Host Nation Update, Sept. 24, 2026
Compiled by USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
What visitors should know about Cannstatter Volksfest 2026
The Cannstatter Wasen is one of Germany’s largest and most popular folk festivals. For 17 days, fairground rides, festival tents, and numerous attractions draw visitors to Stuttgart. This year, alongside the traditional highlights, there are also some new features on the festival grounds.
The Cannstatter Volksfest takes place from Sept. 25 to Oct. 11. On opening day, the festival begins at 3 p.m.—this is also when the rides open.
Stuttgart Lord Mayor Frank Nopper will do the honors at the traditional keg-tapping ceremony at 5 p.m. in the Schwabenzelt festival tent. On regular festival days, the Wasen opens at noon Monday through Friday, and at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. From Sunday to Thursday, the festival grounds remain open until 11 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the festivities continue until midnight.
The easiest way to get there is by public transportation or on two wheels—bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles. Since the Landwirtschaftliches Hauptfest (Major Agricultural Festival) is also taking place on the Wasen grounds this year, the parking lot usually designated as P10 is unavailable. The organizers therefore recommend using public transportation. Light rail lines U11 and U19 run directly to the Cannstatter Wasen stop until around 8 p.m. Alternatively, visitors can take lines U1, U2, U13, and U16 to the Mercedesstraße stop.
Those arriving by S-Bahn or regional train can get off at Bad Cannstatt station. From there, the festival grounds are within a 10-minute walk.
When does the Wasen get particularly crowded?
The first Sunday of the festival, featuring the traditional fair parade, is especially popular. Large numbers of visitors are also expected to flock to the Wasen on German Unity Day, Oct. 3.
The two Family Days—Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesday, Oct. 7—also draw extra crowds. Special offers and discounted prices await families on these
days.
What are the beer prices at the Wasen?
A Maß (1 liter) costs more than 15 euros in some festival tents. At Göckelesmaier, a liter of Wulle costs 15.40 euros, while the price at Benz—at 15.60 euros—is the highest among those mentioned. The tent operators cite rising costs for food, raw materials, staff, energy, logistics, and rent as the primary reasons.
However, there are cheaper options: in the Fürstenberg tent and at the Wasenwirt, a Maß costs 14.80 euros. Additionally, Göckelesmaier offers a discounted price of 9.90 euros on weekdays between noon and 3 p.m.
What am I not allowed to bring?
Police and event security personnel will once again ensure safety at the Cannstatter Volksfest this year. Access checks will be conducted at the entrances; visitors are
therefore advised to bring as little luggage as possible. Bags and backpacks larger than DIN A4 size are not permitted on the festival grounds. They must be left at the luggage storage facility. Storage fees range from 3 to 8 euros, depending on the size of the item.
Prohibited items include, among others:
- Bags and backpacks larger than A4 size
- Bottles, cups, mugs, and cans (regardless of material); exception: Tetra Paks up to a maximum of a half-liter per person
- Weapons and stun guns, irritant sprays, baseball bats and similar sports equipment
- Pyrotechnics and fireworks, corrosive or staining liquids
- Bulky items
- Flags
- Animals, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs
Pay with cash or card?
Many tents and stalls also accept card payments and vouchers. In addition, there are ATMs on the grounds for quick cash withdrawals. It is therefore advisable to bring both cash and debit or credit cards for payments, and to check your daily spending limit in advance. Some vendors have a minimum amount for card payment— for example, a €50 minimum at the Wasenwirt festival tent office.
A permanent ATM is located in the entrance area to the Cannstatter Wasen—between Talstraße and Mercedesstraße (near the crossing to the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle). Additional ATMs can be found directly on the festival grounds or inside the tents.
Highlights
Sunday, September 27, 2026, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Grand historical festival parade: This colorful spectacle is a major highlight of the 179th Cannstatter Volksfest.
Monday, September 28, 2026: VVS Wasen Day: Visitors with a valid VVS ticket, subscription, or Deutschlandticket receive discounts.
Wednesday, September 30, and Wednesday, October 7, 2026: Family Days featuring discounts and special offers for children and families.
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 9:30–9:45 PM: Grand musical fireworks display: For the finale of the Cannstatter Volksfest, multiple-time pyrotechnics world champion Joachim Berner transforms the sky above the Wasen into a sea of light and color.
(Stuttgarter Nachrichten, Sept. 24, 2026)