Stoppelmarkt 2025: Vechta celebrates tradition and community from August 14th to 19th!

Stoppelmarkt 2025: Vechta celebrates tradition and community from August 14th to 19th!

A folk festival like no other – the Stoppelmarkt in Vechta is just around the corner! From August 14th to 19th, 2025, Westerheide will once again be the setting for one of the oldest fairs in Germany, which has had a tradition since 1298. And the anticipation of the population is palpable: many Vechta residents cancel their planned vacation trips, birthday parties or even weddings in order to take part in this spectacle. “There’s something going on” – that’s what District Administrator Johann Wimberg had in mind when introducing the festival when he emphasized the identity-creating importance of the market for the region.

The younger generations in particular like to head towards the stubble market. From grandchildren to grandparents, identification with the market extends across all age groups. “The folk festival is an experience that you simply should know,” said an enthusiastic visitor. It goes without saying that the day off from school on Stoppelmarkt Monday and the closure of many businesses are a welcome sign of anticipation.

The opening ceremony and special highlights

The event opens with a grand parade on August 14th at 4:30 p.m. The organizers expect over 800,000 visitors to the market, who can look forward to around 500 stand operators and showmen. And the program has even more to offer: On Friday, August 16th, there will be a happy hour at the rides and a seniors' afternoon. Sunday opens with a service at 10 a.m. in the Niedersachsenhalle.

On Monday, August 18th, Lower Saxony's newly elected Prime Minister Olaf Lies will give the ceremonial address. The last day of the stubble market also offers reduced prices and a spectacular fireworks display, which ends the market in a magnificent way.

One tradition remains

During the tour of the market committee on July 15, 2025 in Friesoythe, led by Mayor Kristian Kater, it became clear how proud the region is of this traditional market. Accompanied by the traditional figures Jan and Libett, Kater conveyed the optimism that the event is intended to bring to Oldenburger Münsterland. Friesoyther's mayor Sven Stratmann was pleased with the market committee's visit, while the head of the St. Elisabeth House, Yvonne Westerheide, was able to present the good work within her facility.

Preparations are in full swing and the Stoppelmarkt will once again open its doors to loyal guests from the region and abroad. Particular attention will be paid to local companies from the agricultural sector, which will be able to present innovative products and services for the first time.

An invitation to State Secretary Silvia Breher to attend the opening also shows political support for this important folk festival. The Stoppelmarkt connects generations and is an integral part of Lower Saxony's cultural landscape. Be prepared to have a wonderful time and enjoy being together to the fullest – the folk festival is waiting for you!

For more information visit the website of LKCLP, Stubble market and Country and forest.