The harvest parade dates back to King Wilhelm I, who organised the first Cannstatter Volksfest in 1818 as a harvest thanksgiving after a famine.
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3,000+ participants
Over 3,000 participants in historical costumes and 100 floats take part in Baden-Württemberg's largest parade.
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The fruit column
The centrepiece: a 12-metre column decorated with fruit and vegetables – the symbol of the harvest festival and the Wasen.
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Opening of the Wasen
The parade traditionally opens Cannstatter Wasen on the first Sunday – then it's time to tap the barrel!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Cannstatt Harvest Parade
Where are the toilets at the Cannstatt Harvest Parade?
Mobile WC units are set up along the parade route in Bad Cannstatt. The Wasen itself has numerous sanitary facilities. LooNow shows all WCs around Cannstatter Wasen on the map.
Where can I watch the Cannstatt Harvest Parade?
The parade starts in the Bad Cannstatt area and proceeds to the Cannstatter Wasen festival grounds. The best views are along König-Karl-Straße and at the Wasen entrance.
When does the Cannstatt Harvest Parade 2026 take place?
The Cannstatt Harvest Parade 2026 is expected to take place on 27 September 2026 (opening Sunday of Cannstatter Volksfest). It traditionally opens the Cannstatter Volksfest.
Is the Harvest Parade free?
Yes, the Cannstatt Harvest Parade is free. The parade route is openly accessible to all spectators. Entry to the Volksfest itself is also free.
What is the fruit column in the Cannstatt Harvest Parade?
The fruit column is the parade's symbol: a 12-metre obelisk richly decorated with fruit and vegetables, pulled on a float through Bad Cannstatt. It symbolises the harvest thanksgiving tradition.