If you’re looking for something festive to do over Labor Day weekend, one of Philadelphia’s oldest traditions is returning with plenty of beer, bratwurst, and live music.
The Cannstatter Volksfest returns to Northeast Philadelphia for its 154th year, bringing its annual Oktoberfest-style celebration to the city from September 5 through September 7. Held every year since 1873, the festival has become a multigenerational Labor Day weekend tradition for Philadelphians.
What to expect at this year’s Volksfest
The three-day celebration will feature German and American beers and wines alongside an impressive lineup of traditional German dishes. Festivalgoers can dig into bratwurst, schnitzel, Leberkäse, Maultaschen, and Kessler Rippchen. American favorites including hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, grilled chicken, and potato pancakes will also be available.
The festival will also feature nonstop live German and American party music from Philly’s own Heimatklänge and New York’s The Adlers. Traditional folk dancing from the award-winning GTV Almrausch will add to the festival atmosphere, while families can enjoy rides and activities for kids of all ages.
Visitors can also browse vendors selling German crafts, authentic costume clothing, and unique gifts, making the Volksfest as much a cultural celebration as it is a Labor Day party.
Don’t miss the festival’s iconic fruit column
One of the Cannstatter’s most recognizable traditions will return this year: its enormous three-story “fruit column,” which is decorated with real fruits and vegetables.
The historic column celebrates the club’s heritage and the bounty of the year. According to organizers, it takes more than a week to create and involves countless volunteers to bring it to life. Indeed, it is one of the festival’s most impressive sights.
When to go
The Cannstatter Volksfest will be open to the public throughout Labor Day weekend.
- Saturday, September 5: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. —$10 admission
- Sunday, September 6: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. —$15 admission
- Monday, September 7: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. — $10 admission
The Volksfest also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein, with proceeds supporting the club and a wide range of local organizations and charities.
This Labor Day weekend, don’t miss the Philadelphia region’s largest and one of the nation’s oldest German festival as it celebrates its 154th year!
📍 9130 Academy Road (Parking is available at the Cannstatter and in the schoolyard across the street.)
