14th Historical Village Fair at Museumsdorf Cloppenburg 2026

Historical Fairground Culture Brought to Life

With the 14th Historical Village Fair, Museumsdorf Cloppenburg continues its tradition of making life in past eras tangible. This fair is not a modern amusement park event with high-tech roller coasters, but a nostalgic journey into the fairground world of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, a carousel with real wooden horses still turns, a swing boat rocks with muscle power, and a caterpillar ride bounces on old corrugated iron.

The Historical Rides

Three central attractions shape the scene:

• Ammerländer Horse Carousel — a restored carousel with hand-carved wooden horses, operated by historical mechanics
• Caterpillar Ride — an old type of ride with a green corrugated iron roof that is pulled closed during operation (hence its charmingly nostalgic character)
• Swing Boat — the classic swing boat, powered by the riders themselves

Showmen and Street Art

Around them, showmen in period costumes create the right atmosphere: flea circus, magician, street artists, and stilt walkers. These performances are not just decoration — they are standalone program items that make the fair particularly attractive for families with children. Children experience here how public entertainment worked 100 years ago: without screens, without electronics, with real mechanics and genuine performance charm.

Two Weekends, Two Chances for Experience

In 2026, the Village Fair takes place over two weekends: July 11/12 and July 18/19, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This gives families two opportunities to enjoy the experience. The museum village is particularly beautiful in July — the old farmsteads and buildings are in full summer bloom, brought to life by the nostalgic fair.