Katharinenmarkt Delbrück

A Market with Three Centuries

The Katharinenmarkt in Delbrück boasts remarkable historical depth: The earliest written records of cattle and craft markets during the St. Catherine's period (named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, November 25th, later also in September) date back to the early 18th century. What began as a cattle and craft market to supply the agricultural region between Senne and Ems has evolved over the centuries into a large town fair – complete with carousels, market stalls, stage programmes, and its own trade exhibition, which even had its own special concept for its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Four Days of Festive Rhythm

The Katharinenmarkt runs from Friday to Monday. Each day has its own distinct character:

Friday – Opening

In the afternoon from 3:30 PM, the mayor officially opens the market and the 51st Trade Exhibition (2026) – a classic event where regional companies present themselves to the public. Free admission to all rides for a short period on the opening afternoon. In the evening, the grand Opening Festival Tent features live music (in recent years, the format 'Katharinenmarkt meets Container Festival' at 7 PM).

Saturday – Main Festival Day

The biggest festival day with the highest visitor turnout. Several programme highlights include the region's largest children's flea market, NRW's largest farmers' market with regional food directly from producers, and the grand parade through the town centre (traditional costume groups, clubs, music bands, marksmen, decorated floats). In the evening, the Over-30s Party lasts until 11 PM with live music.

Sunday – Family and Enjoyment Day

In the morning, the cosy Katharinen-Klön-Kaffee (a traditional afternoon coffee gathering) takes place in the festival tent. In the afternoon, there's a Sunday shopping event from 1 PM to 6 PM – town centre shops open for festival visitors. Several musical performances are scheduled throughout the day.

Monday – Bavarian Day and Closing Fireworks

A Bavarian-influenced festival finale: Bavarian Frühschoppen (morning pint), 'NRW's No. 1 Party Band' as the musical headliner, and in the evening from 9:00 PM, the spectacular closing fireworks in Schlaunstraße – an event that Delbrück residents specifically plan for.

'Alt Delbrück' – Westphalian Cuisine

A specialty of the festival is 'Alt Delbrück': its own gastronomic area featuring classic Westphalian cuisine – Pickert (Westphalian potato pancake), Stippelschen (minced meat specialty), Bröttken (small rolls) with various toppings, Pfefferpotthast (stewed beef roast), accompanied by regional beer and schnapps. Those who want to experience the traditional taste of eastern Westphalia will find it concentrated here.

Trade Exhibition with its Own Tradition

With its 51st edition in 2026, the Trade Exhibition is itself a remarkable piece of Delbrück's economic history. Regional companies from crafts, trade, and services present themselves, showcase new products and services, and engage directly with the public. A blend of trade fair and town festival, which has become rare elsewhere.

Delbrück and the Senne

Delbrück is located at the transition from the Westphalian Basin to the Senne, east of Bielefeld and north of Paderborn. Visitors coming for the Katharinenmarkt can also explore the Senne Nature Reserve (a military training area with a special conservation function), the Wewelsburg Castle (with interesting Nazi history), or Paderborn (Cathedral, historic old town).