Autumn celebrations in NRW: Kirmes, Markets and the Cologne Marathon are waiting!

Autumn celebrations in NRW: Kirmes, Markets and the Cologne Marathon are waiting!

In North Rhine-Westphalia, citizens can expect an exciting extensive weekend that coincides with the day of German unity. This special time offers a variety of events in the region, including fun fair, Oktoberfest and autumn markets. The festivities will be awarded additional swing by the Sprüdentalkirmes in Krefeld, which runs until next Sunday.

In addition, the traditional Thanksgiving Festival will take place on Sunday, which brings many people together to celebrate and exchange ideas. Families and friends are invited to take part in the numerous festivities that are offered throughout North Rhine -Westphalia. The call is clear: out in the fresh air, enjoy and participate, be it when feasting, celebrating or hiking through autumn nature.

Various events at a glance

One of the highlights is the autumn fair in Ahlen, which runs from October 3rd to 8th. Here visitors can enjoy classic rides such as the break dance, the car scooter and the popular ghost train. There is a family day on Tuesday, especially for families, on which children can experience small attractions. In addition, two trips are offered by one on Friday, which makes the event even more attractive.

• Where: Dr.-Paul-Rosenbaum-Platz, 59229 Ahlen
• when: Thursday, 3rd to Tuesday, October 8, 2024

But that's not all - the NRW region scores with other fun fair events this weekend. The Sprödentalkirmes in Krefeld runs until Sunday, as well as there are numerous other fairground dates:

• autumn fair in Lingen: 3rd to October 7, 2024
• Autumn fair in Bochum Wattenscheid: 3rd to October 8, 2024
• Autumn fair in Rheda-Wiedenbrück: 3rd to October 7, 2024
• Michaelkirmes in Zülpich: 3rd to October 6, 2024

sporting activities and festivals

Another big event is the Cologne Marathon on Sunday. Over 30,000 athletes will walk through the city center, which creates a rousing atmosphere for both the participants and the audience. The marathon starts at Ottoplatz in front of Cologne/Deutz station and ends directly at the Cologne Cathedral.

The exact time for the half marathon is 9 a.m., followed by the marathon start at 10:30 a.m. The entire event is supplemented by an after-run party at Neumarkt until 6 p.m., in which the sporting performance will experience the last appreciation. However, interested parties should find out more about the closures and the respective route to take part in the celebrations.

• WO: Start in Opladener Straße am Ottoplatz/Deutz train station; Incoming finish at Cologne Cathedral.
• when: Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 9 a.m. (half marathon), at 10:30 a.m. (marathon).

• WO: Europaplatz, Bergbaumuseum, 44791 Bochum
• when: Wednesday, October 2 to Sunday, October 6, 2024

In addition, an Oktoberfest is celebrated in Cologne, which takes place in two different locations on Saturday, October 5. Everywhere there is the opportunity to appear in Bavarian costume and to be received with a free welcome drink. Entry varies for both events and is 14.90 euros or 59.11 euros.

More festivals that take place this weekend include the fruit market in Leichlingen, where visitors can discover handicrafts and regional specialties. This market takes place from Thursday to Sunday and particularly invites families to a colorful program, while there are also playful activities.

• Where: Alter & Neuer Stadtpark Leichlingen, Am Stadtpark, 42799 Leichlingen
• when: Thursday, 3rd to Sunday, October 6th from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
• tickets: 4.50 euros, children up to 14 years have free admission

For those who love to discover or browse new things, the numerous flea markets are a welcome change. The long weekend is used for flea markets in many cities, and Sundays open to sales are also on the program. There is also the mega flea market in Wunderland Kalkar, which offers a large selection of vintage articles.