Hattingen Spring Festival

Hattingen Spring Festival — Spring Season Kick-off in Half-Timbered Hattingen

When the crocuses bloom and the first warm days sweep across the Ruhr, the city of Hattingen invites you to the annual Spring Festival in its historic old town. From April 10th to 12th, 2026, Kirchplatz, Untermarkt, Krämersdorf, and the surrounding alleys will transform into a stage with market stalls, live music, and a spring atmosphere.

Arts and Crafts Market — Westphalian Crafts Up Close

The heart of the festival is the arts and crafts market: exhibitors from all over Westphalia showcase handmade ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, leather goods, glass art, and natural cosmetics. Unlike a classic flea market, only handmade and self-designed products are featured — good quality, fair prices, direct contact with the creators.

Dutch Flower and Plant Market

Parallel to the arts and crafts, the Dutch flower and plant market transforms the city center into a sea of tulips, spring perennials, herbs, bonsai, and balcony plants. Tradition from the Dutch horticultural regions — perfect for securing fresh plants for your garden and terrace.

Bicycle Flea Market

A special feature is the bicycle flea market: private sellers and specialist dealers offer used bikes, trailers, children's bikes, and accessories. This makes Hattingen one of the few cities in North Rhine-Westphalia that explicitly combines the start of spring with a cycling component.

Stage and Children's Program

On the stage at Kirchplatz, local bands play, dance groups perform, and schools offer hands-on activities. For children, there are interactive stations, craft corners, face painting, and several small amusement rides. Families will find the Spring Festival an ideal weekend program to start the season.

Sunday with Open Shops

On Sunday, April 12th, 2026, the retail stores in Hattingen's city center will be open from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Spring Festival thus combines market experience, stage program, and shopping in one day.

Hattingen — Half-Timbered City on the Edge of the Ruhr Area

The city of Hattingen is located in the Ennepe-Ruhr district, on the southern edge of the Ruhr area, where the Ruhr flows into the foothills of the Sauerland. Its medieval old town with over 150 half-timbered houses is one of the best-preserved in Westphalia. The historic city center around St. George's Church and the "Bügeleisenhaus" (Ironing House) forms the backdrop for the Spring Festival, making it one of the most atmospheric city festivals in the Ruhr area.