Varel Spring Festival

Varel — Frisian Town on the Jade Bay

Varel is a town in the district of Friesland, located on the Jade Bay, a large North Sea bay. With its favorable location between Wilhelmshaven and Oldenburg, Varel is a lively medium-sized center with an active city center and a spacious market environment. The annual Spring Festival is one of the highlights of Varel's event calendar, attracting visitors from all over Friesland and the surrounding regions.

47 Showmen and Main Attractions 2026

With 47 showmen, the 2026 Varel Spring Festival offers an exceptionally wide selection of rides, food stalls, and games. Classic highlights include the Music Express — a fast looping coaster with musical accompaniment —, the Super Dance with its rapid spinning movements, and the bumper cars, which have captivated generations of festival-goers. The ghost ride and the gourmet tour are announced as new attractions for 2026. The ghost ride offers a walk-through haunted house, while the gourmet tour provides a culinary journey through the festival's regional and international flavors.

Supporting Program and Family Day

In addition to the rides and food offerings, the 2026 Varel Spring Festival features a broad supporting program. A magic show delights audiences of all ages with illusions and magic. The vintage car show presents classic automobiles and is a magnet for vehicle enthusiasts from all over Friesland. The garden mile invites inspiration for spring gardens and balconies. Monday, April 13th, is Family Day: on this day, many showmen offer discounts, making the festival fun particularly attractive for families with children.

Significance for the Region

With its four festival days, the Varel Spring Festival attracts thousands of visitors from Friesland, Wesermarsch, and the Oldenburg region. It is an important season opener for the showmen's scene and a cultural flagship for the town of Varel. The combination of a classic Volksfest, new attractions, and a rich supporting program makes it one of the most significant spring festivals in Lower Saxony.