Hobbymesse Leipzig 2026

What to expect at Hobbymesse

From 2 to 4 October 2026, the Leipzig Trade Fair grounds turn into a three-day hobby weekend. Try board games, explore model railways, craft, climb, build and join in. Hobbymesse Leipzig marks its 30th anniversary in 2026 and is built for families, communities and anyone who prefers hobbies you can touch.

In 2025, the organiser counted around 78,800 visitors and almost 470 exhibitors from 18 countries. Similar numbers are expected for 2026 across more than 70,000 square metres. So you are not looking at a quick walkthrough, but one or two full fair days, especially if children are coming along.

Five worlds and one anniversary

The fair splits into clear experience worlds. In the game world, board, dice and card games take centre stage across more than 10,000 square metres. At the publishers’ stands you can browse new releases and often take them home straight away. There are also tournaments and the Ludothek run by the Saxon Games Centre: a large games library with around 1,000 titles. You borrow a game, sit down at a table and try it properly before you decide whether it comes home with you. If you like it, you buy it afterwards at a publisher or retailer stand. The model world is all about model railways, ships, planes and collectors’ pieces. The creative world invites workshops and DIY, the tech world covers 3D printing, robotics and hands-on stations.

In the sports world, 2026 gets especially exciting: the IFSC European Cup Speed comes to the Glass Hall for the first time. This is not go-karting, but Olympic speed climbing. Athletes race one-on-one up a standardised 15-metre wall, often in just a few seconds. On Saturday, 3 October, the elite European Cup starts; on Sunday, 4 October, the Youth Cup follows. It is organised by the German Alpine Club, and according to the fair the entry is included in the day ticket. Between the crowd and the lanes, arena energy builds quickly, with cheering and the typical noise when two climbers start at once.

According to the organiser, the games world in particular draws younger guests and families. You come with kids who discover a game in the morning and still want model cars or a craft station in the afternoon. Or you come as a couple and stay longer than planned because there is always something new on the tables.

When and where

The dates are Friday to Sunday, 2 to 4 October 2026, at the Leipzig Trade Fair grounds (East and West entrances). Opening hours as currently listed: Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Day tickets are currently listed at 19 euros, reduced 13 euros. Current prices and the ticket shop are on the official Hobbymesse site.

At the same time, the Leipzig Market Days run in the city centre until 4 October. If you still fancy the city after a fair day, that fits well without needing two separate weekends.

How to plan your fair weekend

The halls sit on the northern edge of the city and are easy to reach by S-Bahn and tram. It feels most relaxed if you pick one focus per day instead of ticking off all five worlds in a row. With children, the games world often works especially well in the morning, and one more stop afterwards is usually enough before the day gets too full.

Short breaks between halls help. There are snacks and seating on site, and if you stay for two full days, a quieter afternoon in the city often feels just right. Friday and Saturday are the longer opening days; Sunday ends an hour earlier. If you come by car, check parking and travel info on the fair site beforehand. By public transport you stay more flexible and get back into the city faster afterwards.

Staying for Hobbymesse

We have two houses in Leipzig, and the KarLi connects them. Whether you arrive alone or with children and want to do something else after the impressions of Hobbymesse, you are in good hands either way. From our Alt-Connewitz you take the tram to the fair and land back in the neighbourhood afterwards. At Bayrischer Platz you reach the grounds quickly by S-Bahn and stay close to the centre.

For families we have suitable options in both houses. At Alt-Connewitz there is the Kleines Zuhause and the Zweites Zuhause with more space and, in the Zweites Zuhause, its own kitchen. At Bayrischer Platz the Bayern Triple and Bayern Family are ready if you arrive as three or four.

If you still need a place to stay, book directly with little BIG hotels in Leipzig. With the code LBH_HOBBY26 you save 5% on stays from 1 to 5 October 2026. From five rooms, group bookings are possible with us.