The fair sets a sign for affordability: With the reduced admission price, the event targets a broad audience from the entire region. “The Herbstmesse is meant to remain a meeting place for people of all generations. The lower admission fee emphasizes its character as a regional folk festival and a social highlight of the autumn,” says Managing Director Nilly Nail.
The new grounds concept clearly separates the sports and event areas and concentrates the exhibition in fewer halls. The more compact structure groups related offerings and makes it easier for visitors to find their way around.
Wood worlds and agricultural technology showcase regional change
With the wood worlds and the agricultural technology exhibition, the Herbstmesse introduces two new focal points. Both areas demonstrate how regional working methods, materials, and technologies have evolved.
The wood worlds trace the journey of local wood from tree to finished product. Together with Vorarlberg’s timber architecture, the Herbstmesse presents around 50 award-winning buildings. Native wood species as well as projects from architecture, furniture making, and design illustrate the importance of this material for Vorarlberg. Werkraum Bregenzerwald and the initiative “die venstermacher” complement the focus with examples from craftsmanship and design.
The agricultural technology exhibition spans from historical tools, equipment, and tractors to current developments in agriculture and forestry. Modern machines and applications from the field of smart farming show how digital technologies and connected systems are transforming today’s workflows.
Direct exchange with companies and ORF Vorarlberg
The regional marketplace remains the economic heart of the Herbstmesse. Companies, producers, and service providers present offerings from the areas of living, household, enjoyment, and lifestyle and are available for questions and personal advice. On the tasting mile, regional businesses offer specialties and Austrian winemakers serve their wines. Gourmet stands and food trucks complement the culinary selection.
ORF Vorarlberg also presents itself at the regional marketplace. With a newly designed experience booth, the broadcaster invites visitors to participate. Visitors can test their media literacy with a fact check on AI-generated images and disinformation, step in front of the TV camera themselves, and listen to ORF Vorarlberg podcasts. Moderators and media professionals are also available for personal conversations.
Concerts and leisure program extend the fair day
The leisure program of the Herbstmesse targets different generations. In the outdoor area, children can enjoy their own funfair. A large bouncy castle with obstacles, slides, jumping areas, and climbing sections complements the family program. Up to 400 card players from all over Vorarlberg meet at the VN prize jass tournament.
On several days, the Herbstmesse continues after the regular closing time. On Thursday, “Tribute to Adriano Celentano” brings Italian classics to the stage. On Friday, “Beats & Brass” combines brass music with modern sounds. On Saturday, “Tracht'n Vibes” accompanies the Oktoberfäscht. Beach bar and DJs complement the evening program on selected days, ensuring that the Herbstmesse remains a meeting place beyond regular opening hours.
FACTBOX:
78th Herbstmesse
September 9 to 13, 2026, daily 10 am to 6 pm
Admission 6 euros
Concerts and parties in the Mohrenbräu beer tent
Thursday: Live concertTribute to Adriano Celentano until 11 pm
Friday: Beats & Brass, concerts until 1:30 am
Saturday: Tracht’n Vibesat the Oktoberfäscht until 1:30 am
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: Funfair, beach bar and DJs until 8 pm
Supporting program: Wood worlds, agricultural technology focus, funfair with Europe’s largest bouncy castle, children’s program, VN prize jass, ORF participation, live concerts, Oktoberfäscht
Themed areas: Enjoyment, household, living and lifestyle
Free travel by bus and train:
Free arrival and departure by bus & train with a valid fair ticket or the VMOBIL online free ticket.