Geilenkirchen Arts and Crafts Market

Geilenkirchen — the town on the Wurm and the NATO Air Base

If you travel to the Heinsberg district, on the Dutch border, you'll arrive in Geilenkirchen — a medium-sized town with around 28,000 inhabitants, known primarily for the NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen (home of NATO AWACS reconnaissance aircraft) and for the Wurm, a small river that flows through the town. The Wurmauenpark is the central urban green space along the river — an elongated park with paths, meadows, playgrounds, and viewpoints, framing the Geilenkirchen town center along the Wurm.

Art and Crafts on the Wurm — the Concept

The motto Art and Crafts on the Wurm is the program: In Wurmauenpark, stalls will be set up where artisans and hobby craftspeople present and sell their handmade unique pieces. Unlike general markets, quality predominates over quantity here — exhibitors are usually curated to guarantee a focused spectrum of arts and crafts.

Sunday, June 28, 2026 — 11 am to 6 pm

The 2026 market will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Seven hours of market activity in the relaxed summer atmosphere of Wurmauenpark — a typical Sunday day trip for families, couples, and individual visitors from Geilenkirchen, the Heinsberg region, Aachen, and nearby Netherlands (Limburg, Southern Netherlands).

Assortment — from Jewelry to Sculpture

The range offered includes:

• Jewelry — handmade from silver, gemstones, natural materials
• Textiles — knitwear, felt creations, woven scarves, patchwork
• Ceramics — pottery, tableware, sculptures
• Metal and Stainless Steel Objects — garden decorations, sculptures, lanterns
• Sculptures made from various materials
• Floristry and Garden Accessories — bouquets, plant decorations, garden furniture
• Paintings — watercolors, acrylic paintings, mixed media
• Woodwork — cutting boards, vases, bowls, carvings

Children's Workshops

A special family attraction is the workshops for children. At several stands, children aged about 6 and up can get hands-on:

• Felting — making their own felt balls, flowers, or coasters
• Soapstone Carving — small sculptures from soft soapstone
• Crafting — various seasonal crafts
• Other hands-on activities at individual stands

These workshops make the market a family destination — many families plan their market Sunday precisely because of these activities.

Live Music and Performances

On a small stage in Wurmauenpark, live music performances and cultural shows will take place throughout the day. Local bands from the Heinsberg region, singer-songwriters, acoustic acts, and occasional dance performances. These stage programs structure the market visit — many visitors commute between visiting stalls, taking a break at the stage, and strolling through the park.

Catering

Catering is offered on-site — classic market fare (sausages, fries, crêpes, mulled wine/wine/beer) plus additional street food options. Geilenkirchen restaurants in the immediate vicinity also offer their Sunday menus.

Free Admission — a Community Event

Admission to the market is free — a conscious decision by the City of Geilenkirchen to position the market as an accessible community event. Those who shop spend money with the exhibitors or the catering — visiting the park itself costs nothing. This strategy makes the market a family event with high visitor turnout.