May 1st weekend

May beetles, food trucks, VW Buses, racehorses—Hanover kicks off May with plenty of horsepower and a sporting spirit

The merry month of May is fast approaching. For many, this marks the start of the active season again - cycling, hiking, eating and enjoying the great outdoors.

Hanover offers a particularly diverse program this first weekend in May. VW Beetle enthusiasts can marvel at classic and rare models at the world’s largest “Maikäfertreffen” at the exhibition grounds, beach volleyball fans can cheer on their stars at Steintorplatz, and horse lovers can root for their favorites at the racetrack. All visitors can refuel at the first Food Truck Festival in the Herrenhausen Gardens. Music fans and dance enthusiasts can ring in May with traditional celebrations—or however they prefer—at the city’s numerous pubs, clubs, and nightclubs.

May bug meeting
On May 1, more than 15,000 visitors will once again marvel at over 3,500 Volkswagen vehicles at the traditional “Maikäfertreffen.” Presumably the world’s largest Beetle gathering has been held in Hanover since 1983 and is practically a must-attend event for enthusiasts and fans of air-cooled Volkswagen technology. Scene insiders and Beetle enthusiasts gather on May Day to admire thousands of Beetles, Campers, Karmann Ghias, Fridolins, and other Volkswagen classics at the exhibition grounds. The program includes a large “parts market” as well as the “Show ’n’ Shine Contest,” where you can showcase your four-wheeled ride on stage. Of course, prizes are awarded to the most beautiful cars.

Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH has put together a special experience package just for exhibitors and visitors to the Maikäfertreffen: it includes lodging, free parking, and the HannoverCard!

Exhibition: The “Bullibauer”
Another highlight for fans of classic VWs is certainly the current major special exhibition at the Historical Museum in Hanover. It traces the 60-year history of the Volkswagen Transporter from the Hanover plant.
The “Bullibauer”—former plant employees—share their stories as eyewitnesses and recount how they built the VW bus with pride, passion, and dedication. Of course, the cars themselves are also on display; several particularly beautiful exhibits from the factory’s own collection are featured. A second section of the exhibition, featuring hands-on activities and demonstration stations, offers a glimpse into current production processes at VW and illustrates how the training of young people has changed over the years.

Herrenhausen Food Truck Festival

Food Truck Summer in Herrenhausen — Food truck

From burgers to pulled pork, avocado-mango salsa to pikeperch ceviche—the first Herrenhausen Food Truck Festival has plenty to offer food lovers. For two days, the gardens will be filled with the sizzling sounds and enticing aromas as the mobile gourmet kitchens set up shop between the Gallery and the Orangery on the first weekend in May. Then it’s time for visitors to sample culinary highlights and feast to their heart’s content! Afterward, the Great Garden invites you to take a short stroll. On Saturday evening, you can even explore it amid the glittering lights of the water features, adorned with festive illuminations.

2016
Beach Volleyball Cup: From April 29 to May 1, players will once again be digging and setting on Steintorplatz. For beach volleyball fans from all over northern Germany, the sun will be shining for three days in the heart of the city: At the 22nd Beach Volleyball Cup, 500 metric tons of the finest sand will once again be used to create three courts, surrounded by bleachers, activity areas, and food stands on Steintorplatz.

Neue Bult Horse Race – Season Opener
The first race of the 2016 season will kick off on May 1 at the Neue Bult racetrack in Langenhagen. At the Hannover 96 Race Day, visitors can experience top athletic performances and exciting races in an impressive setting. World-class horse racing and an attractive lineup of events for the whole family make each race day a special experience.

You can find additional experience packages, such as “Discover Hannover” or “Royal Hannover,” at: www.hannover.de/erlebnispakete

You can find photos and text for editorial use in our press section at: www.hannover.de/presse-hmtg

Published:12.04.2016

Travel, short trips, vacation

Package Deals & Group Offers

Package Deals & Group Offers in Hanover—here you’ll find tips and offers for short getaways and day trips.

read

A family on the dome of the New Town Hall.

Discover Hanover

Culture & sights

Discover the highlights of Hanover and the surrounding region, such as the Herrenhausen Gardens, the New Town Hall, and the Old Town!

read