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Bremen Freimarkt opens: fireworks and rides for the 990th time!
The Bremen Freimarkt, one of the oldest folk festivals in Germany, opens its doors on October 17, 2025. Find out more about dates, attractions and safety precautions.
Bremen Freimarkt opens: fireworks and rides for the 990th time!
On October 17, 2025, the Bremen Freimarkt will officially open for the 990th time. This popular folk festival on the Bürgerweide, very close to Bremen main train station, lasts until November 2nd and attracts around 1.5 million visitors every year. The celebrations begin at 4 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. that wows the crowds. Loud buten and within the free market will be open daily from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday even until midnight. To make travel easier, the organizers recommend parking at the university and using public transport, as there are no parking spaces directly at the festival site.
The Freimarkt itself is a true paradise for showmen and visitors: almost 300 stalls and rides are waiting to be discovered. The attractions include five large rides and 23 others, as well as 21 bars and 15 child-friendly rides. A special highlight is the Bremen free ticket, which can be used on at least 46 rides - possibly for the last time, according to freimarkt.de noted.
Tradition and innovations
The Bremen Freimarkt has an impressive history: It goes back to the year 1035, when Emperor Conrad II granted the Archbishop of Bremen “fair justice”. The free market originally combined merchants and church festivals, but today it shines above all as a large entertainment festival. In fact, the free market acquired its modern character in the 19th century. With attractions such as the first swing in 1818 and the sale of lard cakes in 1847, the festival has continued to evolve. As Wikipedia reports, the festival was canceled during the two world wars, but was revived after 1945 under the name “Friedensfreimarkt”. A lot has changed since then, but the tradition remains.
There will also be a big parade on October 25th, which starts at 10 a.m. on Pappelstrasse and can be followed as a live broadcast from 11 a.m. This attracts participants and spectators alike and is another highlight of the festival.
Safety and comfort
Of course, security on the open market must not be neglected either. Awareness teams and security are on site to provide support in the event of harassment and assault. There are also clear bans on the site: weapons, knives, glass bottles, fireworks, dogs and bicycles are not allowed. This ensures a safe and pleasant supporting program for all visitors.
With all of these highlights and the deep-rooted tradition, the Bremen Freimarkt promises to be an unforgettable experience for young and old again this year and is a real must-attend event in October.