41st Schlossparkfest Essen-Borbeck

Schlossparkfest — Industrial Culture and Showman Tradition

The Schlossparkfest is one of Germany's most extraordinary folk festivals: not a modern funfair with state-of-the-art machinery, but a journey back in time to historic rides from the early decades of showmanship. Organized since 1986 by the Historical Society of German Showmen in cooperation with Rendschmidt GmbH, the 2026 festival, in its 41st edition, is an important date for enthusiasts of historic Volksfest technology from all over Germany.

Historic Ferris Wheel from 1902 and Other Classics

The stars of the festival are the heritage rides:

• Historic Ferris Wheel "Familie Feldmann" — in operation since 1902, 14 meters high, with lovingly restored gondolas
• "Der Selbstfahrer" Bumper Cars (Richard Müller) — Bumper cars in the style of the 1950s and 1960s, with chrome details and original paintwork
• Heart Wheel Carousel (Patrick Hüsgen) — in operation since 1957, nostalgic lighting, classic sound
• Historic Carousel (Gundelwein, 1919) — hand-carved horses, runs on rails instead of around a central axis

All rides are operational and managed by experienced showman families — with some attractions representing living showman tradition for three or more generations.

Steampunk Special 2026

A special feature of the 41st edition in 2026 is the Steampunk Event: costumed performers in Victorian-industrial Steampunk aesthetics roam the festival, with interactive stations featuring steam machine replicas, photo booths, and hands-on activities. The Steampunk Special captures the spirit of the historic rides and makes the Schlossparkfest a pilgrimage site for the German Steampunk community.

Live Music, Traders' Mile, and Schloss Borbeck

In addition, there are two stages with live music (Folk, Rock, Pop, Schlager), a beer garden, a traders' mile with arts and crafts and specialties, as well as numerous food trucks. Schloss Borbeck itself — a historic moated castle from the 14th century, long summer residence of the Princess-Abbesses of Essen — forms the backdrop, complemented by the expansive castle park.

Essen-Borbeck in the Western Ruhr Area

Essen-Borbeck is one of the western districts of Essen, formerly an independent town, incorporated in 1915, with about 55,000 inhabitants. Borbeck was a heavy industry location, now a residential area with active local life. The Schlossparkfest attracts visitors from the entire Ruhr area — Essen, Bottrop, Oberhausen, Gelsenkirchen — as well as from Münsterland and Niederrhein.