Imagine the aroma of sugar floss. It dances on the breeze here at the Kleinmessegelände. This isn’t just any fairground. The Kleinmessegelände holds a century of Leipzig’s fun.
The Leipziger Kleinmesse has a long tradition. Its roots are deeply intertwined with the Leipziger Messe’s history. Back then, Leipzig trade fairs drew merchants. They also attracted entertainers and performers. These included jugglers and showmen. The city council insisted everyone leave after the fair ended.
As the Leipziger Messe grew, so did the Kleinmesse’s importance. It offered entertainment and everyday goods. This attracted locals from the surrounding areas. The Kleinmesse took place in central squares like Augustusplatz. Also Roßplatz, Königsplatz and Fleischerplatz hosted the event.
The early 20th century brought traffic congestion. The Kleinmesse faced restrictions in these central locations. City officials decided to move the Kleinmesse. In 1905, they chose the Ranstädter Viehweide near the Frankfurter Tor. This new fairground covered 10.5 hectares. It featured two gatehouses at the entrance. Bridges spanned the Elster’s old course. About 1,200 stalls and tents filled the area. The 1907 opening boasted a mountain railway. There were hippodromes and an automobile carousel. Seiferts Oscar was a legendary figure. He was known for his “Seiferts Oscars Pracht-Auto-Corso” carousel. Sometimes over 100,000 people visited the Kleinmesse.
During World War I, the fair showcased war scenes. Movies about the war played in makeshift cinemas. In 1928, plans emerged to create a park on the site. The Nazis instead built a parade ground in 1935. The Kleinmesse moved to its current location at Cottaweg in Lindenau. Previously, the Kuhburger Wasser flowed here. This was a branch of the Kleine Luppe. The site was next to the “Lindenauer Zement” race track. The racetrack was torn down in 1938/1939. In 1936, the Kleinmesse opened with 120 showmen. There were 700 stalls, the Hafenschänke and Kochs Tanzpalast.
World War II halted the Kleinmesse. The grounds became a forced labor camp. After the war, the first Leipzig post-war Kleinmesse occurred on April 18, 1946. Attractions included “Nuckelpinne”, bumper cars, and ghost trains. In the 1950s, state-owned businesses joined. Part of the area was given to VEB Kraftverkehr in 1957. Popularity remained high. In 1978, 600,000 people visited the Kleinmessegelände.
The Leipziger Schaustellerverein e. V. formed in 1990. In 1992, they introduced a third Kleinmesse season. This was the Winterkleinmesse in November. It last took place in 2009.
Today, the Leipziger Schaustellerverein organizes three annual Kleinmesses. These include the Spring Kleinmesse, Summer Kleinmesse and Autumn Kleinmesse. Each lasts about a month. At the Kleinmessegelände, you will find rides and games. There are also food and drink. The Leipzig Kleinmesse continues its tradition.
Every Wednesday is family day here. Prices are reduced. There is a special children’s program. On Fridays, women enjoy discounts. This is during “Ladies Night”.
So next time you are in Leipzig, come visit the Kleinmessegelände. Experience a piece of Leipzig history. Enjoy the fun and the atmosphere. You will be part of a tradition that stretches back centuries.