the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships.
Regular events that take place in Stuttgart:
� The world-famous annual 'Volksfest', originally a traditional agricultural fair which now also hosts beer tents and a French village and is second in size only to the Oktoberfest in Munich. There is also a Spring festival on the same grounds in April of each year.
� With more than 3.6 million visitors in 2007 and more than 200 stands, Stuttgart's Christmas Market is the largest and one of the oldest and most beautiful traditional Christmas markets in Europe. It is especially renowned for its abundant decorations and takes place in the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
� The Fish Market (Hamburger Fischmarkt, late July) with fresh fish, other food and beer from Hamburg.
� The Summer Festival (Stuttgart Sommerfest, usually in early August) with shows, music, children's entertainment and local cuisine in Schlossplatz, Stuttgart and adjacent parks
� The Lantern Festival (Lichterfest, early July) in Killesberg park with its famous firework display and fairground attractions
� The Wine Village (Weindorf, late August/early September) � vintages are sold at this event held at Schlossplatz and Upper Palace Garden
