Stoppelmarkt-Festumzug 2026

Stoppelmarkt with over 700 years of history

The Stoppelmarkt Vechta is one of the oldest documented folk festivals (Volksfeste) in Northwest Germany. First mentions date back to the 13th century, when cattle, horse, and goods markets were established on the stubble fields after the grain harvest (hence the name Stoppelmarkt). Over centuries, this agricultural trade festival has developed into the largest folk festival in the Oldenburg Münsterland region, with hundreds of showmen, rides, festival tents, and millions of visitors.

Parade on Opening Day

The parade on opening day, traditionally on Thursday, is the key social event of the Stoppelmarkt. Starting at 4:30 PM, the long procession moves through Vechta's city center towards the Stoppelmarkt grounds. Over a hundred participating groups — shooting clubs (Schützenvereine), sports clubs, carnival clubs (Karnevalsvereine), music bands, drum corps, citizen groups from local districts, schools, companies with themed floats — make up the parade.

Themed Floats and Music Bands

A special feature is the themed floats: elaborately designed parade floats with themes from history, politics, society, sports, or regional identity. Clubs and companies often invest months of preparation in building their float. Music bands and drum corps from the Oldenburg Münsterland region provide continuous musical accompaniment.

Tens of Thousands of Spectators

Every year, tens of thousands of spectators gather along the parade route through Vechta's city center. Grandstands, curbs, windows, and balconies along the route are occupied, and the parade — along with the official opening on the Stoppelmarkt grounds — forms the emotional climax of the Stoppelmarkt days.