Offenbacher Fastnacht

Carnival between Frankfurt and Hanau

While Cologne and Mainz have long captured the nation's attention, the Hessian city of Offenbach am Main cultivates its own vibrant Carnival culture. The driving force is the Offenbacher Karnevalverein (OKV) – one of Hesse's most traditional Carnival clubs. For four weeks, the fifth season shapes the city's social life: from the Prince(ss) couple crowning in mid-January to the Bürgel Kappenfahrt on Carnival Tuesday.

Kick-off: Fireworks of Good Cheer

The season begins on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, with the traditional „Feuerwerk der guten Laune“ (Fireworks of Good Cheer) at the Stadthalle Offenbach. Starts at 7:30 PM, with red carpet entry from 6:30 PM. On this evening, the Offenbach Carnival royalty – Prince Tobi and Princess Julia for the 2025/2026 season – will be ceremonially crowned. Tickets are available for €50, €35, and €25 directly from the OKV.

Children's Carnival on Schillerplatz

On Friday, February 13th, 2026, the OKV invites you to the Kinder-Fastnacht (Children's Carnival) on Schillerplatz – free of charge and featuring Offenbach's typical colorful and cheerful program of costume contests, stage shows, and dancing.

Grand Parade in Bieber

The highlight for many is the Carnival parade in Offenbach-Bieber on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. Starts at 2 PM at the Bieber S-Bahn station, the procession then winds through side streets and the main street, Aschaffenburger Straße. Bieber, one of Offenbach's eastern districts, is usually quite tranquil throughout the year – on Carnival Saturday, it becomes a hub of fun for the city.

Rose Monday and Bürgel Kappenfahrt

On Rose Monday, February 16th, 2026, the OKV invites you to the Rose Monday Session at the Stadthalle at 9:30 AM. The season concludes on Carnival Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, at 2:11 PM with the traditional Kappenfahrt in Bürgel – a smaller, locally focused parade with its own unique charm.

Over 100 Appearances

The Offenbach Prince(ss) couple makes over 100 appearances during the season – at clubs, kindergartens, schools, senior homes, and with partner clubs throughout Hesse. Those who want to see the OKV in action have an opportunity almost every day during the four Carnival weeks.