Cannstatter Volksfest

About Cannstatter Volksfest

The Cannstatter Volksfest began in 1818 as an agricultural harvest festival initiated by King Wilhelm I of Württemberg. In the wake of the “year without a summer” famine caused by the 1815 Tambora volcano eruption, the king organized a feast and fair to boost the spirits and prosperity of his people [oai_citation:22‡en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannstatter_Volksfest#:~:text=The%20first%20Cannstatter%20Volksfest%20was,2). The first Volksfest took place on 28 September 1818 in a Neckar River meadow (the Cannstatter Wasen) and drew over 30,000 attendees – a remarkable figure for the time [oai_citation:23‡cannstatter-volksfest.de](https://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/en/volksfest/history/#:~:text=Baden%20W%C3%BCrttemberg%E2%80%99s%20largest%20festival%20attracts,major%20attraction%20at%20the%20very). A centerpiece of the inaugural event was the towering “Fruchtsäule” or Fruit Column, decorated with grains, fruits and vegetables as a symbol of thanksgiving, a tradition that continues as the festival’s emblem today [oai_citation:24‡cannstatter-volksfest.de](https://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/en/volksfest/history/#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9CFruchts%C3%A4ule%E2%80%9D).

Over the decades, the Volksfest grew into a grand annual celebration (with a few interruptions due to war and royal decree). By 1841, a parade featuring over 10,000 costumed participants and horse-drawn floats had become a highlight, attracting 100,000 spectators in that era [oai_citation:25‡cannstatter-volksfest.de](https://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/en/volksfest/history/#:~:text=There%20have%20almost%20always%20been,motorcade%20took%20place%20in%201911). The festival gradually expanded its duration and offerings: originally a one-day affair, it extended to multiple days and by the late 20th century evolved into a 17-day extravaganza each autumn [oai_citation:26‡cannstatter-volksfest.de](https://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/en/volksfest/history/#:~:text=The%20present%20Cannstatter%20Volksfest%20lasts,was%20brought%20forward%20to%20Friday). While it began as an agricultural fair, the Cannstatter Volksfest increasingly incorporated beer tents, amusement rides, and music to entertain the masses.

Today, the Cannstatter Volksfest is considered the second-largest beer festival and funfair in the world, after Munich’s Oktoberfest [oai_citation:27‡en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannstatter_Volksfest#:~:text=Although%20the%20Volksfest%20is%20not,week%20later%20than%20the%20Oktoberfest). Held each year from late September to early October in Stuttgart’s Bad Cannstatt district, it consistently draws around four million visitors [oai_citation:28‡cannstatter-volksfest.de](https://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/en/volksfest/history/#:~:text=The%20Cannstatter%20Volksfest%20has%20continued,day%2C%20namely%20on%20the%2028). The huge Fruit Column still stands tall over the Wasen fairgrounds, reminding revelers of the festival’s origins. Around it, visitors enjoy a similar atmosphere of merriment as in Munich: large beer tents (run by regional breweries) brim with locals in Dirndl and Lederhosen, toasting with Württemberg beer and hearty Swabian cuisine. Dozens of carnival rides – from classic carousels to giant roller coasters – and game booths line the festival, providing family-friendly fun by day and thrilling entertainment by night.

A highlight is the traditional Volksfest parade through Stuttgart’s streets on the first Sunday of the festival, showcasing folk dance groups, marching bands, horse teams, and elaborately decorated floats celebrating Swabian culture. The Cannstatter Volksfest’s blend of time-honored customs and festive charm has endured for over two centuries, making it Baden-Württemberg’s most beloved annual event and a vibrant testament to the region’s resilience and convivial spirit.