Festhalle Frankfurt: Events, Getting There & Parking Tips

When the really big stars perform in Frankfurt, it’s usually at the Festhalle. The striking domed hall on the trade-fair grounds has been the city’s most important event stage for over a century — for concerts, comedy, shows and sporting events. If you’re going to an event, getting there and parking are the key questions. Let me explain everything you need to know about the Festhalle: history, getting there by train and car, parking options and practical tips.

The Festhalle: a Frankfurt institution

The Festhalle opened in 1909 and was ceremonially inaugurated in the presence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Its impressive dome is one of the architectural landmarks of the trade-fair grounds. Over the decades the hall has seen highs and deep ruptures: on the night of the November pogroms in 1938, hundreds of Jewish Frankfurters were rounded up here and deported to concentration camps — a dark chapter that is commemorated today. After heavy damage in the Second World War, the hall was rebuilt and remains in operation.

Today more than 200 events take place here each year: concerts by international music stars, comedy shows, congresses, trade fairs and special sporting events.

Capacity and atmosphere

Depending on the seating, the Festhalle holds a great many visitors: for seated concerts with both tiers, up to around 8,500 spectators fit in, while with a standing floor the capacity rises to over 13,500. For major events, figures of up to 15,000 places are sometimes quoted. The historic domed architecture creates a special, almost festive atmosphere that makes a concert here an experience.

Getting there by public transport

The Festhalle is on the trade-fair grounds in the Westend and is excellently connected to public transport — clearly the best choice for a concert visit:

• U-Bahn: the Festhalle/Messe station (U4) is right outside the entrance.
• S-Bahn: the Messe station (including S3, S4, S5, S6) is only a few minutes’ walk away.
• Tram: lines 16 and 17 stop right nearby.

Especially after a concert, when thousands leave at once, you get away far more comfortably by train and tram than by car.

Getting there and parking by car

If you come by car, several car parks are available around the trade-fair grounds. The nearest include the Messe car parks (West and East) as well as car parks at neighbouring buildings such as the Skyline Plaza. A few pointers:

• Come early: on concert evenings the car parks fill up quickly — allow plenty of time.
• Budget for the cost: parking at the trade-fair grounds is not cheap on event days; check the rates in advance.
• Consider the exit: after the event there can be waits at the exit. If you’re in a hurry, the train is often faster.
• Park-and-ride alternative: you can also park further out and take the train to the Festhalle.

Practical tips for your visit

• Arrive by public transport: the U4, S-Bahn or tram take you right there and save you the search for parking.
• Be there early: come in good time to avoid entry checks and crowds.
• Check your ticket and entry: note the information on entry times and permitted bags on your ticket.
• Dress for the weather: the walk from the station to the hall is short, but for standing concerts, think of comfortable shoes.
• After the event: expect full trains and roads — a little patience or a drink nearby eases the crush.
• Accessibility: there are special provisions for visitors with disabilities — check with the organiser in advance.

Conclusion

The Festhalle Frankfurt is the city’s grand stage — a place with over a hundred years of history where you experience international stars in a special atmosphere. For a relaxed evening, the most important recommendation is clear: travel by public transport, as the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and tram stop right at the trade-fair grounds. If you do come by car, be there early, use the Messe car parks and bring a little patience after the event. That way your concert or event visit at the Festhalle becomes a thoroughly enjoyable evening.