Bensberg Gourmet and Evening Market

Lead-up and Conception

Before the 2026 premiere, 2025 was marked by discussions about revitalizing the city center of Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg. Schloßstraße was extensively redesigned; at the same time, the question arose of how to bring the central shopping street back to life after the construction work was completed. The Bensberg Trade and Commerce Association (IBH) subsequently developed the concept of a monthly after-work market — inspired by successful models from Cologne districts managed by the market operator AVA-Veranstaltungsservice.

The concept was publicly presented in early 2026, with the premiere on May 8, 2026, marking the start of the new market series. With initially five monthly dates over the summer season, the initiative aims to establish a regular revitalizing meeting point for the residents of Bensberg.