Event Details
Welcome to Heidelberg Herbst 2026
On the last weekend of September, 26 and 27 September 2026, the entire Heidelberg Old Town between Bismarckplatz and Karlstor turns into one big street festival. Now in its 55th edition, the Heidelberg Herbst is the region's largest old town festival, offering two days of music, markets and culinary delights; more than 200,000 visitors are expected.
Highlights
- More than 50 years of tradition (first held in 1971)
- Craft and goods market running along the entire Hauptstraße
- Large flea market in the Old Town alleys and along the Neckar riverbank
- Medieval market behind Universitätsplatz
- Several live music stages covering many genres
- Sunday shopping day with a special family program
- Free admission
Program
The festival traditionally opens with a ceremonial beer keg tapping on Marktplatz. On Saturday, 26 September, the first stalls open from 10:00 AM, with the main festival running from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; the flea market (residents only) starts as early as 7:00 AM. On Sunday, 27 September, the festival runs from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the Sunday shopping day adding an extra draw between 1:00 and 6:00 PM, when the shops, especially in the side streets, are decorated for autumn and open for browsing. Along the route, numerous stages provide live music, complemented by a craft and goods market, a medieval market with performers and jesters, and a varied program for children.
Tickets
Admission to the Heidelberg Herbst is free. Visitors only pay directly at the stalls for food, drinks, crafts and flea market finds. Current program details and a digital event flyer are available on the Heidelberg Marketing website.
Visitor Tips
- Traveling by bus or train is strongly recommended, as the Old Town is closed to car traffic during the festival.
- Drivers can use free parking at Messplatz or paid parking at the university hospital.
- For a quieter visit, come in the morning or early afternoon; the crowd grows noticeably bigger and louder in the evening.
- For the flea market, an early start pays off, as the best finds go quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the festival spreads across the whole Old Town.
