Story and Photos by Janice, cover photo by FooTToo / shutterstock.com
It’s here, it’s here! Germany’s largest spring festival is on! Get your Dirndl and Lederhosen, put on your fest hats and head out to the 81st Stuttgart Frühlingsfest!
Each year, my family and I look forward to Frühlingsfest to officially celebrate the beginning of beautiful, warmer weather, loads of sunshine, and the end of hibernation. The fun kicked off on April 20, 2019 with the Mayor of Stuttgart presiding over the traditional keg-tapping ceremony in the Göckelesmaier tent.
Attractions
There’s so much to see and do within the festival grounds. The event features over 20 major rides, minor attractions, booths showcasing a variety of games as well as delicious fest food and drinks for the whole sfamily. Not to be missed is Krämermarkt, a shopping refuge within the fairgrounds with over 50 traders selling jewelry, art, leather, clothing, household goods and décor, spices, cosmetics and gift items.
Festzelte
A major highlight of Frühlingsfest is its widely popular beer tents – Göckelesmaier, Grandls Hafbräuzelt, Wasenwirt and Alpine Town. They all provide delicious food, live entertainment, a party atmosphere, and of course, BEER! The tents offer a family-friendly, biergarten-type ambience during the day. Most evenings though, especially weekends, are typically crowded and busy. Reservations are highly recommended. Tickets to each tent can be purchased ahead of time on the Frühlingsfest website.
Family Day
Families should take advantage of Wednesday Family Day in which attractions are priced half-off. In addition, kids can enjoy free face painting, balloon artists and other surprises. Even parking is priced at a discount.
Balloons and Fireworks
On the final weekend of Frühlingsfest, a hot air balloon show takes place on Saturday afternoon. It’s a sight not to be missed. On Sunday evening, Frühlingsfest lights up Stuttgart’s sky via an impressive 15-minute musical fireworks.
Dates and Times
April 20 to May 12, 2019
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 12 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m.- 12 a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
Sunday and German holidays: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
How to Get There
Location: Stuttgart Frühlingsfest
Mercedesstr. 50, 70372 Stuttgart
By car to Stuttgart: Stuttgart is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes southeast of Kaiserslautern and 2 hours and 40 minutes south of Wiesbaden.
By train to Stuttgart: Click on DB Bahn for train information.
For the local Stuttgart community: The festival grounds is conveniently accessible by car, bus or train. A huge open lot is available for vehicle parking. Bus and train stations are located in huge proximity to the fest grounds. Click here to get driving directions or commuting via public transportation.
Author’s Profile: Janice is a military spouse, mom of 3 (a teen, tween and toddler), thrifty traveler, practical crafter and a blogger who currently lives in Stuttgart with her family.