By Margarita Cambest
USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
Stuttgart’s Volksfest begins today! Originally organized as a harvest festival, the Cannstatter Wasen (Volksfest) has developed into the second largest folk festival in the world (behind Munich’s Wiesn or Oktoberfest). Stuttgart’s annual festival is named after the present-day Stuttgart district it is in and features games, carnival rides, fair food, and beer tents. It is a perfect opportunity for the Stuttgart military community to experience our host nation culture and offers fun for the entire family.
At the last Command Update on AFN Stuttgart, we heard from USAG Stuttgart’s Directorate of Emergency Services about how to make sure you stay safe whether it’s your first or 15th time at the fairgrounds.
“Volksfest is one of the Stuttgart area’s most popular events and we want our Stuttgart military community to be able to participate, but there are a few safety tips they should consider,” said DES Director and Provost Marshal Maj. Daniel Jimenez. “At the end of the day, it is possible to have a wonderful time at these festivals as long as we do the pre-planning to make sure everyone gets home safe.”
Here are a few more tips from DES to make sure you have the very best experience at Volksfest this year.
- First and foremost, don’t drink and drive! DUI laws are much stricter in Germany. If you plan to imbibe, make sure you and your loved ones get home safe by using public transportation, rideshare, or a designated driver. USAG Stuttgart community members are highly encouraged to use mobile apps such as DB Navigator, SSB Move, and VVS Mobil to plan their trips in advance.
- Backpacks and bags will be searched at the entrance or when entering any beer tent.
- No knives are permitted on the fest grounds. All knives will be confiscated during security checks conducted at the various entrances to the fest grounds and prior to entering any beer tent.
- Be aware of your surroundings. The friendly festival atmosphere may encourage you to share details of your life with strangers that you’d normally think twice about but you never know who may be a threat. Remember both OPSEC and PERSEC and stay alert to protect you and your fellow community.
- You do not need to buy tickets. Beware of scam sites selling admission to the festival. While rides, food, and drink are sold, entrance to the festival is totally free. Table reservations for beer tents are sold directly through the official festival website (www.cannstatter-volksfest.de) under the Festzelte/Marquees tab. Advance reservations guarantee admission to the tent of your choice but are not required to enjoy the festivities.
- Cash is the currency of choice, but there are ATMs throughout the festival. Bring some to get you started and replenish at an ATM if you need more.
- Involved in an accident off post? Contact the Military Police to report the accident.
Volksfest runs from Sept. 26 through Oct. 12 in Stuttgart at the Cannstatter Wasen fairgrounds in Bad-Canstatt.