Festplatz Castroper Straße
(104 Reviews)

Max-Greve-Straße 34, Bochum

Max-Greve-Straße 34, 44791 Bochum, Germany

Festival Ground Castroper Straße | Easter Fair & Parking

The festival ground Castroper Straße in Bochum is an open event and fair location, primarily known for the Easter fair. For 2026, Bochum Marketing announces the fair from April 4 to 12, daily from 2 PM to 9 PM; the official event page refers to the location as the fairground at Castroper Straße and indicates free admission. The area is also conveniently located near RuhrCongress and Vonovia Ruhrstadion at the intersection of Castroper Straße and Gersteinring. This makes the site interesting not only for families and fair fans but also for people looking for parking, access, and large open spaces around stadium and event dates in Bochum. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Easter Fair at the Festival Ground Castroper Straße

Those searching for the festival ground Castroper Straße will almost automatically land in Bochum at the Easter fair. Bochum Tourism describes the event as a traditional return of the fair season in spring, which develops into a large funfair around the Easter holidays on Castroper Platz. The period for 2026 is clearly defined: From April 4 to 12, the Easter fair invites visitors daily from 2 PM to 9 PM and brings around 40 rides, attractions, and culinary offerings. Thus, the site is not just any open space but a firmly established date in the Bochum event calendar that attracts families, funfair fans, and visitors from the surrounding area every year. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

The official naming varies slightly depending on the source but remains clear in content: Festival ground at Castroper Straße, fairground at Castroper Straße, or Castroper Platz. It refers to the same open area in 44791 Bochum, which is managed by Bochum Marketing as the location of the Easter fair. The exact visitor indication is Castroper Str. 100. This multiple naming is important for online searches because users often work with keywords like festival ground Castroper Straße Bochum, Easter fair Bochum, or fairground Castroper Straße. Those who know these variants can find the correct location and current event information more quickly. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/osterkirmes-6.html?utm_source=openai))

Parking and Access at the Fairground

When it comes to parking, the festival ground Castroper Straße is particularly relevant because Bochum Economic Development manages the area as a parking lot Castroper Straße/Fairground. Since April 2025, barrier-free freeflow parking has been in effect there. This means: The parking duration is automatically recorded via license plate recognition at the entrance and exit, and payment is made via touchscreen machine, EasyPark app, or online. The official parking fee is €5 per 24 hours. This is practical for visitors because there are no barriers disrupting the flow, making access and entry smoother. Especially on heavily frequented event days, this is a noticeable advantage, provided that one pays attention to the digital system and the respective signage on-site. ([bochum-wirtschaft.de](https://www.bochum-wirtschaft.de/fileadmin/Bochum_Wirtschaftsentwicklung/News/2025-03-28_Freeflow_Castroper_Strasse.pdf))

Additionally, it is important that the city of Bochum currently describes the fairground as a parking alternative and states that access to the site is currently not possible. However, for visitors to stadium and major events, the surrounding area remains a central orientation aid. The city explicitly points out the fairground and the parking garage Stadionring as designated parking areas outside the restricted area during VfL home games. At the same time, numerous streets near the stadium are not intended as parking areas due to access restrictions. Therefore, anyone heading to the Easter fair, RuhrCongress, or a VfL Bochum game should read the parking instructions early and anticipate the special traffic situation around Castroper Straße. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))

Opening Hours, Admission, and Family Day 2026

The Easter fair 2026 is clearly scheduled: It runs from April 4 to 12 and opens daily from 2 PM to 9 PM. Particularly notable is Family Day on April 8, when numerous rides and stalls offer discounted deals. Bochum Tourism also mentions two special Easter moments: On Easter Sunday, an egg hunt starts at 2 PM, and on Easter Monday, a Easter Bunny will be on the fairgrounds from 2 PM. These are exactly the details many visitors are looking for when they search for planning information under terms like Easter fair Bochum, opening hours, or Family Day. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Admission is also attractive: The official event page indicates free admission for the Easter fair 2026. This makes the visit very suitable for spontaneous family outings, a quick stop after work, or as a program point during a longer visit to Bochum. In conjunction with the open space situation, it creates a low-threshold leisure destination that operates without a classic ticket structure. This combination of free access, clear daytime hours, and special Easter activities makes the Easter fair at the festival ground Castroper Straße a particularly search-friendly event for spring in Bochum. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/osterkirmes-6.html?utm_source=openai))

Rides, Highlights, and Culinary Offerings

For those interested in the attractions at the festival ground Castroper Straße, there will be a relatively large selection for Bochum standards in 2026. Bochum Tourism mentions around 40 rides, attractions, and culinary offerings. Among the particularly highlighted rides are the family roller coaster Crazy Construction Site, the disc wipe Night Fly, the fast Jaguar Express, and Poseidon. Additionally, there are the children's chain carousel, Baby2000, and other classic fair elements like duck fishing and raffles. This mix is important for keyword research because it directly covers the search intentions around Easter fair Bochum, images, program, and highlights while also emphasizing the character of the festival ground as a lively family fair. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Culinarily, the site also showcases its typical strengths. The official reporting mentions roasted almonds, crêpes, fries, and snack specialties as part of the offerings. This makes the festival ground not only a ride area but a complete place to stay with fair culinary delights. This combination of movement, light, smells, and food also makes the place photogenic and relevant for searches like images of festival ground Castroper Straße Bochum. The open area, the large rides, and the stalls create the classic fair image associated with an Easter fair. For user intention, this means: It is not about a seating plan or fixed seats but about a freely accessible outdoor fair with a changing program and plenty of atmosphere. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Location near RuhrCongress and Vonovia Ruhrstadion

The geographical location is one of the greatest strengths of the festival ground Castroper Straße. The city of Bochum describes the site as conveniently located in close proximity to RuhrCongress and Vonovia Ruhrstadion at the intersection of Castroper Straße and Gersteinring. For anyone searching for access, parking, or location on the city map, this is a crucial indication. At the same time, the city makes it clear that access to the site is currently not possible because the area is being used as a parking alternative for the time being. This shows that the location cannot be viewed in isolation but is part of a larger event and traffic area in northern Bochum. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))

Especially during VfL Bochum home games, the significance of this space becomes visible. The city explicitly names the fairground as a designated parking area outside the restricted zone and recommends the parking garage Stadionring. At the same time, numerous streets in the vicinity are restricted for access and parking purposes to keep emergency routes clear and ease the parking situation. For visitors, the festival ground thus becomes more than just the location of a fair: It is a reliable point of orientation in a densely used neighborhood where the stadium, RuhrCongress, and other destinations are closely located. Understanding the location also greatly enhances the understanding of mobility around Castroper Straße. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Pressemeldungen/12-Januar-2026/Erweiterte-Zufahrtsbeschraenkungen-bei-Heimspielen-des-VfL-Bochum-1848))

History, Use, and Future of the Festival Ground

The festival ground Castroper Straße does not have the appearance of a classic historical monument site, but it has its own usage history. The city of Bochum established a tachymetric testing field there in June 2012 in cooperation with Bochum University, featuring nine marketable ground points that were also suitable for RTK-GNSS receivers. At the same time, the official site states that the fairground is currently being used as a parking alternative and that the use as a testing field cannot be guaranteed. This highlights the unique nature of this location: It is flexible, functional, and depending on the need, a fairground, parking lot, or testing area. This also explains why search queries often converge at the intersection of festival ground, fairground, parking, and Castroper Straße. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))

Additionally, the area continues to play a role in municipal planning. The agenda of the council meeting on December 18, 2025, mentions participation in the federal program for applying for funding for the construction of a large sports hall on the fairground at Castroper Straße. Additionally, a development plan for Castroper Str./Harpener Str. is on the agenda. This shows that the festival ground is not only a location for the current Easter fair but also remains part of larger urban planning considerations. For visitors, this means: The location has a present as a fair and parking area but also a future as a potential development space within the Bochum event and sports environment. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Rat-der-Stadt-Bochum/Sitzungstermine-und-Tagesordnungen-des-Rates/Ratssitzung-am-18.-Dezember-2025))

Sources:

  • Bochum Tourism: Easter fair heralds the arrival of spring. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))
  • Bochum Tourism: Easter fair fairground at Castroper Straße. ([pages.bochum-tourismus.de](https://pages.bochum-tourismus.de/de/bochum-tourismus/streaming/detail/Event/e_100547409/osterkirmes?utm_source=openai))
  • City of Bochum: Tachymetric testing field / Fairground Bochum. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))
  • City of Bochum: Extended access restrictions during VfL Bochum 1848 home games. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Pressemeldungen/12-Januar-2026/Erweiterte-Zufahrtsbeschraenkungen-bei-Heimspielen-des-VfL-Bochum-1848))
  • Bochum Economic Development: Barrier-free parking at the parking lot Castroper Straße. ([bochum-wirtschaft.de](https://www.bochum-wirtschaft.de/fileadmin/Bochum_Wirtschaftsentwicklung/News/2025-03-28_Freeflow_Castroper_Strasse.pdf))
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Festival Ground Castroper Straße | Easter Fair & Parking

The festival ground Castroper Straße in Bochum is an open event and fair location, primarily known for the Easter fair. For 2026, Bochum Marketing announces the fair from April 4 to 12, daily from 2 PM to 9 PM; the official event page refers to the location as the fairground at Castroper Straße and indicates free admission. The area is also conveniently located near RuhrCongress and Vonovia Ruhrstadion at the intersection of Castroper Straße and Gersteinring. This makes the site interesting not only for families and fair fans but also for people looking for parking, access, and large open spaces around stadium and event dates in Bochum. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Easter Fair at the Festival Ground Castroper Straße

Those searching for the festival ground Castroper Straße will almost automatically land in Bochum at the Easter fair. Bochum Tourism describes the event as a traditional return of the fair season in spring, which develops into a large funfair around the Easter holidays on Castroper Platz. The period for 2026 is clearly defined: From April 4 to 12, the Easter fair invites visitors daily from 2 PM to 9 PM and brings around 40 rides, attractions, and culinary offerings. Thus, the site is not just any open space but a firmly established date in the Bochum event calendar that attracts families, funfair fans, and visitors from the surrounding area every year. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

The official naming varies slightly depending on the source but remains clear in content: Festival ground at Castroper Straße, fairground at Castroper Straße, or Castroper Platz. It refers to the same open area in 44791 Bochum, which is managed by Bochum Marketing as the location of the Easter fair. The exact visitor indication is Castroper Str. 100. This multiple naming is important for online searches because users often work with keywords like festival ground Castroper Straße Bochum, Easter fair Bochum, or fairground Castroper Straße. Those who know these variants can find the correct location and current event information more quickly. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/osterkirmes-6.html?utm_source=openai))

Parking and Access at the Fairground

When it comes to parking, the festival ground Castroper Straße is particularly relevant because Bochum Economic Development manages the area as a parking lot Castroper Straße/Fairground. Since April 2025, barrier-free freeflow parking has been in effect there. This means: The parking duration is automatically recorded via license plate recognition at the entrance and exit, and payment is made via touchscreen machine, EasyPark app, or online. The official parking fee is €5 per 24 hours. This is practical for visitors because there are no barriers disrupting the flow, making access and entry smoother. Especially on heavily frequented event days, this is a noticeable advantage, provided that one pays attention to the digital system and the respective signage on-site. ([bochum-wirtschaft.de](https://www.bochum-wirtschaft.de/fileadmin/Bochum_Wirtschaftsentwicklung/News/2025-03-28_Freeflow_Castroper_Strasse.pdf))

Additionally, it is important that the city of Bochum currently describes the fairground as a parking alternative and states that access to the site is currently not possible. However, for visitors to stadium and major events, the surrounding area remains a central orientation aid. The city explicitly points out the fairground and the parking garage Stadionring as designated parking areas outside the restricted area during VfL home games. At the same time, numerous streets near the stadium are not intended as parking areas due to access restrictions. Therefore, anyone heading to the Easter fair, RuhrCongress, or a VfL Bochum game should read the parking instructions early and anticipate the special traffic situation around Castroper Straße. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))

Opening Hours, Admission, and Family Day 2026

The Easter fair 2026 is clearly scheduled: It runs from April 4 to 12 and opens daily from 2 PM to 9 PM. Particularly notable is Family Day on April 8, when numerous rides and stalls offer discounted deals. Bochum Tourism also mentions two special Easter moments: On Easter Sunday, an egg hunt starts at 2 PM, and on Easter Monday, a Easter Bunny will be on the fairgrounds from 2 PM. These are exactly the details many visitors are looking for when they search for planning information under terms like Easter fair Bochum, opening hours, or Family Day. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Admission is also attractive: The official event page indicates free admission for the Easter fair 2026. This makes the visit very suitable for spontaneous family outings, a quick stop after work, or as a program point during a longer visit to Bochum. In conjunction with the open space situation, it creates a low-threshold leisure destination that operates without a classic ticket structure. This combination of free access, clear daytime hours, and special Easter activities makes the Easter fair at the festival ground Castroper Straße a particularly search-friendly event for spring in Bochum. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/osterkirmes-6.html?utm_source=openai))

Rides, Highlights, and Culinary Offerings

For those interested in the attractions at the festival ground Castroper Straße, there will be a relatively large selection for Bochum standards in 2026. Bochum Tourism mentions around 40 rides, attractions, and culinary offerings. Among the particularly highlighted rides are the family roller coaster Crazy Construction Site, the disc wipe Night Fly, the fast Jaguar Express, and Poseidon. Additionally, there are the children's chain carousel, Baby2000, and other classic fair elements like duck fishing and raffles. This mix is important for keyword research because it directly covers the search intentions around Easter fair Bochum, images, program, and highlights while also emphasizing the character of the festival ground as a lively family fair. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Culinarily, the site also showcases its typical strengths. The official reporting mentions roasted almonds, crêpes, fries, and snack specialties as part of the offerings. This makes the festival ground not only a ride area but a complete place to stay with fair culinary delights. This combination of movement, light, smells, and food also makes the place photogenic and relevant for searches like images of festival ground Castroper Straße Bochum. The open area, the large rides, and the stalls create the classic fair image associated with an Easter fair. For user intention, this means: It is not about a seating plan or fixed seats but about a freely accessible outdoor fair with a changing program and plenty of atmosphere. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))

Location near RuhrCongress and Vonovia Ruhrstadion

The geographical location is one of the greatest strengths of the festival ground Castroper Straße. The city of Bochum describes the site as conveniently located in close proximity to RuhrCongress and Vonovia Ruhrstadion at the intersection of Castroper Straße and Gersteinring. For anyone searching for access, parking, or location on the city map, this is a crucial indication. At the same time, the city makes it clear that access to the site is currently not possible because the area is being used as a parking alternative for the time being. This shows that the location cannot be viewed in isolation but is part of a larger event and traffic area in northern Bochum. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))

Especially during VfL Bochum home games, the significance of this space becomes visible. The city explicitly names the fairground as a designated parking area outside the restricted zone and recommends the parking garage Stadionring. At the same time, numerous streets in the vicinity are restricted for access and parking purposes to keep emergency routes clear and ease the parking situation. For visitors, the festival ground thus becomes more than just the location of a fair: It is a reliable point of orientation in a densely used neighborhood where the stadium, RuhrCongress, and other destinations are closely located. Understanding the location also greatly enhances the understanding of mobility around Castroper Straße. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Pressemeldungen/12-Januar-2026/Erweiterte-Zufahrtsbeschraenkungen-bei-Heimspielen-des-VfL-Bochum-1848))

History, Use, and Future of the Festival Ground

The festival ground Castroper Straße does not have the appearance of a classic historical monument site, but it has its own usage history. The city of Bochum established a tachymetric testing field there in June 2012 in cooperation with Bochum University, featuring nine marketable ground points that were also suitable for RTK-GNSS receivers. At the same time, the official site states that the fairground is currently being used as a parking alternative and that the use as a testing field cannot be guaranteed. This highlights the unique nature of this location: It is flexible, functional, and depending on the need, a fairground, parking lot, or testing area. This also explains why search queries often converge at the intersection of festival ground, fairground, parking, and Castroper Straße. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))

Additionally, the area continues to play a role in municipal planning. The agenda of the council meeting on December 18, 2025, mentions participation in the federal program for applying for funding for the construction of a large sports hall on the fairground at Castroper Straße. Additionally, a development plan for Castroper Str./Harpener Str. is on the agenda. This shows that the festival ground is not only a location for the current Easter fair but also remains part of larger urban planning considerations. For visitors, this means: The location has a present as a fair and parking area but also a future as a potential development space within the Bochum event and sports environment. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Rat-der-Stadt-Bochum/Sitzungstermine-und-Tagesordnungen-des-Rates/Ratssitzung-am-18.-Dezember-2025))

Sources:

  • Bochum Tourism: Easter fair heralds the arrival of spring. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/news/osterkirmes-laeutet-den-fruehling-ein.html))
  • Bochum Tourism: Easter fair fairground at Castroper Straße. ([pages.bochum-tourismus.de](https://pages.bochum-tourismus.de/de/bochum-tourismus/streaming/detail/Event/e_100547409/osterkirmes?utm_source=openai))
  • City of Bochum: Tachymetric testing field / Fairground Bochum. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Amt-fuer-Geoinformation-Liegenschaften-und-Kataster/Tachymeter-Prueffeld))
  • City of Bochum: Extended access restrictions during VfL Bochum 1848 home games. ([bochum.de](https://www.bochum.de/Pressemeldungen/12-Januar-2026/Erweiterte-Zufahrtsbeschraenkungen-bei-Heimspielen-des-VfL-Bochum-1848))
  • Bochum Economic Development: Barrier-free parking at the parking lot Castroper Straße. ([bochum-wirtschaft.de](https://www.bochum-wirtschaft.de/fileadmin/Bochum_Wirtschaftsentwicklung/News/2025-03-28_Freeflow_Castroper_Strasse.pdf))

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Reviews

MT

Maroof Tajudeen

8. April 2018

It is one of the good refugee camps, but the food is a bit of a problem because they are not allowed to cook what they want on their own and to take their food to their rooms. They always give bread and tea in the morning and evening and rice every afternoon, and sometimes they cook African food once a week in the afternoon. Secondly, they are not given bus tickets to go into town like the LEA in Karlsruhe, but there is a bus that takes them to the City of Ellwangen for free. Thirdly, they give them work, which is common in all refugee camps. They pay them €4 (four euros) for 5 hours, which baffles me a lot, like what? Someone is going to work for 5 hours in the cold while people inside the canteen cook, share food, wash, and clean the dishes. Nevertheless, the government should give them documents quickly so they can do something for themselves rather than staying in the camp for 9, 8, 6, 4 months without doing anything other than eat, sleep, wake up, and go to school. These people are not babies; 95% are adults ready to work, especially the African people who are eager to do something. Many of the African people I saw working are so ready to work and do something for their lives. Thank you.

ÖA

Özlem Altunisik

2. April 2018

It's not really big, but it's enough to put one or two things on it, and the kids had fun. That's the main thing.

IP

Ingo Ploetz

23. October 2019

In the 1980s, it was still worthwhile to visit the fair here with the family. But over the years, the number of rides dwindled. Today, you can see everything in under 10 minutes. It's a real shame that such a once iconic place is so neglected. In the past, parking was free here when there were no events taking place. That's no longer the case. It's a pity that these kinds of places are now primarily used as a source of revenue.

JG

Julian Grau

11. April 2020

I'm a fairground fan, I know all the showmen... and I could cry when I see what kind of fair is taking place here these days. Bochum deserves so much better. It's a disgrace what's being called a fair on this site now! City of Bochum, wake up and put on a proper fair like the city of Soest does! There's definitely room for improvement! Don't build on the site where the courthouse is being demolished and use this open space in the city for different events! Last year, as a resident of Bochum, I visited around 170 fairs, and Bochum has the potential to host a decent event!

TS

Thorsten Schlick

7. February 2019

A great place to park your car for VfL Bochum home games, except when the space is being used by fairground operators during the Easter fair. The snack bar next door on Castroper Straße is also highly recommended – honest and authentic.