63rd Hessentag Fulda 2026 – Foll hessisch!

Hesse's State Festival

The Hessentag has been the annual state festival of the federal state of Hesse since 1961 – held in a different Hessian city each year. In 2026, the cathedral city of Fulda will host the 63rd edition, from June 12th to 21st. The motto: “FD – Foll hessisch!” (FD is Fulda's license plate code) – a self-confident Hessian branding for a major event of this magnitude.

10 Days, 1 City, 1,200 Events

The concept of the Hessentag is unique: “10 Days. 1 City. Around 1,200 Experiences”. Over the ten festival days, approximately 1,200 free events will take place in Fulda's city center and at the Fuldaaue – from concerts and theater performances to sports, lectures, and city tours, culminating in the grand Hessentag parade. An estimated 700,000 visitors are expected – many times the actual population of Fulda (around 70,000).

Concerts in the Domplatzarena

The musical centerpiece is the Domplatzarena – a temporary open-air arena on the cathedral square in front of the magnificent baroque Fulda Cathedral, with 11,000 spectator seats. Confirmed headliners for 2026:

• Roland Kaiser – Schlager legend
• Sarah Connor – Pop star
• Peter Maffay – Rock icon
• Roxette – Swedish pop duo
• Opening with Spotlight Musicals Best-of-Gala (40-minute mini-musical)

The Hessentagsstraße – 2.3 km Festival Mile

The Hessentagsstraße – the trademark of every Hessentag – is a festival mile over 2.3 km long, stretching through the old town to the Fuldaaue. Food stalls, club booths, exhibitors, and games line the route. This is where Hesse celebrates itself.

World Cup Public Viewing, Ferris Wheel with Wedding Function

In 2026, the event coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup (USA/Canada/Mexico) – public viewings of the German national team's matches will take place in the Domplatzarena. Another curiosity: a 45-meter high Ferris wheel offers weddings with officiants on board – a marriage proposal and ceremony at lofty heights as a Hessentag souvenir.

Sports, Family, Culture

The program is diverse: Sports festivals, breakdance competitions, skateboarding contests, an artist arena with three shows daily, a KiKA children's program featuring appearances by Bernd das Brot, an ecumenical church service (June 14th), and exhibitions on the 80-year history of Hesse (the state was founded in 1946).

Fulda – Hesse's Most Beautiful Baroque City

Fulda, with around 70,000 inhabitants, is the district capital of Fulda in eastern Hesse, on the border with Thuringia and Bavaria. The city is famous for its baroque cityscape with St. Salvator Cathedral (built 1704–1712), the City Palace, St. Michael's Church, and many baroque noble and bourgeois houses. Fulda is considered “Hesse's Most Beautiful Baroque City” – the festival backdrop for the Hessentag is thus of the highest caliber.