110th Sinsheim Foal Market 2026

Over 120 Years of Horse Market in the Kraichgau

The Sinsheim Foal Market has been the most important Volksfest in the northern Baden Kraichgau region for over 120 years. What began as a horse market with the sale of foals from Kraichgau horse breeding has developed over the decades into a classic Volksfest with fairground rides, a festival tent, tradition, and preservation of its historical character. In 2026, the 110th edition runs from May 14th to 18th.

Opening on Thursday, May 14th — Tapping of the Beer Keg and Fireworks

The festive opening takes place on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, at 11 AM:

• Tapping of the beer keg by Mayor Marco Siesing — the traditional ritual that opens the Volksfest
• Horse presentation and breeding awards at the sports field — a direct link to the original function of the festival as a horse market
• Fireworks on Thursday evening after dark

Program Friday to Sunday

The following days bring a packed program:

• Friday, May 15th — Senior afternoon with coffee and cake in the festival tent
• Saturday, May 16th, 2:30 PM — Youth competition "Dance instead of Addiction" (addiction prevention through dance)
• Sunday, May 17th — ecumenical service, family program, Weißwurst breakfast, Sunday opening for shopping 1 PM–6 PM in Sinsheim's city center with special promotions from shops
• Monday, May 18th — Festival closing

One of Germany's Most Beautiful Ferris Wheels

On the festival grounds, fairground rides for all ages meet: a Ferris wheel, which according to its own claims is "one of the most beautiful Ferris wheels in Germany", carousels, dodgems, roller coasters, and children's rides. Food stalls with bratwurst, Bavarian specialties, and non-alcoholic drinks complement the offer. In the festival tent, there is live music daily with regional bands and cover acts.

Sunday Opening for Shopping in Sinsheim City Center

A special feature on the festival Sunday is the Sunday opening for shopping from 1 PM to 6 PM in Sinsheim's city center. Shops, which are usually closed, open their doors, and many offer special promotions and festival discounts. This connects the Volksfest with the urban retail trade of the city — an attempt to further liven up the city center on the festival weekend.

Sinsheim — Town in the Kraichgau

Sinsheim, with its approximately 36,000 inhabitants, is the largest town in the Rhein-Neckar district after Heidelberg, Weinheim, and Hockenheim. The town is primarily known for the Sinsheim Auto and Technology Museum (Concorde exhibition, Tupolev TU-144) and for its location in the Kraichgau — one of the most agriculturally rich regions in southern Germany. Horse and pig breeding have a long tradition here, and the Foal Market has remained an important economic hub for generations.

Extended Bus Services and Bicycle Parking

For the festival weekend, the transport association is setting up extended bus services, and bicycle parking facilities are being created in the immediate vicinity of the festival grounds. These measures support the high number of visitors who come to Sinsheim for the Foal Market every year.