Deutsches Weinlesefest (German Wine Harvest Festival, Neustadt an der Weinstraße) is one of Germany’s most celebrated wine festivals, held every autumn in the heart of the Palatinate wine region. The festival honors the end of the grape harvest with weeks of wine tastings, live music, regional food, and the grand Winegrowers’ Parade, featuring elaborately decorated floats and costumed participants. A highlight is the crowning of the German Wine Queen, a tradition that dates back to 1949 and symbolizes the region’s deep viticultural heritage. Blending celebration, culture, and hospitality, the Wine Harvest Festival in Neustadt captures the spirit of Germany’s wine country at its most joyful.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 26 September–13 October 2025 (Friday–Monday).
• Highlights: Haiselscher wine village (26 Sep–13 Oct), w.i.n.e.FESTival & Jahrmarkt (2–13 Oct), Grand Winemakers’ Parade on Sunday 12 October (starts 13:30).
• Programme: Exact timetable publishes annually — see the official programme flyer and listings: Programme / All events.
• w.i.n.e.FESTival hours: Mon–Thu 17:00–22:00; Fri 17:00–24:00; Sat 11:00–24:00; Sun 11:00–22:00; special hours 2–3 Oct per flyer.
LOCATION
• Festival core: Haiselscher & Saalbau/Hetzelplatz area by the main station; start at Saalbau, Bahnhofstraße 1. Open in Google Maps.
• Official site: City of Neustadt festival hub: Official site.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free entry: Grounds and most outdoor programming are free; pay for rides/food/drink. See the city listings for event-by-event notes: Ticket info.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Travel & parking: Official access, parking and road closures (incl. parade day): Travel & parking.
• Public transport: Regional network and extra services via VRN: VRN public transport.
• Parade day: City centre closures from ~12:30 on Sun 12 Oct before the parade; plan arrivals accordingly: Parade route.
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