Daniela Georgi, Head of the Economic Affairs Department, says: “The city festival invites you to rediscover Wiesbaden, celebrate together, and become part of the program yourself. For three days, people, clubs, initiatives, cultural figures, and businesses will showcase themselves—and, together with various city agencies that plan and organize the festival, turn the downtown area into a vibrant gathering place for the entire region.”

Mayor and Head of the Environment Department Christiane Hinninger says: “With the Harvest Festival, we’re bringing agriculture right into the heart of the city and showcasing its diversity. Children and young people, in particular, get to experience farm animals and agricultural crafts up close and learn about the importance of fresh food. Many thanks to everyone involved who made the festival possible.”

Matthias Fromm, Managing Director of the organizing company WICM GmbH, adds: “The city festival, with its diverse program of events, showcases Wiesbaden’s downtown as a lively and welcoming place while also boosting its appeal to tourists. For day-trippers from the region, it offers a concrete reason to visit Wiesbaden. The dwif tourism study from 2025 demonstrates just how important this segment is for Wiesbaden: day trips account for more than 50 percent of Wiesbaden’s total gross tourism revenue. But overnight guests also have the opportunity to get to know the city in a particularly diverse and lively atmosphere.”

A Diverse Program on Various Stages in the City Center

Friday evening kicks off at the Dern’schen Gelände with a premiere: From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., the new “UKE Pack” format invites visitors to a participatory ukulele concert. Nine musicians from Wiesbaden will play well-known songs, with the lyrics and chords displayed on LED screens. From 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., the “Soul Sisters” will take the stage, bringing girl power, a zest for life, and a musical journey through the history of famous vocal groups. 

On Saturday, the musical highlight of the city festival weekend awaits the audience at the Dern’schen Gelände: From 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., the Baba Shrimp Band will set the mood with German indie pop for the highlight concert featuring Mupani x Kelvin Jones. From 8:30 to 10:00 p.m., the Zimbabwean-British singer-songwriter will deliver a special concert evening in the heart of the city. This highlight concert is made possible exclusively through the support of sponsors Nassauische Sparkasse, Helaba, and DAL Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing.

The stage program begins on Sunday, September 27, at 11:30 a.m. with “Wiesbaden Sings” by the Wiesbaden School of Music and Art. From 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., the successful participants in the “Stadtradeln” cycling challenge will be honored for their commitment to climate protection, sustainable mobility, and quality of life. From 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., students from Stagecoach will present dance, singing, and drama performances.

During the “Sing-Along” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Wiesbaden City Choir and members of the Hessian State Orchestra Wiesbaden will join the audience in performing excerpts from Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” among other pieces. From 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., “Los 4 del Son” will provide a lively finale. Additional music will be featured on Kleine Schwalbacher Straße, Grabenstraße, and by walking bands in the city center.

Live concerts will also take place away from the Dern’schen grounds on Friday and Saturday evenings, as additional program highlights await guests on Mauergasse, Kleine Schwalbacher Straße, Alfons-Paquet-Straße, and Grabenstraße. Walking bands will also bring the music right into the pedestrian zone, turning the entire downtown area into a stage. 

On Sunday, September 27, the Dern’sche Gelände is especially for families. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the “Adventure Land of the Senses” invites children to explore, create, and get active. Creative workshops focused on fall crafts will yield colorful creations that children can take home as souvenirs. This includes the hand-carved pumpkins, which are once again provided by Paul’s Farm for children to hollow out under expert guidance. Rolls-Toys will be offering face painting and exciting hands-on activities at the pumpkin patch.

Additional events in the city center

In addition to music and entertainment, the city festival provides a space for discussing current social issues. On Saturday, the Hessian Minister of Digital Affairs’ AI Citizens’ Tour will make a stop in Wiesbaden. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can explore the area between the Marktkirche and the kindergarten to see where artificial intelligence is already being used in everyday life today and what possibilities it could open up in the future.

A special anniversary marks Saturday: 100 years ago, Biebrich, Schierstein, and Sonnenberg were incorporated into Wiesbaden. To mark this anniversary, initiatives, groups, and clubs from the three neighborhoods will showcase their social, cultural, and volunteer efforts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the “Market of the Communities” in the City Hall courtyard. The market invites visitors to engage in conversation, discover new opportunities, and reflect together on a century as part of Wiesbaden. On Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m., the Bärenherz Children’s Hospice is organizing a “Children’s Star Walk” in front of the state parliament to commemorate children who died during pregnancy or shortly thereafter.

At the Dern’schen Gelände on Sunday, All Mountains, Lucky Bike, e-motion Walluf, and B.O.C. will provide information on cycling and mobility. IFB, Clowndoktoren, and the Environmental Agency will present their work. The German Red Cross (DRK), the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), ASB Hessen, the Order of Malta, and the Wiesbaden Reservists’ Association will also present their missions.

As part of the city festival, “Roman Days” will take place at the Werkraum (formerly Sportcheck) on Saturday and Sunday—featuring an exhibition on Wiesbaden’s roots titled “Hot Springs—Wiesbaden’s DNA” and “The Romans in Wiesbaden.” In addition, there will be lectures on Roman history, hands-on activities, and city tours led by Wiesbaden tour guides exploring the traces of Aquae Mattiacorum.

The Fall Market Invites You to Stroll, Enjoy, and Participate

Parallel to the city festival, the Fall Market takes place in the city center. Along the pedestrian zone from Mauritiusplatz through Kirchgasse to Rheinstraße, more than 60 arts and crafts, snack, and delicatessen stands invite visitors to stroll and discover. The offerings range from jewelry, woodwork, and leather goods to autumnal flower arrangements, delicacies, and a wide variety of culinary specialties.

A total of eight bands will provide musical entertainment on the stage at Mauritiusplatz on all three days.

Younger guests will also have a great time. A varied children’s program awaits them at Mauritiusplatz on all three days.

On Friday, “Rolls-Toys” invites children to participate in various games and craft activities from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., “Biberbau” will be on site with its spinning top workshop, offering creative craft activities. The program is rounded out by “Rolls-Toys” with face painting and the large playmobile.

On Sunday, when stores are open for business, children can look forward to “Thommy, the Globetrotter” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In a craft workshop, they can get creative with seasonal themes and make autumn-themed crafts. The popular face painting with Kartin Köchling is also back on the program.

Two carousels provide additional fun: one invites riders to hop on at Mauritiusplatz, and another is set up on Kirchgasse.

Wiesbaden Auto Show (WAA)

The 37th Wiesbaden Auto Show is taking place this year with eleven dealerships from the regional automotive trade association, showcasing 19 current models and the latest technologies. In addition to presenting the latest automotive trends, the WAA offers a varied program of activities for the whole family. Careers in the Automotive Industry: On Sunday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a dedicated career booth will provide information and insights into the world of work in the automotive industry. Those interested can learn about apprenticeship opportunities and, at the same time, discover job openings at the participating dealerships. Anyone interested in careers in technology, mobility, and the automotive trade will find knowledgeable contacts here.

“The Wiesbaden Auto Show is a traditional part of the city festival and a popular attraction for many visitors. I’m delighted that it’s once again part of this year’s diverse program, and I’ll of course be happy to visit the show myself,” said Marc Dahlen, Director of Transportation.

Sunday Shopping 

“Numerous attractions, a varied music program, and a wide range of hands-on activities for families provide important momentum for a vibrant downtown. The city festival creates attractive experiences while also strengthening downtown retail and the restaurant industry, particularly through the Sunday shopping day on September 27, which remains very popular and perfectly combines shopping with a fun experience. In this way, the city festival makes a valuable contribution to sustainably promoting the quality of life and appeal of Wiesbaden’s downtown area,” says City Manager Jens Ackermann.

Ilka Hottenbacher, chairwoman of the “Wiesbaden wunderbar” marketing association, explains: “The Sunday shopping day from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the historic Fünfeck district turns the city festival into a special shopping experience. For us retailers, it’s the ideal opportunity to connect with our customers in a relaxed atmosphere. There’s plenty to discover at the participating stores during a Sunday stroll—guests can first enjoy the family program or a concert, then wander through the shops, and afterward dive back into the stage program.”

Harvest Festival

On Saturday and Sunday, the 36th Harvest Festival on Warmer Damm will be part of the city festival. It is jointly organized by Wiesbaden’s agricultural community and the Parks and Recreation Department under the motto “City and Countryside Celebrate the Harvest.”

The traditional farmers’ market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Farmers from the region will be present alongside agricultural-related clubs, associations, and government agencies. The activities are designed to inspire children and teens in particular. They can watch a farrier at work, press their own apple juice, meet miniature horses, bees, cattle, and other farm animals, or romp around on the straw pyramid. After a hiatus of several years, horse-drawn carriage rides are back.

A new feature is the hands-on leather workshop. There, visitors can make their own keychains or bracelets, for example, using scrap leather from the shoe industry. 

On Saturday, September 26, at 1:30 p.m., a special highlight will be the coronation of the new Wiesbaden Wine Queen, Lena I, by the mayor.  

Getting There

On this Sunday when stores are open, all visitors can travel climate-friendly and free of charge via public transit within the Wiesbaden city limits, and in the municipal parking garages Mauritiusgalerie, Theater, Luisenplatz, City, and the Paulinenhang parking lot, a flat-rate parking fee of 1 euro per entry applies from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Those traveling in an eco-friendly manner by bicycle can park their bikes for free and in a secure area on Saturday and Sunday at the ADFC bike rack at the Dern’schen Gelände. Right next to it, “Der Radler” offers a free bike check.

The 2026 City Festival at a Glance

· Dates: Friday through Sunday, September 25–27

· Harvest Festival and Farmers’ Market: Warmer Damm, Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, September 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

· Fall Market: Pedestrian zone from Mauritiusplatz through Kirchgasse to Rheinstraße, Friday, September 25, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Schedule
for Friday, September
25, at Dern’sches Gelände

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: “UKE Pack” – interactive ukulele concert 8:
00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: “Soul Sisters”
Schlossplatz

· 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Wiesbaden Auto Show

Mauritiusplatz

· 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Games and crafts with “Rolls-Toys”

· Live music

Additional event areas

· Live music on Mauergasse, Kleine Schwalbacher Straße, Alfons-Paquet-Straße, and Grabenstraße

· Marching band in the city center

Saturday, September
26, Dern’sches Gelände

· 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Free bike checks at “Der Radler”

· 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Secure ADFC bike storage

· Food and beverage options

· 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Children’s Star Run organized by the Bärenherz Children’s Hospice in front of the Hessian State Parliament

· 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Baba Shrimp Band

· 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Mupani x Kelvin Jones

Schlossplatz

10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Wiesbaden Auto Show
at Mauritiusplatz

· 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Playmobile face painting with “Rolls-Toys”

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Craft activity with Biberbau—learning by doing, the
spinning top workshop· Live music

Area between the Marktkirche and the kindergarten

· 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: AI Citizen Tour led by the Hessian Minister of Digital Affairs, featuring information, discussions, and hands-on activities

Town Hall Courtyard

· 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: “Community Fair” marking the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Biebrich, Schierstein, and Sonnenberg

“Warmer Damm” Park

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

· Harvest Festival with a large farmers’ market

Starting at 12:00 p.m.

· Musical opening with the Parforcehorncorps Jagdschloss Platte e.V., conducted by Karl-Heinz Kliegel

· Clope Garde of Clope e. V., Sweet Girls from Kloppenheim/TSV Auringen, Dancing Girls Kloppenheim. Youth Duo of the WCG Sprudel, Garde Solo of the WCG Sprudel, Die Motions from Vockenhausen performing for the WCG Sprudel, Youth Garde Solo of Clope e. V., directed by Monika Hardert-Heß

Starting at 1:30 p.m.

· Welcome remarks by: City Council Chair Dr. Gerhard Obermayr, Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende, and Mayor Christiane Hinninger

· Presentation of the Harvest Crown by the Harvest Festival organizing team

· Coronation of the new Wiesbaden Wine Queen, Lena I, followed by a welcoming address

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

· Concordia 1875 e. V., mixed amateur choir performing pop, rock, and contemporary music, conducted by Anna Kürschner

Starting at 4:30 p.m.

· Big Band of the Leibniz School Wiesbaden, conducted by Markus Gück 

Additional event venues

· Live music on Mauergasse, Kleine Schwalbacher Straße, Alfons-Paquet-Straße, and Grabenstraße

· Walking band in the city center 

Sunday, September
27, Dern’sches Gelände

· 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Secure ADFC bike parking

· 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Free bike checks at “Der Radler”

· 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: “Adventure Land of the Senses” with fall crafts, pumpkin carving, face painting, and hands-on activities

· 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Food and beverage offerings, information booths from companies, clubs, social organizations, and emergency and first-response agencies

· 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: “Wiesbaden Sings” with the Wiesbaden School of Music and Art

· 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Award ceremony for the City Cycling Challenge

· 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Dance, singing, and theater with Stagecoach

· 3:30–4:30 p.m.: “Sing Along” with the Wiesbaden City Choir and members of the Hessian State Orchestra Wiesbaden

· 5:00–6:00 p.m.: “Los 4 del Son”

Schlossplatz

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Wiesbaden Auto Show
at Mauritiusplatz

· 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Fall workshop with “Thommy, the Globetrotter” and face painting for kids

· Live music

“Warmer Damm” Park

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

· Harvest Festival with a large farmers’ market

Starting at 11:30 a.m.

· Ecumenical Thanksgiving service on the festival grounds. Participants: Protestant and Catholic Churches of Wiesbaden, the Country Women’s Association, musical accompaniment. Choirs from Schierstein, conducted by Mr. Jäger. The collection will go to the Association for the Deaf of Wiesbaden and Surrounding Areas, Inc.

Starting at 1:00 p.m.

· Aventura dance troupe from TS&CC Die Nachteulen Hochheim, instructor: Sabrina Trinkner

· Absolut Dance Company, TV Idstein, directed by Anna-Maria and Achim Gerock

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

· Schierstein Choral Society, conducted by Dr. Thomas Frank

· The Rockdocs – handmade and authentic

Downtown

· 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Sunday shopping in the historic Fünfeck

· Live music on Kleine Schwalbacher Straße and Grabenstraße

· Marching bands in the downtown area

Getting There – Information for Sunday:

· Sunday shopping: Flat-rate parking from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 1 euro per parking session in the municipal parking garages Mauritiusgalerie, Theater, Luisenplatz, City, and Paulinenhang

· Free use of public transportation throughout the entire city of Wiesbaden