A First-Timer’s Guide to the Stuttgart Cannstatter Volksfest
When you think of Germany you probably think of a German beer festival with pretzels, beer, and lederhosen. If you want to experience Germany’s second-largest beer festival (after Oktoberfest in Munich, of course), you need to attend the Stuttgart Cannstatter Wasen.
What is Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Wasen?
Actually the question is where, because the Cannstatter Wasen is a place. Cannstatter because the nearby city is called Bad Cannstatt, the Cannstatter Wasen is a permanent fairground on the Neckar River in northern Stuttgart.
Each fall for a few weeks in September and October a massive Volksfest (folk festival) is held here. There is also a smaller Frühlingsfest in the spring that is very similar, but this post will focus on the more popular Volksfest.
Imagine a state fair plus a college frat party combined with traditional German culture and you have the Cannstatter Volksfest.
The festival is similar to Oktoberfest in Munich but unique in its own way. It’s one of the largest and oldest Volksfests in Germany with more than four million people attending annually!
Let’s dive into what makes this festival so fun and why you might want to add it to your travel bucket list.
When is the Stuttgart Volksfest?
In 2024 the Volksfest runs from Friday, September 27th to Sunday, October 13th.
The hours are:
Mon-Thurs: 12.00 pm -11.00 pm
Fri: 12.00 pm -12.00 am
Sat: 11.00 am – 12.00 am
Sun: 11.00 am -11.00 pm
Three days have special hours:
Fri, 27 Sep: 3:00 pm -12.00 am
Wed, 2 Oct:: 12.00 pm -12.00 am
Thu, 3 Oct: 11.00 am – 11.00 pm (public holiday)
A Brief History
The Cannstatter Wasen started back in 1818. After a bad famine and economic downturn, Württemberg’s King Wilhelm I and his wife Katharina planned an event focused on farming and breeding to try to jumpstart the economy and celebrate better days ahead. The festival was so successful that it became an annual event. Over the years, it has grown and changed, but it still keeps the spirit of celebration alive.
Do you need to buy a ticket to the Cannstatter Volksfest?
The good news is that you don’t need to buy tickets to enter the festival grounds. The Cannstatter Wasen is free to enter, so you can walk around and enjoy the rides, food stalls, and entertainment without needing to pay an entrance fee.
What Can You Do at the Festival?
The Cannstatter Wasen is packed with exciting activities for people of all ages, despite being known as a beer festival. Here are some of the highlights:
Ride Amazing Rides and Attractions
If you love amusement parks, you’ll be thrilled by the rides at the Cannstatter Wasen. There are roller coasters, Ferris wheels that give you a great view of the festival grounds, and those funhouse mirrors that make you look silly. You can also find bumper cars, carousels, and many other attractions.
If you are an adult who thinks they are too old for carnival rides, I can tell you I’ve seen many adults enjoying themselves on these rides, so don’t be afraid to try them. I do recommend doing them BEFORE the beer tents though.
Eat Delicious German Food and Drink
One of the best parts of the festival is the food. You can taste a variety of German dishes that are both delicious and filling. Some of the typcial foods include:
- Bratwurst: These are tasty sausages that are grilled to perfection. They are usually served in a bun with mustard or ketchup.
- Pretzels: German pretzels are big, soft, and salty. They are perfect for snacking while you walk around.
- Sauerbraten: This is a special beef roast that is marinated and then cooked until it’s super tender. It’s often served with potatoes and vegetables.
Cannstatter Wasen Outfit: Do you need to wear Lederhosen or a Dirndl?
Part of the fun of attending the Volksfest is dressing up in traditional German clothing (Trachten). There is no specific dress code, and you are certainly welcome to wear whatever you want. Walking around the fairgrounds it seems like about half of the visitors of all ages are wearing trachten. However, if you will be in the tents, especially going with a reservation at night, about 90% of participants are wearing traditional German clothing and you will likely feel out of place without it.
Cannstatter Wasen Outfit for Men
Lederhosen are traditional leather shorts (or ¾ length pants) with suspenders worn by men. A button-up checkered shirt usually goes on top, or a white shirt with a vest.
Cannstatter Wasen Outfit for Women
Women wear a dirndl that is a dress with a corset-like cut and an apron. The dress length can be just above the knee, just below the knee (the most popular) or a bit longer. A special blouse that is usually white goes on top. The blouse is short and just covers the chest and shoulders and not the torso.
What you don’t see in Stuttgart is the Bavarian or Austrian style hat with a feather in it because Stuttgart is not Munich. You may see some silly hats with moving chicken legs, though.
I think it’s a pretty easy choice to opt for the trachten over street clothes. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good excuse to dress up?
Ok, maybe your wallet doesn’t love it. It’s true that purchasing Lederhosen or a Dirndl is not cheap. Expect to pay 100-400 euros depending on what you buy and the quality of it.
Where to find a dirndl and lederhosen in Stuttgart
There are generally three types of places to find trachten.
Costume Stores
The cheapest dirndls I found were at Dieter’s. The quality isn’t good and they have a Halloween costume feel, but if this is a one-time use purchase and you are going to get sloppy anyway then you may want to head here.
Try: Dieter’s Stuttgart
Dedicated Traditional Trachten Stores
If you want to make a purchase that will be an heirloom or something you plan on wearing many times, purchasing from one of these traditional stores is the way to go. They sell trachten year round and have more personalized service. You can feel good knowing that you are buying a high quality item and you can ask all the questions you want.
Try: Angermeier near the Rathaus or Krüger on Königstrasse
Department Stores seasonal selection
Starting in August many department stores in Stuttgart will have big trachten sections for locals and visitors to purchase their dirndls and lederhosen for Volksfest. The prices here tend to be slightly less than the dedicated trachten stores but they are still not cheap. The selection is good and while you won’t get much service or advice, you can get in, find what you need and get on to the festival quickly.
Try: Galeria Kaufhouse or Breuninger near Rathaus
While it’s possible to buy online, I don’t recommend it because this is a purchase you’ll definitely need to try on and fits are hard to know. Also, for me personally, it was important that I supported a local German manufacturer and not try to find the cheapest option from overseas.
What To Know About the Beer Tents
The beer tents are pretty much the reason that anyone of legal drinking age comes to the Cannstatter Volksfest. This is where the party is but it can be a bit intimidating to navigate for visitors coming to the Wasen for the first time.
The partying happens in the tents but the word “tent” doesn’t really describe these massive, semi-permanent structures that hold thousands (yes, thousands!) of people each. There are nine large beer tents at the festival, each with its own unique decor, music and atmosphere. Here are the links to the tents to make reservations or to see which ones you might want to pop into.
If you are serious about wanting to spend time in the tents, it’s best to make reservations. Essentially, you buy a ticket (voucher) ahead of time that covers food and drink and in return you get a guaranteed spot at a table at a specific time and date.
There are generally two seatings for reservations, at lunchtime (around 11:30) and at dinner time (around 6:00 pm). The dinner reservation is more popular and usually costs more. Each tent has different seating times, prices, and policies, so make sure to check the information from the specific tent that you want to visit.
Sometimes you’ll need to reserve for a minimum amount of people, such as buying a table of 10. If you are allowed to reserve for less then you’ll almost certainly be sharing a table with strangers (but that is part of the fun!).
While the tents are fancy, the tables are not. They are typical German biergarten tables and benches and you’ll be sitting very close to the people you are sharing a table with, so don’t forget your deodorant. You will see people standing up and dancing on the benches, you will also see people that have had two giant beers falling off the benches. When your toes start tapping don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Can I enter the beer tents without a reservation?
Yes, it’s possible to get into the tents without a reservation. The most popular tents will be full for the evening shift, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. But, if you go during less popular days or hours, you’ll certainly find a spot.
If you want a good table, the quietest time is around 2:30 pm when some of the lunch crowd has left but before the dinner crowd comes in. This also means that there is less of a party atmosphere, but hey, you can actually enjoy your food and conversation with your companions then.
The tents have communal seating, so you’ll likely be sharing a table with other festival-goers. This can be a fun way to meet new people and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Ordering Food and Drinks
Once you have a table, it’s time to order! Here’s how it works:
- Beer: Most of the beer is served in large steins (mugs), and you can choose from a variety of local and regional brews. Simply order at the bar or from a server, and enjoy your drink at your table.
- Other Drinks: There are always non-alcoholic drinks available. Wine is usually available off the main menu, too. Some tents have cocktails or shots available to purchase at a separate bar.
- Food: Full meals like chicken and potatoes, sausages, and käsespätzle are the norm. The menus are somewhat limited because the food is being produced for so many people.
Music and Fun in the tents
The beer tents are known for their lively and friendly atmosphere. Here are some things you might notice:
- Music: Bands play international party music and a few traditional German hits. It’s common for people to join in singing and dancing. Don’t be shy—join in the fun!
- Learn a few songs in advance: If you don’t speak much German, learning a few of these songs so you know the words will make the experience much more fun:
- Toasting: It’s a tradition to raise your stein and toast with others. When toasting, make eye contact (this is very important!) and say “Prost!” which means “Cheers!” in German.
Special events during the Cannstatter Volksfest
Parade
One of the most exciting parts of the festival is the parade. It takes place on the first Sunday of the Cannstatter Wasen and features traditional floats decorated with bright colors, flowers, and festive designs. Participants are in traditional German clothing.
Family and Discount Days
Certain theme days offer a discount on food or special entertainment for children and activities for families.
Fireworks
On the closing night, there is usually a free fireworks show.
Tips for Visiting the Cannstatter Wasen
If you’re planning to visit the Cannstatter Wasen, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking around, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Dress Appropriately: The weather in Stuttgart can be a bit cool during the festival, so bring a jacket or sweater.
- Bring Cash: Many food stalls, bars, and rides only accept cash, so make sure to bring some with you.
- Language: While many people speak English, especially in the beer tents, knowing a few basic German phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
- Safety: The festival is generally very safe, but keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of your surroundings. Large backpacks or suitcases are not allowed at the festival.
Going to the Volksfest is a can’t-miss experience if you are in Southwestern Germany. Planning ahead will ensure that you know what to expect so you can have an unforgettable time at the Wasen.
