A folk festival rich in tradition
Nostalgic rides
and modern attractions
The Frankfurt Dippemess, a festival of colour, lights and joie de vivre, is a traditional folk fair that has been making visitors' hearts beat faster for centuries. A magical spectacle of brightly lit carousels, speeding rollercoasters and fragrant treats unfolds here, enchanting young and old alike.
The Dippemess is a meeting place for families, friends and anyone who wants to experience the flair of a real folk festival. Immerse yourself in a world full of tradition, fun and culinary delights.
History and character of the Dippemess
From traders' market
to folk fair
The Frankfurt Dippemess looks back on a tradition dating back to the 14th century. Back then, the "Maamess", as it was known, was a mediaeval sales market for household goods.
To discover the origins of one of Frankfurt's oldest folk festivals, the Dippemess, you have to travel back in time to the late Middle Ages. Potters from the Wetterau region, and later also the manufacturers of stoneware decorated with grey-blue salt glaze from the Kannebäckerland region – to whom we owe the typical Frankfurt Bembel jugs – travelled to the Main River for the spring and autumn fairs. In addition to the countless stalls selling goods from all over the world, the ‘Krugmänner’ and “Topfkrämer” sold their wares, known as ‘Dippe’ in Frankfurt dialect, at stalls on the Main. The fairs have always attracted jugglers, acrobats, tightrope walkers and comedians as well. Gradually, the mediaeval fair was joined by fairground stalls and showmen. These "fair attractions" were soon separated from the actual fair and, after setting up at several different inner-city locations over the centuries, the Dippemess finally found its current home on the fairground on Ratsweg in eastern Frankfurt in 1968.
As technology developed, the rides also became more spectacular. The number of visitors increased rapidly as new attractions attracted more and more guests. The classic dippers are no longer available to buy there today, as these are simply no longer available.
Rides:
From ultra-modern rollercoasters with breathtaking loops to nostalgic carousels, the Dippemess offers adrenaline and fun for everyone. For the youngest visitors, there are numerous child-friendly rides and merry-go-rounds that will make their eyes light up.
Traders' market, stalls and shooting stands:
Experience the tradition of the festival up close with stalls offering a variety of goods and reflecting the historical origins of the market. You may also choose to test your skill and luck at various gaming booths and shooting stands and have the chance to win great prizes.
Culinary delights:
A wide range of food and beverages is on offer, from classic apple wine to international delicacies and typical folk festival snacks such as roasted almonds and candy floss. The centrepiece is the festival pavilion with live music, beer and apple wine, a place where visitors come together and celebrate.
Spring Dippemess
Frankfurt's Spring Dippemess is a real highlight, marking the start of the festival season. Running for around three weeks, it offers visitors from near and far a great opportunity to celebrate the start of spring. The special energy that the spring season brings is also reflected in the festival grounds - it is wilder, louder and more exciting than at other times of the year.
Autumn Dippemess
The Autumn Dippemess is the cosy "little brother" of the springtime version. Its shorter duration heralds the end of the folk festival season and creates a quieter, family atmosphere. The special nature of this time of year, with cooler temperatures and an earlier onset of dusk, gives the festival a unique charm, particularly emphasised by its atmospheric lighting. This festival is the ideal time to enjoy the culinary offerings and experience the cosy side of the season.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Dippemess
Exceptions:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Wednesday: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Thursday: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday: 3:00 pm to 12:00 am
Saturday: 2:00 pm to 12:00 am
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
The Dippemess is held on the Ratsweg fairgrounds, right in front of the Frankfurt Eisporthalle (indoor ice sports rink).
When the Spring Dippemess begins on the fairground, parking spaces on Ratsweg will once again be scarce. Traffic jams and long searches for a parking space are avoidable: Buses and trains are recommended for travelling to the fairground and are well prepared for visitors. We therefore recommend taking public transport.
Address for the satnav if travelling by car:
Ostparkstraße - via Ratsweg - Frankfurt am Main
There is a limited number of disabled parking spaces on Ostendstraße.
Four lines, one stop, short distances
The "Eissporthalle/Festplatz" stop is right next to the fairground. The U7 Subway Line, Tram Line 12 and Bus Lines 38 and 103 stop next to the Ferris wheel and rollercoaster. They run past midnight and also ensure a good journey home. The U7 line offers more space most the time thanks to additional carriages.
Station: Eissporthalle/Festplatz
The following items are not permitted on the fairground:
Bag checks are carried out at certain points.
No, dogs are not permitted on the event site.
The Dippemess takes place twice a year, once as Spring Dippemess around Easter for about three weeks and once for about a week as Autumn Dippemess at the beginning of September.