fireworks
- Over 50,000 visitors expected
- Free admission
Prices Herbstvolksfest Gera 2026
Free admission to the festival grounds. Rides and game stalls at individual showmen's prices — typically €2.50 to €5.00 per ride. Wednesdays are Family Days with reduced prices. Food and drinks at usual Volksfest prices.
Practical information — Herbstvolksfest Gera
Date 2026
Saturday, October 17 to Saturday, October 31, 2026 (two weeks, including Reformation Day/Halloween weekend).
Location
Festival grounds at Hofwiesenpark, 07548 Gera, independent city of Gera, Thuringia.
Admission
Free. Rides and game stalls at individual showmen's prices. Wednesdays are Family Days with reduced prices.
Getting There
By train: Gera Main Station, Tram Line 1/3 towards Hofwiesenpark. By car: A4 exit Gera, A9 exit Triptis, parking in the Hofwiesenpark vicinity.
Family Day
Every Wednesday — special prices at most showmen.
Organizer
Culture Office of the City of Gera. Steffen Kühn — [email protected], +49 365 619-0. Schloßstraße 1, 07545 Gera.
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Where it takes place Herbstvolksfest Gera
Festplatz am Hofwiesenpark
Festplatz Hofwiesenpark, 07548 Gera, 07548 Gera