Events in Hannover - Highlights

Tiergartenfest Hannover

Several tree grates next to each other. — The tree slices are the entrance ticket to the festival.

The state capital of Hannover is once again hosting its traditional Tiergartenfest in 2026. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Tiergarten will be transformed into a lively festival grounds—featuring activities centered on nature experiences, forest education, and family programming.

People at a party. — The Tiergartenfest is one of Hannover's top events in the fall.

The detailed program is expected to be released in September 2026. As usual, however, visitors can look forward to a colorful mix of games, nature education, and entertainment: from demonstrations of forestry work to creative hands-on activities and lively performances. A joint lantern parade to conclude the event is also planned again. The traditional acorn and chestnut collection drive will also continue:
Children who turn in tree fruits in advance will receive the familiar tree slice—and with it, free admission.

Admission and arrival

Children 6 and under are admitted free of charge. Adults pay 3 euros; children 14 and under without a tree stump pay 2 euros. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at no extra charge, which also speeds up entry. The best way to get there is by taking tram line 5 to the “Tiergarten” stop. The entrances are located at the Hotel Leonardo and at Tiergartenstraße 149. Please note: Dogs and bicycles are not allowed inside. The event opens at 1 p.m. on this day.

Background

For nearly five decades, the Tiergartenfest has been a staple of Hannover’s calendar of events. It serves as a thank-you to all the dedicated collectors, a family day out in nature, and a very special place where the experience of nature and community come together.

Hard-working children can collect acorns and chestnuts in advance and receive a tree slice for free entry.

Children tipping chestnuts and acorns into a large container.

20 tons of acorns were collected by the many hard-working children in 2025.

The children can also get active themselves and work with wood at various stations.

Children and adults sitting on green sofas in the Tiergarten.

The 2025 Tiergartenfest also served as the finale of the "700 Years of Garden Culture" anniversary celebration.

A popular place to go: the home-made nesting aids.

Visitors can take a look at the various nesting aids on site and get involved themselves.

People at the Tiergartenfest. They are watching a bonfire.

A bonfire is also a staple of the Tiergartenfest.

Old trees were processed into firewood.

A child at a wood sawing machine. An adult stands next to it.

The program also included demonstrations of forestry work.

Children at a stand with various fur samples.

Forest science you can touch: Which animal has which fur?

17,500 people attended the Tiergartenfest in 2025.

Horses also play an important role in Hanover's forest management.

The bouncy castles in particular attracted many children.

Walksacts delighted children and adults alike.

A man using a chainsaw to turn a piece of wood into a fox.

A detailed fox was made from a block of wood using a chainsaw.

A street performer at the Tiergartenfest.

A show act from the children's circus "Träumer".

A stag and four deer in a forest clearing

Hannover in the Fall

Collecting acorns and chestnuts for the Tiergartenfest in the Tiergarten

As the first leaves fall, the dull-brown acorns and mahogany-colored chestnuts also fall in abundance from the trees, which are slowly preparing for the approaching autumn...

read