Straubing's Gäubodenvolksfest draws 1.3 million visitors

The annual Gäubodenvolksfest in Straubing, Bavaria’s second‑largest folk festival after Munich’s Oktoberfest, opened on Friday, 7 August 2026. Organisers expect around 1.3 million attendees over the ten‑day event, which features a traditional costume parade, numerous rides, and a consumer fair. Unlike the Oktoberfest, the festival does not include a ceremonial keg‑tapping; instead, federal agriculture minister Alois Rainer (CSU) delivers the opening speech. Police have increased patrols and set up selective bag and identity checks, warning visitors of a 0.5 ‰ blood‑alcohol limit for scooters and cars. The city’s mayor Markus Pannermayr highlighted the festival’s strong regional roots, while spokesperson Martin Lechner compared the visitor density to Munich’s numbers. An accompanying summer art exhibition in the Straubing castle’s Ritterhall showcases over 100 works from local artists during the festival period.