It's time to celebrate the arrival of spring at the delightful Dippemess in Frankfurt. This event combines a classic German Volksfest with exciting fairground attractions, to create a fun outing for all ages.

Centuries of fun

The Frankfurt Dippemess has origins in the 14th century, when the Maamess (Main Fair) was a medieval market for household goods. Potters from around Germany travelled to Frankfurt to sell their ceramic bowls and pots, called Dippe - giving the fair its name.

Photo: © Holger Ullmann, courtesy of Frankfurt Tourism

Before long, stalls and popular amusements were added, and the fair outgrew its original location, moving to the current fairground site near the river in the 1960s. Since then, it has continued to expand and is now one of the largest folk festivals in the region. The Dippemess celebrates its 679th anniversary in 2024!

Photo: © Holger Ullmann, courtesy of Frankfurt Tourism

Roller-coasters and carousels at Frankfurt Dippemess

While the pottery and other trade stalls still form part of the fair, the main attractions are the exciting fairground rides. A huge Ferris wheel towers over the fairground, but thrill-seekers will also find almost 20 other exciting rides of various types, including a roller-coaster, waltzer and a drop tower - the unofficial motto is “higher, further, faster!” For children, there are carousels, a ghost train, and many other smaller rides and amusements.

Photo: © Holger Ullmann, courtesy of Frankfurt Tourism

Beer, apple wine and music at the autumn Dippemess

Visitors can enjoy a range of beers, local cider (Apfelwein), and apple juice in the festival marquee, as well as a wide range of snacks and local specialities. The marquee stage will feature live music every day, from a range of folk musicians and local bands.

Visiting Frankfurt Dippemess

There is no parking at the fairground, so visitors are advised to take public transport rather than driving, arriving at stop Eissporthalle / Festplatz. You can find more information on the Frankfurt Tourism website.

Thumb photo: © Holger Ullmann, courtesy of Frankfurt Tourism