Wolfenbüttel Autumn Festival

From Harvest Festival to City Festival

The Wolfenbüttel Autumn Festival has its roots in the classic harvest festival (Erntedankfest), which was one of the most important dates in the annual calendar in the agriculturally characterised region of Ostfalen for centuries. With urbanisation and structural change, this festival has developed into a modern city festival that preserves the memory of the harvest festival but also meets the demands of a medium-sized town in the 21st century.

Family Programme and Street Art

The focus of the festival is on attractions for families: carousels, hands-on activities, small stages for street theatre and entertainment that delight younger children. Gastronomic stands offer regional specialities of the autumn season – pumpkin soup, Federweißer (new wine), onion cake, candied almonds, and fresh baked goods. This creates a culinary atmosphere that discreetly preserves the harvest festival heritage.

Sunday Shopping

The festival is framed by Sunday shopping from 1 PM to 6 PM. Wolfenbüttel's retailers use this date to present their autumn and winter collections, offer promotions and special deals, and make visiting the city centre more attractive. Boutiques, bookshops, small manufactories, and established businesses invite you for tastings, consultations, and encounters.

Embedded in the City's Festival Calendar

The Autumn Festival concludes Wolfenbüttel's warm festival season and transitions into the upcoming Advent season. Between the Kulturnacht in September and the Christmas market starting at the end of November, the Autumn Festival is the golden October moment when the city once again shows its festive spirit before the city centre returns to its quieter autumn and winter rhythm.