39. Opladener Bierbörse

One of Germany's Largest Beer Festivals

When the beer tent is set up on the Wupper meadow 'An der Schusterinsel' in July, one of the most important dates of the year begins for beer connoisseurs from all over Germany: the Opladener Bierbörse. The 2026 edition, from July 10th to 13th, is the 39th iteration — and since its inception in 1988, the Bierbörse has grown into one of the largest beer festivals in Germany. With over 200,000 visitors over four days, Opladen ranks among the top beer festivals alongside Erlangen's Bergkirchweih and Munich's Frühlingsfest.

1000 Beers from Around the World

The numbers at the Opladener Bierbörse are impressive: at around 80 stalls, breweries, beer merchants, and importers offer approximately 1000 different types of beer from all over the world. Represented are classic German Pilsners and wheat beers, as well as craft beer manufacturers, Belgian Trappist beers, English ales, Bohemian Pilsners, US IPAs, Asian rice beers, and exotic specialties from Africa and Latin America. Anyone wanting to try all varieties in one day would have to drink 60+ beers per hour — a logistically and physically impossible task.

Wupperaue as a Festival Backdrop

The venue is the Wupper meadow 'An der Schusterinsel' in Leverkusen-Opladen — a park-like area directly on the Wupper river. The natural boundaries of the festival grounds created by the river and old trees provide a special atmosphere: a city festival feel, but with park romance. Throughout the weekend, beer stalls are spread across the meadows, small stages with live music alternate with DJ sets, and culinary offerings — bratwurst, currywurst, international street food options — cater to the crowds.

Opening Hours and Program

Friday and Saturday (July 10th/11th, 2026): 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Sunday and Monday (July 12th/13th): 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The weekend is the peak visiting time; on Monday (Beer Closing Celebration), the program is a bit quieter — until the closing concert.

Finale with Guildo Horn & Die Orthopädischen Strümpfe

The grand finale on Monday evening, July 13th, 2026, is the live concert by Guildo Horn & Die Orthopädischen Strümpfe — presented by Sparkasse Leverkusen. Guildo Horn, the German Schlager-Eurovision phenomenon since 'Guildo hat euch lieb' (1998), has built a second career as an open-air performer. His performance at the Bierbörse is a reliable season highlight.

Safety and Restrictions

Safety measures: Backpacks, large bags, and strollers are prohibited. Small bags and fanny packs are allowed. Dogs are not permitted during the event. Bringing your own food and drinks (except baby food) is not allowed. These measures have been standard since the nationwide tightening of security requirements for large events.

Leverkusen-Opladen — The Beer City

Leverkusen (approx. 164,000 inhabitants) is home to the Bayer Group and the Bundesliga club Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Opladen is one of Leverkusen's three districts (along with Wiesdorf and Schlebusch), located on the eastern edge of the city on the Wupper river. With the Bierbörse, Opladen has built its own supra-regional identity as a beer city — a special position in a city otherwise defined by the Bayer Group.