--- title: "Dippemess" url: "https://www.visitfrankfurt.travel/en/experience/festival-and-events/dippemess" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Experience > Festival and Events > Dippemess" --- Frankfurt  Dippemess ==================== - - - Nostalgia and thrills Folk festival on Ratsweg ------------------------ The Frankfurt Dippemess at the fairground on Ratsweg is a traditional folk festival with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere that has been making visitors’ hearts beat faster for centuries. Illuminated carousels, thrilling rides and the aroma of sweet and savoury treats create a special vibe that delights people of all ages. As a popular meeting place for families, friends and anyone who wants to experience the ambience of a genuine folk festival, the Dippemess combines tradition, entertainment and culinary diversity into an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in a world full of fun, encounters and Frankfurt’s festival culture. - - - - - - - - - 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 - When is the Spring Dippemess open? - Monday: Closed (except Easter Monday) - Tuesday - Thursday: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm - Friday - Saturday: 2:00 pm to 12:00 am - Sunday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm **Exceptions:** - Maundy Thursday: 2:00 pm to 12:00 am - **Good Friday: Closed** - Easter Sunday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am - Easter Monday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm - When is the Autumn Dippemess open? Monday: Closed Tuesday - 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 - Where is the Dippemess held? The Dippemess is held on the Ratsweg fairgrounds, right in front of the Frankfurt Eisporthalle (indoor ice sports rink). - Is it possible to get to the Dippemess by car? 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 - Are there disabled parking spaces? There is a limited number of disabled parking spaces on Ostendstraße. - How do I reach the Dippemess by public transport? **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 - U7 (Praunheim Heerstraße - Enkheim) - Tram 12 (Fechenheim Hugo-Junkers Straße - Schwanheim Rheinlandstraße) - Bus Route 38 (Panoramabad - Seckbach) - Bus Route 103 (Offenbach - Frankfurt Prüfling) - What should I be aware of when visiting the Dippemess? The following items are not permitted on the fairground: - Bicycles - Dogs and other pets on the event site - Bottles - Weapons, knives of any kind (pocket knives, etc.) - Sharp tools / objects - Animal defense spray, pepper pistols, laughing gas - Pyrotechnics and other dangerous objects - Drugs, drug use - Cannabis, cannabis products Bag checks are carried out at certain points. - May I bring my dog with me? No, dogs and other pets are not permitted on the event site. - What is the difference between the Dippemess in spring and the Dippemess in autumn? 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.