Karlsruher Herbstmess 2026
286th edition — Baden-Württemberg's last major autumn fair
About Karlsruher Herbstmess
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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.
Karlsruher Herbstmess — edition 2026
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.
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
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
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 — 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.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Karlsruher Herbstmess
Messplatz Karlsruhe
Messplatz, Durlacher Allee, 76137 Karlsruhe