Name: Karlsruher Herbstmess 2026 2026
Start: 2026-10-30T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-11-09T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Messplatz Karlsruhe

Karlsruher Herbstmess

About Karlsruher Herbstmess

From October 30 to November 9, 2026, the 286th Karlsruher Herbstmess will take place on the Messplatz at Durlacher Allee. For 11 days, enjoy rides, haunted houses, game stalls, food stands, and a grand finale fireworks display. The fair has been held twice a year (spring and autumn) since 1912, making it one of Baden-Württemberg's oldest fair events. Family Day is on Thursday, November 5, 2026, with reduced prices.

Dates 30 Oct — 09 Nov 2026

Venue Karlsruhe (08212)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Karlsruher Herbstmess — edition 2026

The 286th Karlsruher Herbstmess runs for 11 days from October 30 to November 9, 2026, at the Messplatz. Approximately 90 rides, haunted houses, game stalls, and food vendors. Family Day on Thursday, November 5, with reduced prices. Grand finale fireworks on Monday, November 9, starting at 8:00 PM. Free entry.

11 Days of Herbstmess 2026

The Herbstmess 2026 runs from Friday, October 30, to Monday, November 9. Approximately 90 rides and stalls will be set up at the Messplatz Karlsruhe. Entry to the fairground is free; only rides and game stalls are subject to a charge.

The fair transitions from summer to winter fair time — the light installations and bulbs enhance the atmosphere, especially in the early darkness from 5:00 PM onwards.

Highlights Karlsruher Herbstmess 2026

286th edition — Tradition since 1912
11 days of Kirmes with 90 rides
Family Day on November 5 with reduced prices
Grand finale fireworks November 9, 8:00 PM
Free entry to the fairground

Programme Karlsruher Herbstmess 2026

Opening Hours

Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 2:00 PM–11:00 PM
Sunday and Public Holidays: from 12:00 PM

Special Days 2026

Friday, Oct 30, 2026: Opening with keg tapping
Thursday, Nov 5, 2026: Family Day — reduced prices on all rides, free face painting from 2:00 PM in Krusigs Dorf
Sunday, Nov 8, 2026: Face painting from 2:00 PM
Monday, Nov 9, 2026, 8:00 PM: Grand finale fireworks

Rides (Typical Selection)

Roller coasters: 'Wilde Maus' and others
Ferris wheel 'Juwel'
High-speed rides: 'The Freak', 'No Limit'
Classics: Bumper cars, swing boats, carousels
Haunted houses and ghost trains
Children's rides and mini-carousels

Food and Stalls

Food stalls: Currywurst, crêpes, pizza, Magenbrot (gingerbread)
Vegetarian and vegan options
Mulled wine (Glühwein), punch, cocktails
Game stalls and lotteries

Prices Karlsruher Herbstmess 2026

Entry to the fairgrounds is free. Rides cost €4–€8 per ride. Game stalls cost €1–€3. On Family Day (Nov 5, 2026), up to 50% off for children's rides and select adult rides. Discount coupons available via Karlsruhe Tourism.

Practical information

Practical information — Karlsruher Herbstmess

Getting There

Messplatz Karlsruhe at Durlacher Allee. Take tram S-Bahn 4 or Stadtbahn S5 to the 'Tullastraße/Verkehrsbetriebe' stop (3-minute walk to the fairground). By car, take the A 5 motorway (Karlsruhe-Durlach exit). Parking is available at the P+R Messplatz parking lot, but it fills up on weekends.

Admission

Entry to the fairgrounds is free. Rides cost between €4 and €8 per ride; game stalls cost €1–€3 per attempt. Family Day (November 5, 2026) offers reduced prices — up to 50% off for children's rides.

With Children

Toddler area with age-appropriate carousels. Changing facilities available in the restrooms. Lost children are looked after at the info container on the main axis.

Tradition Since 1912

The Karlsruher Mess is one of Baden-Württemberg's oldest folk festivals (Volksfeste). It has been celebrated twice a year since 1912 — the Spring Mess (May) and the Autumn Mess (October/November). In 2026, the 286th Autumn Mess will be held on the Messplatz at Durlacher Allee, a central fairground with tram access and an area of around seven hectares.

11 Days with Around 90 Rides and Stalls

From Friday, October 30, 2026, to Monday, November 9, 2026, approximately 90 rides, haunted houses, carousels, shooting galleries, game stalls, and food vendors will be set up. Highlights from previous years have included the roller coaster classic 'Wilde Maus', the Ferris wheel 'Juwel', the high-speed rides 'The Freak' and 'No Limit', as well as numerous smaller carousels and bumper cars. For children, the fair offers mini roller coasters, carousels, and boat swings.

Opening Hours

Mon–Thu 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, Fri–Sat 2:00 PM–11:00 PM, Sun and public holidays from 12:00 PM. The switch to winter time on the last weekend of October means the fair gets dark early — the light installations, bulbs, and LED signs are fully showcased.

Family Day and Special Days

Family Day on Thursday, November 5, 2026, is the fairest day for families. All rides and game stalls offer reduced prices — typically 50% off for children. Additionally, free face painting for children starts at 2:00 PM in 'Krusigs Dorf'. The face painting offer is also available on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Grand Finale Fireworks

The traditional closing of the fair is a grand fireworks display on Monday evening, November 9, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM. The fireworks are financed by the Karlsruhe Showmen's Association itself and are considered one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in the South German fair scene.