518. Gallimarkt

The 517th Gallimarkt will take place from 14. October - October 18, 2026 takes place. The integration into the city center is what makes this folk festival, which is one of the ten most popular in Germany, so charming.

Around 250 rides and stalls as well as a large marquee ensure fun, action and a great atmosphere. The smells of roasted almonds, bratwurst, hot Berliners and so much more will whet your appetite for all kinds of market specialties.

The Gallimarkt always begins with the livestockmarket on the Nesse. This market is unique in its character and is one of the largest cattle markets in Europe. Here, people still trade with a handshake. The so-called "Klopperei", the negotiation of the purchase price by shaking hands, is a fascinating spectacle. The Gallimarkt gets underway the evening before (Tuesday from 3.00-8.00 pm). The official trading takes place on Wednesday morning from 6:00 a.m. 

The actual Gallimarkt, the funfair around the Große Bleiche, is always opened on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. from the steps of the old town hall building. This is when the three heralds make their grand entrance. They assist the mayor in colorful costumes.

The market celebrates daily until around midnight. The many old town pubs around the festival grounds are ideal for a cozy end to the day. Special highlights are the fireworks over the harbor on Friday from 22:00, the Lampion ride on the harbor on Saturday from 18:45 (the town hall bridge opens at around 19:00) and the showmen's service on Sunday at 10:00 in the marquee. On Gallimarkt Sunday the stores in Leer open from 13:00 to 18:00 and the showmen on the market entice visitors with a happy hour on Sunday evening from 18:00.