Great fun at the Stoppelmarkt 2025: Historical folk festival in Vechta!

Great fun at the Stoppelmarkt 2025: Historical folk festival in Vechta!

The Stoppelmarkt in Vechta is just around the corner and many are already looking forward to it! From August 14th to 19th, 2025, the folk festival, which has a long tradition dating back to the 16th century, will open its doors again. Every year, this event attracts around 800,000 visitors who not only enjoy the hearty delicacies and the exciting rides, but also the unique atmosphere. As the HNA reports, the name “Stoppelmarkt” has a historical background: It came about during a plague epidemic in 1577, when the market was moved to an open field with stubble leftover from the harvest due to an epidemic.

Preparations for the festival are already in full swing. On the first market evening, the mayor will officially open the celebrations, and the audience can look forward to a festive parade with decorated vehicles and music bands. Prime Minister Olaf Lies will give a celebratory speech this year. In addition to him, Parliamentary State Secretary Silvia Breher will also be present, and a total of around 1,000 invited guests from politics, business and administration are expected, as stated in an article by NDR is to be read.

Attractions and offers

Over 500 showmen with a variety of attractions await visitors on the 160,000 square meter market area. You can look forward to modern rides such as “High Explosive”, “The Beast” and “Infinity” as well as classic carousels such as the “Wilde Maus” and the “Musik-Express”. The culinary offering is also very important, with around 20 restaurant tents and various large catering tents to pamper guests. Loud HNA DJs in the beer tents will also ensure a good atmosphere.

Family Day on August 19th will be particularly exciting, when discounted rates will be offered for many attractions. A spectacular fireworks display in the late evening ensures a celebratory conclusion. If you want to travel comfortably, you can choose from over 30,000 parking spaces for cars or use the extras of the NordWestBahn and regional bus companies.

New security concepts

This year, an awareness team will be active on the market site for the first time. Recognizable by their green and yellow vests, members are available to offer support should visitors feel uncomfortable or threatened. A relaxation room will also be set up as a retreat to offer visitors a brief moment of relaxation. These measures reflect the increasing awareness of safety and wellbeing at large events and show that the Stoppelmarkt is not just about entertainment.

In addition, the traditional horse and livestock market event, which has lost popularity in recent years, will no longer take place. Instead, there is an animal show presented by local companies from the agricultural sector. This shows innovations, products and services and is intended to help strengthen connections with the rural population. The offering is expanded to include an agricultural exhibition that focuses on important contributions to modern agriculture.

Like digital Cultural asset folk festival archive shows, folk festivals like the Stoppelmarkt have played a central role in German cultural history for centuries. They not only reflect the development of the showmanship industry, but also offer space for community and tradition.

The Stoppelmarkt promises a colorful program for the whole family again this year. Be there and experience a folk festival that combines tradition and modernity in a unique way!