50th Herdecker Maiwoche

50 Years of May City Festival in the Ruhr Area

The Herdecker Maiwoche is a phenomenon: Since 1977, the city of Herdecke and the business association have organized a four-day city festival every spring, turning a town of 23,000 inhabitants on the edge of the Ruhr area into a small festival mile. 2026 marks the 50th edition — an anniversary that doesn't have to hide from Münster, Bochum, or Dortmund.

May 13th to 16th, 2026 — Four Days Around Ascension Day

The festival runs on the classic Ascension Day schedule from Wednesday to Saturday, with the following opening hours:

• Wednesday 05/13 5 PM–12 AM
• Thursday 05/14 10 AM–12 AM (Ascension Day + Civic Brunch + Creative Market)
• Friday 05/15 3 PM–12 AM
• Saturday 05/16 10 AM–12 AM (Anniversary Highlight + Laser Show 11:45 PM)

5 Stages — New: DEW21 Stage

The program is spread across five stages in the city center — a logistical effort that distinguishes the Maiwoche from smaller city festivals. The central Mark-E stage at the Viehmarktbrunnen remains the largest venue. New for the 50th edition: the DEW21 stage in Stiftsstraße — another main spot that expands the festival spatially. The musical program ranges from covers to party hits and rock and roll to film music — around 50 program items catering to diverse tastes.

Creative and Design Market on Ascension Day

A hallmark of the Maiwoche is the Creative and Design Market on Thursday (Ascension Day). Over 80 exhibitors from arts and crafts, designer jewelry, regional culinary specialties, and sustainable fashion present their work on tables and in booths in the city center. For many visitors, this is the most important day — those looking for gifts specifically combine it with the traditional Civic Brunch on Saturday morning around the Viehmarktbrunnen.

Clubs as Organizers — and Family Program

Around 30 Herdecke clubs and organizations are involved as exhibitors, caterers, and program providers — from sports and carnival clubs to church communities, youth groups, and social initiatives. For families, there's street entertainment, sack races, nostalgic amusement rides, and a deliberately accessible program. Free admission to the entire Maiwoche — food and drinks available at stalls.

Anniversary Laser Show on Saturday Evening

The visual and emotional highlight is the Laser Show on Saturday, May 16th, at 11:45 PM — specially produced for the 50th anniversary. Those who want to see it from an elevated position should choose a spot on the edge of the market square; it will get crowded around the stages.

Herdecke — The Overlooked Ruhr Area City

Herdecke is located between Dortmund, Hagen, and Witten on the Hengsteysee, one of the most beautiful reservoirs in the southern Ruhr area. The city is small (23,000 inhabitants) but surprisingly vibrant culturally — besides the Maiwoche, the market festival in September and the Herdecker Weihnachtszauber (Herdecke Christmas Magic) shape the event calendar. Those who want to get to know the Ruhr area beyond Dortmund and Bochum can combine the Maiwoche with a walk by the lake and a visit to the Wasserschloss Werdringen (Werdringen Water Castle) or the historic Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church).