I first attended the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart back in 2018 and I’ve made it an annual event ever since. Stuttgart’s version of Oktoberfest is, dare I say, maybe even more fun than the original? It has a lot of similarities but all the right differences too. See what I mean in this complete guide to Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest.
What is Cannstatter Volksfest?
The Cannstatter Volksfest can most easily be described as Stuttgart’s version of Oktoberfest. (Since we all know what Oktoberfest is, right?) It has the same atmosphere of big tents, big beers, big brats, and big carefree energy.
Outside of Germany, most people probably know it as the “Stuttgart Beer Festival,” even though, like Oktoberfest, it’s so much more than that. Regardless, it’s also known as the world’s second largest beer festival, after Oktoberfest. (It had 4.6 million visitors in 2024! Oktoberfest in Munich had 6.7 million.)
The word “Cannstatter” refers to the part of Stuttgart where the festival takes place—Bad Cannstatt. “Volksfest” translates to “folk festival” and is the word used in Germany to describe a large event that typically combines elements of beer festivals, carnivals, fairgrounds, etc.
Is Cannstatter Volksfest the same as Oktoberfest?
The Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart is similar to Oktoberfest in Munich, but it’s different in plenty of ways too. I’ll go over some of those differences in this post.
Where is Cannstatter Volksfest?
The Cannstatter Volksfest takes place in Stuttgart, Germany. More specifically, at what’s known as the Cannstatter Wasen—a large fairgrounds northeast of Stuttgart’s main center.
Stuttgart Beer Festival map
This map contains all sites related to attending the Stuttgart Beer Festival that I mention in this post. To save this map: Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save in your Google Maps. To use this map: When you get here, open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”
How to get to the Cannstatter Wasen
First, get yourself to Stuttgart, which you can do via air, train, bus, or car. Stuttgart is a major German city with tons of transportation options. Fly directly into Stuttgart (STR) or take the train into Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof. You can take the Flixbus here from cities all over Europe, or even drive if that’s your preferred method. (You can rent a car here if you need one.)
Once in Stuttgart, you can get to the Cannstatter Wasen easily via public transportation. From wherever you are in the city, you can take either the U11 or U19 to the Cannstatter Wasen U-bahn stop right outside the entrance to the festival. Really, it couldn’t be easier! [Stuttgart U-bahn map here.] Note that Uber and Lyft do not operate in Stuttgart.
When is Cannstatter Volksfest?
Like Oktoberfest, Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest takes place in the fall each year, starting in September and ending in October. The best part is that the Stuttgart festival starts and ends a week later than Oktoberfest which means you can go to BOTH. (I think this is what they call “a gift from God.”)
Cannstatter Volksfest 2025 will take place from September 26 to October 12.
Fun fact: Stuttgart also has a spring version of the Cannstatter Wasen each year known as Stuttgart Frühlingsfest. Believe it or not, this festival is actually bigger than Munich’s Frühlingsfest!
How much does it cost to go to Cannstatter Volskfest?
Attending the Cannstatter Volksfest is free. By that I mean: no admission costs, no tickets necessary, no passes or wristbands to purchase, etc. You can just walk right in off the street. Entering the beer tents is also free. So if you just wanted to come in and walk around, you won’t pay anything to do so.
All you’ll pay for at the Stuttgart Beer Festival is anything you eat, drink, buy, or ride (obviously). But just getting into the festival and into the beer tents? Totally free. For other stuff you can expect to pay:
- Beer: Around €15 (+ tip)
- Meals inside the tents: Anywhere from €10 to €40 depending on when and what you order
- Food outside the tents: €7 for a bratwurst or sandwich, just as an example
- Rides: Between €5 and €10 depending
Wednesdays at the Cannstatter Wasen are “Family Days” and rides are discounted.
What to wear to Cannstatter Volksfest
Dressing for the Cannstatter Wasen is the same as dressing for Oktoberfest or any other Bavarian folk festival—dirndls for women, lederhosen for men. But of course, you can wear your regular everyday clothes too if you wouldn’t feel comfortable in traditional tracht. (Or better yet, something from my Oktoberfest shop!)
Obviously, there’s much more to know besides just that so you’ll want to check out my post on how to dress for Oktoberfest for all the details. I also have a post on where to shop for dirndls and lederhosen that you may find useful too.
Fun fact: There’s a great shop for dirndls and lederhosen and all the accessories inside the Cannstatter Volksfest. It’s called Amadeus and you can find it over in the Albdorf.
But Stuttgart isn’t in Bavaria…
It’s true—Stuttgart is located in the German state of Baden-Württemburg, not Bavaria. In fact, it’s also the capital. So why do people wear “traditional Bavarian” garb to a festival that’s not even Bavarian? Umm, it’s complicated.
One thing to understand is that even though Stuttgart is geographically within the bounds of Baden-Württemburg, it’s also within the invisible bounds of Swabia. Swabia is a cultural region that’s partly in Baden-Württemburg and partly in Bavaria. You could compare it to something like “New England” or “the Midwest.”
Both Bavaria and Swabia have their own “traditional” clothing and they do share many similarities. That being said, the dirndls and lederhosen we wear today aren’t even “traditional” Bavarian in the true, historical sense. They’re inspired by the traditional stuff, yes, but are still a modern and much more attractive take for today’s consumers.
Regardless, the short answer and consensus seem to be = capitalism. What we see at these festivals today are mostly modern adaptations that have simply become synonymous with “German beer festivals.” In other words, these modern versions could even be generalized as “southern German” outfits, making them acceptable at both Bavarian and Swabian festivals.
(Look, I know this is a heated topic. Please don’t come at me with your pitchforks; I’m doing my best here.)
Cannstatter Volksfest beer tents
There are eight major beer tents at the Cannstatter Volksfest all with their own themes and vibes. They’re all pretty big, seating anywhere from 2,000 people to 6,000. Here’s a quick little breakdown of each one:
1. Almhütte Royal
This tent has a “cozy Alpine” theme and resembles an Alpine mountain chalet. This is where you go for hearty Tyrolean cuisine and a general “après ski” atmosphere. They also have a sleigh that flies across the tent, over the crowd, that you can ride. I kid you not.
- Capacity: 2,500
- Beer: Stuttgarter Hofbräu
- More info: almhuette-royal.de
Fun fact: The Cannstatter Volksfest has its own mascot – a rabbit named Wasenhasi.
2. Beim Benz
As the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz, of course there’s a Benz tent at the Stuttgart Beer Festival. (Even though its proprietor Marcel Benz is a culinary genius, not a car manufacturer.) So yeah, the Beim Benz tent is widely known for the quality of its food but also for hosting a fantastic party.
“Beim Benz” translates to “At the Benz.” Before 2022, this tent was known as the Grandls Hofbräu Zelt, same owners though.
- Capacity: 4,500
- Beer: Stuttgarter Hofbräu
- More info: beimbenz.de
3. Dinkelacker Festzelt / Klauss & Klauss
The Dinkelacker tent is where the mayor of Stuttgart ceremoniously taps the first keg to officially open the festival. Dinkelacker serves their own beer and is one of the largest tents at the Wasen.
- Capacity: 5,500
- Beer: Dinkelacker
- More info: klauss-und-klauss.de
4. Fürstenberg Festzelt
Like Dinkelacker, the Fürsetenberg tent also sells its own brew. As of 2025, this tent has a new owner but continues to be one of the largest on the Wasen.
- Capacity: 4,200
- Beer: Fürstenberg
- More info: fuerstenbergzelt.de
5. Göckelesmaier
The Göckelesmaier tent is my personal favorite and I dare you to find a better party than this. While most of the tents at the Cannstatter Volskfest are much younger, the Göckelesmaier tent has been up and running for over 90 years.
This tent is known for its roast chicken and you’ll find the chicken theme everywhere. The entire party atmosphere here can’t be beat and they have a lot of fun promotions. Every night they throw out a Frisbee for every year they’ve been open. (That’s 91 Frisbees!) And if you catch one, you get a free liter of beer.
- Capacity: 4,100
- Beer: Wulle Bier
- More info: goeckelesmaier.de
6. Schwabenwelt
The Schwabenwelt is the largest tent at the Stuttgart Beer Festival with tons of indoor and outdoor seating including an outdoor balcony. They also claim to be the most beautiful tent at the festival. So, you be the judge.
- Capacity: 5,600
- Beer: Schwabenbräu
- More info: schwabenwelt.de
7. Sonja Merz Zelt
The Sonja Merz tent is always one of the most popular tents at the Wasen (and one of my personal favorites too). Not only is the entertainment here some of the best, but there’s also a rotating bar on the upper level.
- Capacity: 4,600
- Beer: Stuttgarter Hofbräu
- More info: sonjamerzzelt.de
8. Zum Wasenwirt
One of the biggest party tents here at the Wasen is the Wasenwirt. They host several popular bands and DJs and tons of fun promotions and events. One of the highlights of this tent is GayDelight Night on the last Thursday of the festival.
- Capacity: 3,500
- Beer: Stuttgarter Hofbräu
- More info: wasenwirt.de
Bonus: Albdorf
The Albdorf at the Stuttgart Beer Festival isn’t so much a “tent,” but it’s still worth mentioning here. On the southeastern edge of the Wasen you’ll find the Albdorf—a dedicated area filled with fun places to eat, drink, and shop. There are food stalls, open-air seating areas, rides, shopping vendors, and much more. More info here: dasalbdorf.de.
Cannstatter beer tents: Need to know
Before I go any further, there’s something important you need to know about the beer tents at the Cannstatter Volksfest. You can smoke inside them. Lord knows why anyone thinks this is a good idea. It’s disgusting and annoying and the ash trays are gross, but it’s just something you have to deal with.
The good thing is that the beer tents are so large that it doesn’t create such a problem that you can’t enjoy your time here. It also seems like the smoking gets less and less as the party gets started. (Or maybe I’m just too distracted to notice.) But, I feel it’s an important thing to warn you about.
Cannstatter Volksfest food and drink
You can enjoy a huge range of food options at the Cannstatter Volksfest. Each of the tents sells delicious plated meals and there are tons of food vendors outside on the Wasen. And as you’d expect, it’s liters of beer here or bust. However, you can also find just about any other alcohol you want and most of the beer tents have at least one full bar as well.
Cannstatter Volksfest food
Of course you’ll find the expected bratwursts, pretzels, and half chickens, but tons more too. Since this isn’t Bavaria, as we’ve discussed, you’ll find the food offerings are geared more toward Swabian cuisine.
Regardless, Swabian food isn’t too far off from Bavarian. Expect hearty meals and large portions. Additionally, each tent typically specializes in something or some particular cuisine—like chicken in the Göckelesmaier tent and Tyrolean cuisine in the Almhütte.
Pro tip: The Wasen beer tents have lunch specials Monday thru Friday, usually from 12-3pm. Check each tent for details.
Cannstatter Volksfest beer
Like at Oktoberfest, you’ll only find liters of locally-brewed festbeer here at the Stuttgart Beer Festival. Within the eight beer tents here, you’ll find beer from:
- Dinkelacker – In the Dinkelacker tent and the Albdorf
- Fürstenberg – Only in the Fürstenberg tent
- Stuttgarter Hofbräu – The most widely available
- Wulle Biere – My personal favorite, only in the Göckelesmaier tent
One great thing about the Cannstatter Volksfest is that you don’t necessarily have to be seated in a beer tent to get a beer. There are a handful of beer vendors and beer gardens out on the Wasen where you can grab one too.
Other drinks at Cannstatter Volksfest
Like I said, you can drink more than just beer at the “Stuttgart Beer Festival.” The so-called beer tents all have real bars where you can order just about anything else you want. Wine, liquor, shots, champagne, seriously whatever. Want shots of vodka with Germany’s version of Pop Rocks to throw back? Want an entire box of Jägermeister nips? No problem. (You do not want an entire box of Jägermeister nips, trust me.)
The Sonja Merz tent has the Schatzi bar—a rotating bar on its upper level. Hop on, order your drinks, and *very slowly* spin around like a carousel giving you views of the crowd below and of the festival grounds outside. They have a dedicated Jägermeister bar as well.
Cannstatter Volksfest music & atmosphere
The main thing to know about Cannstatter Volksfest is that it’s way less formal and “traditional” than Oktoberfest. I always describe it like: If Oktoberfest and a rave had a baby. While there are the beer tents, rides, outfits, and beer/food you’ve come to expect at a German volksfest, the atmosphere inside the tents is quite different.
During the day, you’re likely to hear some familiar Alpine/Bavarian/Oom-pa-pa music and plenty of Ein Prosit. But at night you’ll get all kinds of wild and crazy live bands, DJs, and other non-traditional stuff. Most of them wear crazy outfits and play nothing but party music all night. And by “party” music I mean a mix of German Schlager hits, American/British rock classics, 80s and 90s dance music, and beyond. If you haven’t done the Macarena in a while, you may want to brush up.
Check out my Oktoberfest playlist here where you’ll be able to hear most of the songs played at Stuttgart.
Additionally, most of the tents have separate areas off their main beer hall where the music is even more different. For instance, the Sonja Merz tent also has the Schatzi bar where they play nothing but EDM all night, and the “Italian Barn” (with its own band) that plays Italian classics and even salsa/Latin music.
The best thing about the Stuttgart Beer Festival is that the party never stops. Like when the bands take their breaks, they have live DJs filling the gaps. There’s never a dull moment.
Wasen atmosphere
Beyond the music, everything about this festival is party-oriented. I’m talking laser beams, strobe lights, disco lights, big screens, the works. They show people in the crowd or other video footage on the big screens. The Sonja Merz tent even has a “kiss cam” which I’m sure has never been a problem.
People often accent their “traditional” outfits with glow-in-the-dark devil horns, bunny ears (ahem, guilty), and all kind of other party accessories.
Do you need reservations at Cannstatter Volksfest?
In some areas of some tents in the evenings, yes you need a reservation. You don’t need a reservation to visit the tents during the day (though it’s beyond dead at this time) and most tents have certain areas they designate for walk-ins in the evenings. If you plan on going on Friday or Saturday night, you’ll need a reservation no matter what.
How to reserve a table
Reservations are easy to get but you have to reserve the whole 10-person table. (Some tents offer as low as a 5-person minimum though.) Reservations are also “free,” but you’ll have to pay the designated food and drink equivalent. The good thing is that you’ll get that amount back in food and drink vouchers.
To reserve a table, you have to do so directly with the beer tent owners. You can find all the details on how to do so on each of the beer tents’ websites (which I’ve linked to above).
Special events at Cannstatter Volksfest 2025
Each tent has a full program of special events throughout the duration of the festival. Here are a few highlights you may be interested in. You can check each of the tents’ websites for more events and more info.
What else can you do at Cannstatter Volksfest?
If you’re not so much into the beer tent atmosphere, there’s still more to do at the Stuttgart Beer Festival. (But you heard me say “Magic Mike in lederhosen” right?) Obviously, there’s great food inside and outside the tents. There are fair rides and carnival games throughout the Wasen.
There’s also a good-sized flea market here for the entire length of the festival. Grab a beer and then go pick out some new socks, some kitchen utensils, some home décor, a new purse, some tea or spices, or really anything else you’d expect to find at a local street market. Need a new broom? It’s all right here, inside the Cannstatter Volksfest.
Where to stay for Cannstatter Volksfest
Stuttgart has tons of great hotel options and getting to the Wasen is easy on the U-bahn so you could really stay anywhere in town you wanted. To get you started on your hotel search, here are a few quick recommendations:
You can see all Stuttgart hotel options here.
More info for your trip to Germany
Like this post? Have questions about Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest? Let me know in the comments below. Have fun in Germany!
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