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Event Details
Welcome to the Gallimarkt Leer 2026 in Leer
The Gallimarkt in Leer is East Frisia’s largest folk festival and ranks among the ten most popular folk festivals in Germany. Held annually since 1508, it combines a traditional cattle market with a large funfair featuring around 250 rides and stalls. The 518th edition takes place from 14 to 18 October 2026 right in the city centre around the Große Bleiche.
Highlights & Attractions at Gallimarkt in Leer
- Traditional Galliviehmarkt with handshake trading and hundreds of animals
- Around 250 rides, carousels and market stalls on the Große Bleiche
- Grand fireworks over the harbour on Friday evening at 10:00 p.m.
- Lantern parade on the harbour on Saturday from 6:45 p.m.
- Official opening ceremony with heralds in front of the Historic Town Hall
- Showmen’s church service in the festival tent on Sunday morning
- Shopping Sunday and Happy Hour on the rides
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Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The Gallimarkt opens on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at 11:30 a.m. with the traditional ceremony in front of the Historic Town Hall. The cattle market begins on Tuesday evening and takes place on Wednesday morning from 6:00 a.m. Rides and stalls are open daily – until midnight on Wednesday, until 1:00 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday and until 11:00 p.m. on Sunday. Highlights include the fireworks on Friday and the lantern parade on Saturday. On Sunday the showmen’s service takes place and shops in the city centre are open.
Tickets & Admission for Gallimarkt Leer
Admission to the Gallimarkt is free of charge. Separate fees apply for rides and individual attractions. Food and drinks are purchased directly at the stalls. Current information and special buses can be found on the City of Leer website and gallimarkt.net.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Leer
- Use the signed parking areas (Nesse, Hafenstraße, Gaswerkstraße) and special buses from the region
- Wear weatherproof clothing – the festival is mainly outdoors
- Book accommodation in Leer or the surrounding area early, as the festival attracts many visitors
- Plan your visit for Friday evening for the fireworks or Saturday for the lantern parade
- Combine the Gallimarkt with a walk through the historic old town and the harbour
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
