Host Nation Update, Sept. 30, 2025
Cannstatter Volksfest sees lower attendance than in 2024
The 178th Cannstatter Volksfest officially opened on Friday. Approximately 50,000 fewer people attended the first weekend compared to last year. Nevertheless, organizers are satisfied. Stuttgart’s Lord Mayor Frank Nopper (CDU) tapped the ceremonial keg to open the Wasen. On Sunday afternoon, the event company in Stuttgart released the first attendance figures: around 800,000 visitors came to the Cannstatter Wasen over the opening weekend— about 50,000 fewer than in 2024.
Despite this, Stuttgart describes the start as “successful” and more than 4 million visitors are expected at the 178th Cannstatter Volksfest.
Fire Department Response: Fryer Fire in Festival Tent
According to police, the first Wasen weekend was relatively calm. “Nothing spectacular,” said a police spokesperson. A burning fryer in a festival tent on Saturday morning prompted a fire department response. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the tent entrance was temporarily closed. No injuries were reported. Opening Hours of the Cannstatter Volksfest Since Nopper’s keg tapping—with two strikes—beer has been flowing into steins in the eight large festival tents. The ceremonial opening was attended by prominent figures from state and local politics, including Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) and Thomas Strobl (CDU).
Festival hosts and around 300 rides and booths invite guests to celebrate and stroll. During the week, the Volksfest opens at noon and on weekends at 11 a.m. From Sunday to Thursday, it runs until 11 p.m. and on holidays and Fridays/Saturdays until midnight.
A highlight of the first weekend was the traditional parade on Sunday. Around 4,000 participants—including marching bands, traditional costume groups, and horse-drawn carriages—made their way across the Wasen grounds. After 17 days, the Cannstatter Volksfest will conclude on Oct. 12 with a grand musical fireworks display. In 2025, beer prices are reaching record levels. A liter of beer is expected to cost over 15 euros. Due to the economic situation, festival hosts are preparing for tougher times, according to Werner Klauss, spokesperson for the hosts. Klauss criticized the strict regulations at the Cannstatter Wasen compared to other festivals in Germany. High costs for setup, space rental, and security are a burden. In Stuttgart, hosts are not allowed to charge for toilet use. “Toilet fees would help cover these costs,” Klauss said.
Tips and Savings: VVS Day and Lunch Deals at the Wasen
Visitors looking to save money should come on specific days. Cheaper food options—such as roast chicken (“Göckele”) or cheese spaetzle—are available at lunchtime. Additional discounts are planned for Family Days on Wednesday, Oct. 1 and 8. For those hoping to secure a spot at a beer table, Klauss recommends coming on less crowded days like Monday or Tuesday. Safety at the Wasen Police precinct chief Jörg Schiebe reminded visitors that strict weapons bans are in place at the festival. Pocketknives are also prohibited. Anyone bringing such items must surrender them and may face criminal charges. Schiebe also advised visitors not to bring too much cash or valuables. “Watch your phone and, of course, always keep an eye on your companions,” he said. He also recommends drinking less alcohol to avoid unnecessary conflicts and get home safely.
(SWR Aktuell, Sept. 28, 2025)
Job cuts across the Stuttgart region
Automotive supplier Bosch is cutting approximately 13,000 additional jobs—more than half of them in the Stuttgart region. The affected cities and municipalities are reacting with dismay. The struggling company, headquartered in Gerlingen (Ludwigsburg district), plans to eliminate these positions over the coming years. According to a survey by SWR in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, the concern is palpable. “That’s really tough. No one knows what’s next for Bosch,” said one passerby.
Another added, “It’s always easiest to lay off people.” Local governments are also shaken and are hoping for solutions to support the affected employees.
In Stuttgart-Feuerbach, Bosch is cutting 3,500 jobs in development, sales, administration, and production of drive components—more than at any other location. While the city had anticipated further cuts, the scale came as a surprise, said Stuttgart’s Finance Mayor Thomas Fuhrmann (CDU) in an SWR interview.
“We expected further reductions, but the magnitude was unexpected.” The city hopes the number of job cuts can be reduced and the timeline extended. Fuhrmann said it’s too early to assess the full impact on Stuttgart. “It depends on whether employees and their families leave the city to seek work elsewhere.”
Renningen Site Not Affected This Time
The Bosch site in Renningen (Böblingen district) is not affected by the current round of cuts. However, cost-saving measures were announced there in July. Despite this, concern among employees remains high, said Renningen’s Mayor Melanie Hettmer (Independent): “It creates significant uncertainty for our city. Some people are genuinely afraid for their livelihoods.”
(SWR Aktuell Maxim Flößer, Sept. 26, 2025)