Allerheiligenkirmes Soest 2026 opens: highlights for the start

Allerheiligenkirmes Soest 2026: The 688 edition starts today, bringing living tradition, a special historic old-town setting and funfair atmosphere through to Sunday. What you need to know about the opening.

Allerheiligenkirmes Soest 2026: The old town is celebrating again

From 4 to 8 November, the Allerheiligenkirmes Soest 2026 transforms the historic old town into a vast sea of lights. The first showmen have been allowed to open since midday on Wednesday. The traditional opening at Kohlbrink was scheduled for 14 o'clock. For five days, rides, encounters and Soest's very special funfair atmosphere take centre stage. One million visitors are expected – only after the weekend will we know whether that figure has been reached.

Opening at Kohlbrink: Nessy and the 50th Jägerken

The 688 Allerheiligenkirmes began on Wednesday. According to the official programme, the festivities opened with the ceremony at Kohlbrink, where the giant swing Nessy is located. The symbolic handover of the key from Mayor Marcus Schiffer to Albert Ritter, president of the German Showmen's Association, was planned. There is also an anniversary: Marius Sträter was in the spotlight as the 50 “Jägerken von Soest”. This is a particularly lovely start to the 688 edition. The opening of the funfair is confirmed; for the exact details of the ceremony, we are relying on the published programme.

Allerheiligenkirmes Soest 2026: A ride to whet your appetite

Modern thrills are also on offer among the historic façades. One example is the looping swing ride Avenger Royal. If you are interested in more rides and what makes them special, you can already find a detailed overview in our separate article on new rides. Here, we focus on what makes the opening in Soest special beyond the rides.

From 55 to 85 metres: Soest from a lofty height

If you want to see Soest's rooftops from above, there are several impressive options 2026. According to Hellweg Radio, the Eyecatcher Ferris wheel reaches 55 metres and is located by the railway station. The Hangover – The Tower free-fall tower takes riders to about 85 metres. The Jules Verne Tower and the Look 360° observation tower also shape the old town's skyline. The appeal of Soest's funfair lies in the way historic church towers, narrow lanes and modern rides come together. Which attraction suits you depends, of course, on whether you prefer to take in the view at your leisure or enjoy a thrill.

Horse market on Thursday: A piece of living tradition

On Thursday, 5 November, the morning also belongs to the traditional horse market. Around 60 traders are expected between Osthofentor and Thomätor and in the Gräften area, from 8 to 14 o'clock. The horse market is more than an extra event: it is part of the cultural character of Allerheiligenkirmes. So it's worth allowing a little extra time that day. Afterwards, you can head straight into the funfair and visit the rides, stalls and food stands. Centuries-old market traditions and modern fairground fun come together within a short walk.

Opening times and getting there: What you need to know

The earliest opening times are 12 to 23 on Wednesday and 10 to 23 on Thursday. You can celebrate from 12 to 2 on Friday and from 10 to 2 on Saturday; on Sunday, the funfair is scheduled to run from 11 to 22. Not every attraction has to open at the earliest possible time, so it's worth checking the official organiser's website before you set off. Travelling by train is especially convenient: you can start your funfair walk right at the station. If you come by car, use the designated park-and-ride facilities. Find out more in our Soest 2026 travel guide.

One institution is missing – but the funfair goes on

The special atmosphere comes not only from spectacular rides, but also from the people behind the stalls. This year, a familiar face is missing: the Honigschnaps-Mann, a fixture for many visitors for years, won't be there. Find out why the news has moved so many funfair fans in our article about the missing Honigschnaps-Mann. Stories like this show just how deeply Allerheiligenkirmes is rooted in the life of the town. At the same time, new memories are made every year – perhaps on your first walk around the funfair today, opening day.

Our tip: Enjoy five days of Soest funfair atmosphere

Plan your visit around more than just the biggest attractions. Take time for the little lanes, the view of the Ferris wheel and classic funfair treats, too. If you'd prefer a quieter visit, come as early in the day as possible; in the evening, the sea of lights creates a special atmosphere. You can find all the dates and further information in our event listing for Allerheiligenkirmes Soest 2026. The best thing about Soest is that there's another funfair experience waiting around every corner.

Sources (as at 4 November 2026): Wirtschaft & Marketing Soest; Soester Anzeiger; Hellweg Radio; WDR. The funfair has opened; details of the ceremony are based on the official programme.