The 54th “Heidelberger Herbst” Old Town Festival

Two days long from 27 & 28 September 2025

As temperatures drop in the fall, anticipation rises for the region’s biggest event: the Heidelberg Autumn Festival “Heidelberger Herbst“ on 27 and 28 September 2025

Along the Hauptstraße, in the side streets, and around the Old Bridge, visitors will find a vibrant mix of attractions: traditional flea markets, art and craft stalls, and plenty of chances to discover unique treasures while browsing. Live music fills the streets with performances on multiple stages, and the popular medieval market is once again an integral part of the program.

New attractions this year include the “Sports Square” on Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, where more than ten Heidelberg clubs will be presenting themselves and emphasizing that Heidelberg is a city of sports. In addition, the Ü60 theater group from the Theaterwerkstatt am Anatomiegarten will bring works of art to life, and the Peperoni children’s and youth circus will perform acrobatics, balancing acts, juggling, and aerial artistry with young artists on Sundays at Richard-Hauser-Platz.

A special highlight is Family Sunday: while younger visitors enjoy a varied children’s program, the open-shopping Sunday gives adults a relaxed opportunity to explore Heidelberg’s shops.

The official start of the 54th Heidelberg Autumn by Lord Mayor Eckart Würzner traditionally takes place with the tapping of the keg beer at 11 a.m. on the market square. Guests can expect a colorful music and entertainment program on eleven stages throughout Heidelberg’s Old Town, plenty of culinary delights and great ideas at the arts and crafts, goods and flea market. The “Autumn Sunday” in combination with the Shopping Sunday offers lots of action and shopping fun, especially for families.

Markets and cultural program

Saturday, September 27, 2025

The famous Heidelberg Autumn Flea Market in the southern part of the old town (Merianstraße and Kettengasse) and in the northern part of the old town (Dreikönigstraße, Obere Neckarstraße, Lauerstraße, Neckarstaden, and at the Brückentor) invites all bargain hunters and collectors to come and browse from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The residents’ flea market, which also takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Neugasse, Landfriedstraße, Karl-Ludwig-Straße, Bienenstraße, Sandgasse, Untere Straße, Ingrimstraße, Mittelbadgasse, Untere Neckarstraße, Große Mantelgasse, and at the Heuscheuer, has also proven to be a popular event.

The popular flea market for children up to 15 years of age will be held in the courtyard of the Theodor-Heuss-Schule from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participation is free of charge and registration is not required.

For the second time, the accessories flea market of the German-French Cultural Center at Mittelbadgasse 7/corner of Ingrimstraße will be there. There you will find items such as hats, belts, and scarves with the so-called “cerises sur le gâteau” and thus in that creative style that gives every outfit the right touch.

Along the main street, the arts and crafts market will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and offers an attractive setting for a leisurely stroll through Heidelberg’s popular shopping mile.

An additional arts and crafts market will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the courtyard of the Kurpfälzisches Museum (Hauptstraße 97).

From 11 a.m., Richard-Hauser-Platz will become a presentation area for Heidelberg’s twin towns. The stands of Montpellier, Kumamoto, Rehovot, and the German-Ukrainian Society Rhein-Neckar look forward to welcoming numerous visitors. At around 11:45 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m., the fanfare band “BANZAI” from Clermont-l’Hérault will perform. The seven musicians will spread their good cheer with trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, percussion instruments, and banjos.

For those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Heidelberg’s autumn, the Seniorenzentrum Altstadt (Old Town Senior Center) at Marstallstraße 13 offers a cozy café oasis with homemade cakes, waffles, coffee, and sparkling wine from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will also be a small jewelry flea market.

The Herbert A. Jung Art Gallery is showing the exhibition “Abstract Portraits – (Heidelberg) Heads and Views” from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Obere Neckarstraße 12.

The Schmitt & Hahn bookstore at Hauptstraße 8 will be displaying bibliophile decorative editions on a book table from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At the corner of Theaterstraße and Hauptstraße, you can win great theater prizes in the Heidelberg Theater and Orchestra raffle starting at 11 a.m.

This year, the Heidelberg Stamp Collectors’ Association will once again issue a special stamp for “Heidelberg Autumn 2025,” which will be sold from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hauptstraße 25 (in front of Galerie Vogel). It features the oil painting “Heidelberg am Neckar” by artist Ute Herrmann from Much in the Bergisches Land region. There will also be a special postmark and a special postcard with the same motif.

On “Heidelberg Autumn” Saturday, the Academy Day will take place in the New Auditorium of Heidelberg University from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., organized by the Heidelberg and Bavarian Academies of Sciences. Under the theme “Understanding Each Other – Together into the Future,” visitors are invited to engage in a lively dialogue with scientists, research projects, and artists.

The State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg welcome their guests from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the nationwide action day “Historic Gardens in Climate Change” with various guided tours and a children’s rally in the palace gardens.

A special attraction are the “open courtyards” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wichernheim (Plöck 13), from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crêpes und Krimskrams (Bussemergasse 6) and from 8 a.m. at the Wartburghaus student residence (Untere Neckarstraße 21), where visitors can snack and browse.

At Neckarstaden 25, opposite the Stadthalle concert hall, Pier IV will be transformed into a floating stage on the Neckar from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the arts and crafts and goods market will take place along the main street.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the popular flea market for children up to 15 years of age will be held in the courtyard of the Theodor Heuss School. Participation is free of charge and registration is not required.

The Herbert A. Jung art gallery will be showing the exhibition “Abstract Portraits – (Heidelberg) Heads and Views” at Obere Neckarstraße 12 from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

ADORABLE Collections invites you to a fashion show at Heumarkt 11 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Schmitt & Hahn bookstore at Hauptstraße 8 will host a book signing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with the well-known Heidelberg author Marcus Imbsweiler, who is particularly famous for his crime novels.

At the Anatomy Garden near the Bunsen Monument, the Ü60 theater group will present an exciting, interactive exhibition of a special kind, bringing their favorite works of art to life at 2 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

The Neckarorte will delight audiences from 3 to 5 p.m. with “Jazz am Neckarstrand” featuring the Julius Steyer Trio, opposite the Stadthalle concert hall.

Stage program on the squares

Saturday, September 27, 2025

The official starting signal for the 54th Heidelberg Autumn Festival will be given by Mayor Eckart Würzner, Mathias Schiemer, Managing Director of Heidelberg Marketing, the Perkeo Fanfare Band and the Bretten 1504 Fanfare and Drum Corps, “Perkeo” Thomas Barth and the reigning Wine Queen Larissa Leonhard, Larissa II, traditionally coinciding with the tapping of the keg at 11 a.m. on the market square.

Later on, visitors to the market square can look forward to the “SRH Big Band,” which is guaranteed to put everyone in a good mood and create a lively atmosphere from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Then, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., rock ‘n’ roll fans will get their money’s worth with “Krüger Rockt!” From 6:30 p.m., the band STEFLEX promises pure excitement with the best rock, pop, and party songs of the last decades to celebrate and sing along to.

On Karlsplatz, with its unique view of the castle ruins, guests can expect a magnificent musical and gastronomic offering. The entertainment program kicks off with the “Fritz Neidlinger Jazz Cats” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Cuban music by La Borra feat. K’fe invites you to dance, until finally K’lydoscope concludes the evening with the finest rock from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Allgäu region will be guests at the Kornmarkt. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an interplay of brass music between the Heidelberger Blasmusikanten and the Kurpfälzer Alphornbläser. From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Ingrid Schwarz Band feat. Da Yodla will interpret Alpine music in a new, lively, and rousing way.

At the Fischmarkt, KIST will bring rock history back to life from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

At the Heumarkt, the Open Deck for newcomers will be presented from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a celebration with Hörnchen Auflegerei (maxima, Nils Langsam, Goldschatz) X Sole Fia.

On the Nepomuk Terrace, halle02 invites you to linger: from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Pasquale with “Italiano Sprizz” (Italo disco, house & rare grooves), followed by Elrau & Dether with “Vino & Vinyl” (disco & house on vinyl only) from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Miss Wright from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Stabmixer700 from 8 to 9:30 p.m., and finally Diffrent from 9:30 to 11 p.m. to end the evening.

The Marstallhof opens its doors at 10 a.m. with coffee and cake as well as hot meals. The musical part begins at 2:30 p.m. with Buena Onda, followed by the Happy Kanak Stars at 4 p.m. and the Sales Gosses at 5:30 p.m., before ME and the Heat rock the old city wall at 7:30 p.m.

A varied program has also been put together for the front of the university square. The Red Hot Dixie Devils will kick off the music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., before the fanfare band from Bretten invites everyone to clap along from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. In contrast, Heidelberg’s biggest hard rock ‘n’ roll trio BUFFALO HIGH will perform from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by the legendary DIRTY DEEDS from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

At the rear of Universitätsplatz, the popular medieval market will once again offer entertaining spectacle from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with juggling, medieval music, and a fire show.

Theaterplatz will be transformed into an urban open-air festival: singer-songwriter Donkey Kid will be live on stage at 7 p.m. and POL with New Wave at 10 p.m., along with DJs from the local scene and a spectacular mapping show that will turn the square into a visual experience. At the same time, visitors can browse the vintage flea market.

New: Friedrich-Ebert-Platz will become a “sports field” for over ten Heidelberg sports clubs, which will present their offerings from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and invite visitors to join in. Food and drinks will be provided, DJ Boulevard Bou will set the mood, and the clubs will show off their skills on and in front of the stage.

Sunday, 28 September 2025

The “Autumn Sunday” will be heralded on Karlsplatz from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. by an ecumenical service with Olivia Constanzo and Vincenco Petracca. Afterwards, from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Bienenstraße choir will perform their repertoire. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Huub Dutch Duo will keep the mood lively before Tribubu heralds the end of the Heidelberg Autumn Weekend at 4 p.m. with energetic world music.

At the Kornmarkt, the Handschuhsheim Orchestra Association will perform from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. and the Mückenlocher #partybandderregion from 3:30 to 7 p.m. under the motto “The Allgäu visits Heidelberg.”

At the Fischmarkt, Jack Corrigal & Jens Lorbeer will give you goose bumps with their intense tones and passionate singing starting at 1 p.m.

At the Heumarkt, ROBO-TA-TA, the rapping Robo-ta, will be performing an extraordinary children’s program from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., and singer-songwriter BÄR & Band will be playing for the whole family from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Rock4Kids feat. Sprachzünder will play on the front university square from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., before KIST brings Heidelberg Autumn to a rocking close from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The medieval market on the rear university square will transport guests of all ages back to times long past. An exciting program of juggling, comedy, and music will begin at 11 a.m., before the medieval market concludes at 5:15 p.m. with farewell songs from all participants.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than ten Heidelberg sports clubs will be presenting themselves on Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, DJ Boulevard Bou will be spinning tunes, and athletes will be demonstrating their skills in front of the stage. A wide range of food and beverages will round out the offerings.

Children’s program

On Saturday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., TSG Hoffenheim’s Robokeeper will be waiting for his young challengers at the Marstallhof. Visitors will have the chance to win great prizes in the challenges. From 1:30 p.m., the mascot “Hoffi” and the MLP Academics mascot “Accy” will be available for photos and autographs. There will also be face painting and many other games.

In front of the Vogel Gallery at Hauptstraße 25, the stamp collectors’ association will be hosting a guessing game with philatelic prizes for children and young people on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The popular “stamp rummage box” will also be back.

Rock4Kids feat. Sprachzünder will be giving a rocking concert on Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on the front university square. In addition, the German Hockey Federation invites you to play on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and gives you a taste of the European Indoor Hockey Championships in Heidelberg.

The popular flea market for children up to 15 years of age will take place in the courtyard of the Theodor Heuss School on Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participation is free of charge and registration is not required.

The medieval market on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the rear university square is a great adventure and a journey back in time to the world of knights and jugglers, especially for all young guests.

Children can paint bags at the Stadtwerke Heidelberg children’s event on Saturday at the ENERGIEladen at Hauptstraße 120 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday at the front of the university square from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

At the “Platz des Sports” on Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, Heidelberg sports clubs will be offering hands-on activities and exciting performances on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Theaterplatz, the Metropolink stage will belong to families on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – with a children’s program, hands-on activities, and Mara live at 5 p.m.

On Karlsplatz, children can enjoy cheerful face painting and glitter tattoos on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, the clinic clowns will entertain visitors of all ages with xundlachen from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. here and at Kornmarkt!

A varied children’s program with face painting, a small ceramics station, fairground games, and a children’s disco will also be available on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Heumarkt. For curious kids, the rapping robot “ROBO-TA-TA” will be performing from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Young and old alike can get an insight into the work of the Peperoni Children’s and Youth Circus on Sunday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Richard-Hauser-Platz. Every hour on the hour, the young artists will perform a short circus program with a colorful mix of acrobatics, balance acts, juggling, and aerial artistry.

As part of Sunday shopping from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., many stores will be offering numerous activities for children.

Shopping Sunday

In addition to the many attractions of “Autumn Sunday,” there is also “Shopping Sunday.” Participating stores, individually decorated for autumn, especially in the side streets, invite you to stroll, browse, and of course shop from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. An entertaining mix of experiences with special promotions, discounts, and little surprises awaits locals and guests alike.

Numerous activities for children and tasty culinary offerings will make Sunday a family experience. Detailed information about Shopping Sunday can be found in the Pro Heidelberg promotional flyer and at www.proheidelberg.de.

General information material

All current information on the individual program items and activities is available at www.heidelberg-marketing.de.
A digital event flyer can be downloaded here >>> >>>

Measures against sexual violence

For the first time, Heidelberg Autumn will offer protected contact points for people who are confronted with sexual violence at the festival. There, those affected will receive help, peace and quiet, and confidential support. These safe spaces, including the town hall, the German Red Cross stands, and participating restaurants, are recognizable by a new logo. In addition, security personnel and Heidelberg Marketing staff are available as contact persons at all times.

Traffic and parking

There are currently several construction-related disruptions in the Heidelberg city area and on Deutsche Bahn routes. Please check in advance before your arrival to avoid inconvenience and follow the information and diversion signs on site.

Visitors are requested to use public transportation or to avoid the city center area. If you are arriving by S-Bahn, you can use either Heidelberg Central Station or the Altstadt S-Bahn station (near Karlstorbahnhof). While several tram and bus lines run at special intervals from the main station to the event area, the Altstadt S-Bahn station is within walking distance.

Parking in the city center is very limited. Visitors who still wish to travel by car are advised to use the designated parking lots at Messplatz on Kirchheimer Weg (free of charge) and at the University Hospital in Neuenheimer Feld (subject to a fee).

During the event weekend, replacement parking spaces will be set up for people with disabilities: Untere Neckarstraße at Krahnenplatz and on the B37, below the Alte Brücke.

Visitors and residents are also asked to park their bicycles only at designated bicycle racks in all event areas. Pre-marked bicycle racks will be removed in advance of the event.