Volksfest Willstätter Jahrmarkt

Traditional Festival on the Kinzig River

The Willstätter Jahrmarkt is one of the defining events of the northern Ortenau region. Organized by the Community of Willstätt, it takes place annually on the third weekend in September — a reliable constant in the festival calendar. The community, with just under 10,000 inhabitants, transforms into a three-day folk festival destination, attracting thousands of visitors from the Ortenau, Alsace, and Switzerland.

Four Components — from Market to Stage

The concept of the Willstätter Jahrmarkt combines four clearly defined festival components:

• Farmers' and Creative Market on the Mühlplatz in front of the town hall — regional food products (cheese, sausage, honey, bread), creative artisans (ceramics, felt, jewelry), horticultural specialties
• Flea Market along the main streets — around 80 stalls with fashion, jewelry, household items, toys, leather goods — the typical German traveling market
• Open-Air Stage in the central festival area — live music (cover bands, Schlager duos, brass bands), show acts, dance groups
• Amusement Park with bumper cars, children's carousel, and game stalls — the classic fairground atmosphere

Additionally: Art exhibition in the town hall, neighborhood flea market in some private gardens of residents, and the Musiker-Schuppen (musicians' shed) with its own program, music, and catering.

Willstätt — Ortenau Community on the Kinzig River

Willstätt is located in the Ortenau district (AGS 08317), between Kehl (on the Rhine) and Offenburg, traversed by the Kinzig river. The community comprises the main town of Willstätt and several districts, including Eckartsweier and Sand. With its close proximity to Alsace (Strasbourg is only 15 minutes away), the area has a bilingual, cross-border culture — which is also reflected in the Willstätter Jahrmarkt: many visitors come from Strasbourg and Alsace.

Schedule of a Weekend

The market follows a classic, predictable schedule:

• Friday from 6 PM: Festival opening with catering stalls and amusement park
• Saturday from 10 AM: Farmers' market, flea market, and all attractions in full swing
• Sunday from 10 AM: Main market day with Sunday opening hours for shops in the town center

Connection Between Tradition and Modernity

What distinguishes the Willstätter Jahrmarkt from purely commercial markets: the combination of folk festival character (amusement park, live music, catering) with curated culture (farmers' market with regional producers, creative market, art exhibition in the town hall). This mix explains why the market is also appreciated by the culturally interested public from Offenburg and Strasbourg, not just as a folk festival, but as a day-trip destination.