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Cannstatter Wasen: Stuttgart’s Famous Volksfest

Two people in large bunny costumes stand on a street during a parade, surrounded by crowds. One bunny wears overalls and a plaid shirt, the other wears a dress and apron. Trees and buildings line the street.
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Want a festival full of excitement, tradition, Würstchen, and Maaß beer without the Munich price tag? No worries, Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Wasen offers a fantastic alternative. From September 27 to October 13, 2024, this 17-day celebration turns the Cannstatter Wasen grounds along the Neckar River into an international party.

Discover the Cannstatter Wasen: Stuttgart’s Ultimate Festival Experience

If you’re looking for the ultimate festival experience, then you’re in for a treat. Welcome to the Cannstatter Wasen – Stuttgart’s own slice of Oktober festivity, where German cultural tradition blends with endless fun. Sprawling over 25 hectares in the lively Bad Cannstatt district and right by the beautiful Neckar River, the Wasen fairground transforms into a festive paradise you won’t want to miss. Dive into the magic of the Wasen while enjoying the comfort of Ruby Hanna, just a convenient 15-minute tram ride away.

A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist

The Cannstatter Volksfest kicked off in 1818, thanks to King Wilhelm I of Württemberg and his wife Katharina. What started as a simple agricultural fair has grown into one of Germany’s largest and most exciting festivals. Here's a fun fact: The Wasen wasn’t always just about food, rides, and beer (although we’re not complaining). This place was once the hotspot for some seriously daring aviation stunts. Local legends like Ernst Heinkel took to the skies right here with their homemade flying machines. In 1909, an airship even made its first landing on the Wasen, and in 1912, ballooning enthusiasts from around the world launched from this very spot. How cool is that?

  • Two young people smile and laugh while riding in a bumper car at an amusement park. One has arms raised excitedly; the other is steering. Bright sunlight and a colorful canopy cover the ride in the background.
  • Colorful swing ride at an amusement park, viewed from below with empty chairs hanging, decorative floral patterns on the carousel, and a bright blue sky in the background. A Ferris wheel is visible in the distance.
  • A smiling young girl in an orange sweater and denim overalls rides a carousel horse, looking back over her shoulder. Bright lights and another child in a green shirt are visible in the background.
  • Aerial view of a small rural town surrounded by fields and patches of forest, with houses, roads, and a few larger buildings clustered in the center under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A mug of frothy beer surrounded by salted pretzels sits on a wooden table decorated with blue and white checkered Bavarian pennant flags, evoking an Oktoberfest celebration.
  • A brightly-lit swing carousel ride glows against a deep blue and purple evening sky, with empty swing seats hanging around the ride and trees silhouetted in the background.
  • Four people sit at an outdoor table, smiling and holding beer mugs under colorful umbrellas. Large pretzels are on the table, and they are dressed warmly in coats, hats, and scarves, suggesting cool weather.
  • A group of four adults, wearing colorful clothes and leis, laugh and dance in a conga line outdoors on a sunny day, holding drinks and enjoying a casual park gathering.

The Volksfest: 17 Days of Pure Joy

Imagine 17 days packed with excitement, where you can lose yourself in five kilometers of thrilling rides, colorful stalls, and a nostalgic vibe. With around 300 businesses, including eight fantastic beer tents and a smorgasbord of food stalls bringing their A-game, there’s something to enjoy for everyone. Whether you’re here for the rides, the food, or just the lively atmosphere, the Wasen has it all.

A Global Party with Local Flair

The Wasen isn’t just a local affair – it’s a global celebration. Each year, about 4 million visitors join the fun, including over 20,000 “Wasen American” club members from the U.S. reconnecting with their Stuttgart roots. It’s a tradition that shows off the festival’s international charm.

Four friends sit on the grass at a nighttime carnival, smiling and laughing together. Two are holding large lollipops. Bright carnival lights and rides glow in the background.
Two young women smiling and enjoying themselves at a brightly lit fairground at dusk, with one holding a drink and the other pointing excitedly at something off-camera. Ferris wheels and lights are visible in the background.

Don’t Miss the Parade

The Volksfest parade is the highlight of the event, featuring 100 groups, 3,500 participants, and 250,000 spectators. It’s a spectacular showcase of tradition and color you won’t want to miss. 

Beer Tents and Sweet Stalls

The Wasen is home to eight of the best beer tents you’ll step foot in, plus the Albdorf and more beer gardens, snack bars, and sweet stalls than you can imagine. Whether you’re cheering Maaß beers 🍺 with new friends or savoring chocolate-dipped strawberries, cinnamon & sugar crêpes or cotton candy, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Stay close to the action without sacrificing your relaxation

Stay where the excitement is while enjoying peace and comfort at Ruby Hanna. Just a short tram ride away, Ruby Hanna offers easy access to the festival and a stylish spot to unwind. Hop on the U11 tram from Stadtbibliothek station, and in about 15 minutes, you’ll be at the Wasen. 


And guess what? We’re throwing in a FREE BREAKFAST with our Non-Refundable rate plan for stays between September 29th and October 8th, 2024. Book your Ruby Hanna stay now and start your mornings right with us. Get ready for an unforgettable festival – see you at the Wasen


Can’t take time off work during the Wasen? Bring your work with you. Ruby Fred, our bright workspace at sister hotel Ruby Hanna, offers an entire floor of light-filled, well-equipped worskspace areas where you can set up for a day, a week, or longer.

Oktoberfest mag 20

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