Wottelfest (Wottelkirmes) Heisingen

Wottel — the carrot as a district symbol

Heisingen, a district in southern Essen on Baldeneysee lake, carries its carnival and festival calendar under the motto 'Wottel' — the Ruhr dialect term for carrot. The name dates back to the district's agricultural origins, where carrots were brought to the weekly market in Essen in the 19th century. Carnival in Heisingen dates back to 1912; the Wottelfest and Wottelkirmes are the summer sister events to Heisingen Carnival.

Three-day funfair at the end of August

From Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Wottelfest will take place in the center of Heisingen. Stands, rides, and activity areas will line Bahnhofstraße and Heisinger Straße, as well as the area around Heisinger Marktplatz with the old town hall. The local press ('Wottelkirmes') has regularly reported on the event for years, making it a firm fixture in the southern Essen district calendar.

Program: Rides, DJ, Food, Clubs

The program follows the tried-and-tested district festival choreography: rides and attractions for children and families, stands from Heisingen clubs, food trucks and snack stands, plus a DJ stage with a DJ program in the evenings. In previous years, there was a children's drawing competition and performances by carnival societies. The motto of the Heisingen Business Association — 'Heisingen — This is where I live — This is where I shop' — resonates in the background; the festival also serves as a showcase for local businesses.

Heisingen Business Association

The organizer is the Heisingen Business Association — the association of retailers, restaurateurs, and service providers in the district. The main contacts are Christian Baer (Phone 0201 460021) and Willy Schüffler (Phone 0201 467269). Registrations for club stands and exhibitors should be sent to [email protected].

Heisingen on Baldeneysee lake

Heisingen is located on the north bank of Baldeneysee lake in southern Essen, with just under 11,000 inhabitants. The district is known beyond Essen primarily for the Heisingen waterworks, the Heisinger Aue (nature reserve on the Ruhr riverbank), and its location on the Ruhrtal cycle path. The Wottelfest is its most important summer district event.