Wottelkirmes Oberhausen-Königshardt

Wottelkirmes — Harvest Festival with Fairground Attractions

From October 1st to 4th, 2026, the Wottelkirmes will open its stalls on the Theodor-Spiering-Platz in Oberhausen-Königshardt. A traditional harvest fair that combines the agricultural customs of northern Oberhausen with modern fairground tradition — and is one of the characteristic Volksfeste (popular festivals) of the region.

The „Wottel“ — Word History of a Tradition

The name „Wottel“ has regional roots: In the local dialect, it refers to a bunch of carrots (root vegetables) — and points to the festival's agricultural origins as a Erntedankfest (Harvest Thanksgiving festival). Carrots, cabbage, and other root vegetables were once traded here; the fair celebrates this harvest tradition with a parade and festive rituals honoring the farming community of northern Oberhausen.

Program Schedule — The Individual Festival Days

Thursday, October 1st, 2026 — Opening

• Fairground attractions in the evening
• Preparatory program elements

Friday, October 2nd, 2026 — Harvest Festival Highlight

• 5:00 PM — Harvest Parade through Königshardt
• Harvest crown erection at Theodor-Spiering-Platz
• 9:00 PM — Grand Fireworks Display

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 — Main Market Day

• 11:00 AM–8:00 PM — Wottelmarkt with fairground and market stalls
• Food, carousels, game stalls

Sunday, October 4th, 2026 — Family Day

• 10:30 AM — Bumper Car Show
• 11:00 AM–8:00 PM — Wottelmarkt
• Family focus in the afternoon
• Festival wind-down in the evening

Königshardter Interessengemeinschaft (KIG)

The organizer is the Königshardter Interessengemeinschaft (KIG), a local association that organizes the community and festival life of the district. The Wottelkirmes is their most important event and shapes the district's image in October.

Königshardt — District in Northern Oberhausen

The district of Königshardt is located in the north of the city of Oberhausen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr Area). With a mix of residential areas and (still today) agricultural land, Königshardt preserves a character that oscillates between suburban idyll and urban proximity. The Wottelkirmes is a symbol of this identity — a harvest fair that has survived and is maintained in a city of former heavy industry.

Oberhausen — City in the Ruhr Area

The city of Oberhausen (around 210,000 inhabitants) is located between Duisburg, Essen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr. It is known for CentrO, one of Europe's largest shopping centers, the Gasometer Oberhausen, and the Neue Mitte. Königshardt's rural northern part offers a contrast to the urban center.