Event Details
Welcome to the Weimar Onion Market 2026
From 9 to 11 October 2026, the historic old town of Weimar turns into a lively festival mile for the 373rd time. The Onion Market dates back to 1653, making it Thuringia's oldest and largest folk festival; every year, well over 300,000 visitors come to the city of Goethe and Schiller to enjoy braided onion strands, onion cake and the colourful market atmosphere.
Highlights
- 373rd edition of the traditional Onion Market, held since 1653
- Over 600 market stalls throughout the old town
- Handcrafted onion braids and freshly baked onion cake
- Coronation of the Onion Queen about two weeks before the festival
- Big wheel and fairground rides at the Rollplatz
- Live music on stages across several squares
- Historic quarter with crafts and street musicians
- Shopping Sunday on 11 October
Program
The Onion Market traditionally spans the second weekend of October and opens on Friday morning with market stalls along Schillerstraße, Frauenplan, Herderplatz and many other streets of the old town. Onion farmers from Heldrungen, who supply the traditional braids and strands, form the heart of the event. At the Rollplatz, a big wheel over 40 metres tall offers views across the city, while the historic quarter adds crafts, street music and a small medieval market. The full stage program is published in September on the official website; live music runs on all three days well into the evening. On Sunday, 11 October, shops also open for a special shopping Sunday.
Tickets
Entry to the Weimar Onion Market is free; only individual fairground rides, food and goods at the stalls are paid separately. An official app provides updated information on the program, stalls and site map.
Visitor Tips
- Traveling by train or bus is recommended, as the old town gets very crowded during the festival days.
- Book accommodation in Weimar several weeks in advance.
- Arrive in the morning to browse the stalls in peace before the crowds build up in the afternoon.
- Trying the classic onion cake with a glass of young wine (Federweißer) is a must.
- Families should not miss the Rollplatz with its big wheel and fairground rides.
