Aplerbecker Bierfest 2026

A Beer Weekend in Dortmund South

Aplerbeck is one of Dortmund's southernmost districts — historically its own municipality, today one of the city's largest districts with about 55,000 inhabitants. Right in the heart of its old village centre lies Aplerbeck Market Square, and it's precisely here that the Aplerbecker Bierfest has taken place every summer since 2017. In 2026, the 8th edition will run on July 24th and 25th — a neighbourhood event that has long since gained recognition beyond the district's borders.

The Idea — Over 100 Types of Beer Over Two Days

What makes the Aplerbecker Bierfest special is its diversity: over 100 different types of beer and breweries at the stalls, ranging from regional craft breweries from the Ruhr area and classic German Pilsner and Wheat beers to international specialities — Belgian Tripels, Imperial Stouts, Sour Ales, Spontaneously Fermented beers. It's a curated selection, not a haphazard beer-guzzling evening. Those interested in beer culture will find more variety here in two days than in a regular supermarket in an entire year.

Music and Atmosphere

The atmosphere is provided by DJ Lars Habeck — a fixture of the festival since its inception. His repertoire ranges from classics to current pop and rock, turning the market square into a dance floor by Saturday evening at the latest. The atmosphere is that of a classic neighbourhood festival: no VIP area, no entrance fee, but plenty of regulars and a high proportion of Aplerbeck residents who have created their summer meeting point here.

Culinary Accompaniments

Accompanying the beer, numerous food stalls will be present: Bratwurst and steak, burgers, fries, pizza slices, vegetarian options, sweets. Classic festival food, no frills — fitting the unpretentious DNA of the event.

Driven by Volunteers

The Bierfest is not a large commercial event but is organised on a voluntary basis by the Aplerbecker Bierfest e.V. You can feel it — in the stall prices, in the local roots, in the mix of the audience. Those who don't know Aplerbeck yet will get to know it here in its most convivial form.