Stoppelmarkt Vechta

Every year around the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, when the fields are almost entirely covered in stubble, one of northern Germany’s largest folk festivals is held in Vechta.

In 1577, the festival was moved to the stubble fields just outside the city gates. However, the tradition of this festival can be traced back much further—all the way to the 13th century! During the six days of the Stoppelmarkt, more than 500 carnival operators and approximately 800,000 visitors come to Vechta. It begins on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. with the grand historical parade and ends on Tuesday evening with a spectacular fireworks display. The main day for locals and visitors alike is Stoppelmarkt Monday. It begins early in the morning with a livestock market and usually ends very, very late. The rural traditional costume couple, Jan and Libett, are the symbols of the Stoppelmarkt.

The Stoppelmarkt opens on Thursday shortly after 6:00 p.m., following the parade. On Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday, the market opens at 1:00 p.m.; on Sunday, the market activities begin at 10:00 a.m. in the large festival tent following the church service. On Monday, the festival kicks off as early as 9:00 a.m. with the traditional company gathering and morning beer. The grand reception on Monday in Kühlings’ festival tent begins at 11:00 a.m.

Friday features Happy Hour from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.: pay once, ride twice. On Tuesday, during Family Afternoon until 6 p.m., there are discounted prices everywhere.