Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück
Carnival kickoff on the Rathausmarkt with carnival market and open-air party
About Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück
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Carnival in the City of Peace
Osnabrück is known as the City of Peace, where the historic negotiations for the Peace of Westphalia concluded in 1648. Less known – but all the more important to the city's community – is its active carnival scene, organized by numerous associations, which presents a packed program throughout the carnival days. The umbrella organization is the Bürgerausschuss Osnabrücker Karneval e.V. (BOK), which hosts, among other events, Weiberfastnacht and the grand Ossensamstag parade.
6:11 PM – The Festive Kickoff
As is tradition in carnival, the open-air party begins at 6:11 PM – a nod to the carnival number 11. On the Rathausmarkt, the associations set up their stage, stalls, and bars, and from the opening signal, the historic square transforms into a colourful sea of costumes, confetti, and dance formations.
Carnival Market and Show Program
Accompanying the open-air program, a carnival market opens from 6:11 PM, offering food, drinks, and carnival merchandise. On stage, troupes, dance formations, and soloists showcase their skills, and musical acts keep the energy high well into the evening. Thus, Weiberfastnacht complements the carnival calendar, which reaches its first major highlight two days later with the Ossensamstag parade.
Open to All
Unlike in some Rhenish strongholds, Weiberfastnacht in Osnabrück is an open city festival. All 'Jecken', families, young adults, and carnival newcomers are invited to experience the event. Admission to the Rathausmarkt is free.
Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück — edition 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the BOK in the run-up to the carnival days. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years: opening at 6:11 PM with a welcome by the Carnival President, followed by a stage show with dance troupes and musical acts; concurrently, a carnival market with stalls for food and carnival merchandise; a convivial conclusion in the bars and pubs of the city center.
Programme Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück 2026
Evening Schedule – February 12, 2026
- From 6:11 PM: Opening of Weiberfastnacht on the Rathausmarkt
- Carnival market with stalls for food, drinks, and carnival merchandise
- Stage show with dance troupes from the BOK and friendly associations
- Live acts and musical program
- Open-air party until the evening hours
Carnival Tradition in Osnabrück
- Bürgerausschuss Osnabrücker Karneval e.V. (BOK) as the organizational umbrella
- Several dance troupes and carnival associations active in the city
- Highlight of the carnival week: Ossensamstag parade two days later
Note
Updates will be posted on osna-helau.de.
Highlights Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück 2026
- Carnival kickoff on the Rathausmarkt at 6:11 PM
- Carnival market with food and merchandise
- Stage show by dance troupes and formations
- Open-air party in the City of Peace
- Free admission – costumes encouraged
Prices Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück 2026
Practical information — Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück
Date 2026
Thursday, February 12, 2026 (Weiberfastnacht), starting at 6:11 PM.
Location
Rathausmarkt, 49074 Osnabrück.
Getting There
Public transport: numerous bus lines stop at Rathausmarkt; Osnabrück main train station is a 15-minute walk away. By car: parking garages in the city center (e.g., Stadthaus, Theater, Nikolaiort).
Admission
Admission to the open-air area on the Rathausmarkt is free.
Recommendation
Costumes encouraged – Helau!
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Weiberfastnacht Osnabrück al mejor precio.
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