Kessenicher Herbstmarkt

A Neighbourhood Festival with a Long Kessenich Tradition

The Kessenicher Herbstmarkt is one of the most characteristic neighbourhood festivals in the south of Bonn. While the major Bonn festivals (Pützchens Markt, Bonn Christmas Market) are city centre spectacles, Kessenich deliberately remains local: it's a market by neighbours for neighbours, organized by the Bonn-Kessenich Local Committee – an association of the district's clubs, parishes, initiatives, and businesses. This very bottom-up organization is what gives it its special charm.

Dates 2026 – A Festival for German Unity Day

In 2026, the Herbstmarkt falls on the weekend of October 3rd and 4th. The City of Bonn has officially included the date in its 2026 event outlook. The opening is on Saturday, October 3rd from 6 PM – with music, beer service, and a small opening stage. Sunday, the actual market day, runs all day long.

A Quiet Setting: The Neighbourhood between the University and Venusberg

The venue is the streets around Burbacher Straße, Pützstraße, Rheinweg, and Hausdorffstraße. Kessenich is located between Bonn's Südstadt, Poppelsdorf, and Dottendorf at the foot of the Venusberg – a residential area with Wilhelminian-era houses, small squares, and independent shops. The streets will be closed for the market and filled with stalls, tables, and small stages.

Programme – Clubs, Culinary Delights, Music

Around clubs, initiatives, kindergartens, and local businesses will be represented at the market. There will be stalls offering arts and crafts, organic specialities, potato pancakes, pizza, grilled food, and mulled wine. A stage programme with local bands will provide musical accompaniment. For children, there will be a carousel, play areas, and hands-on activities. Parishes and church groups will also be present.

Getting There and Background

Kessenich is located about 2.5 km south of Bonn Central Station and is reachable by bus 600/601 or a 10-minute walk from Bonn-Süd station. The market is free, car-free, and largely accessible – the street closures allow for relaxed strolling. Over several decades, the market has developed into an identity-forming event for the neighbourhood.