Tierpark- und Dahlienfest Gera 2026

Zoo and Dahliengarten Hand in Hand

The Tierpark- und Dahlienfest is the largest family festival in Gera Zoo and, at the same time, the most important event in the neighboring Dahliengarten. Both areas are located directly next to each other and together form one of Gera's most beautiful green spaces. Every year in September, they jointly open their gates for an open family festival — animals and plants are equally showcased. In 2026, the festival will take place on Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Program 2026 — Animal Baptisms and Dahlia Competition

The highlight is the animal baptisms: the youngest residents of the zoo (babies born in spring and summer 2026) will be ceremoniously given their names. In parallel, a competition for the most beautiful dahlia will take place — hobby gardeners from Gera and the surrounding area will submit their best blooms, and a jury will select the winners. Zookeeper-led tours during feeding, care times, and at enclosures will provide insights into the daily operations of the zoo. Historical garden tours through the Dahliengarten will explain the history of the garden and dahlia cultivation.

Gera Dahliengarten — Cultural-Historical Heritage

The Gera Dahliengarten is one of the most significant dahlia collections in Central Germany — established in the 1930s, expanded several times, with hundreds of varieties ranging from simple garden dahlias to giant varieties. In September, the plants are in full bloom, forming a colorful backdrop that attracts photographers and garden enthusiasts from all over Thuringia every year. The zoo is directly adjacent — visitors can switch between animal enclosures and dahlia beds within minutes.

Gera — Otto Dix City in Eastern Thuringia

Gera, with around 95,000 inhabitants, is the third-largest city in Thuringia and the birthplace of the painter Otto Dix. The zoo and Dahliengarten are located in the Untermhaus district, easily accessible by tram and car. Gera is well-connected via the A4 motorway and the Erfurt-Chemnitz railway line.