Lukasmarkt Mayen

When the Ferris wheels rise above the historic city skyline in Mayen in mid-October, the Lukasmarkt, the largest Volksfest (traditional folk festival) in northern Rhineland-Palatinate, begins. The market's roots date back to 1405, when Mayen received its market charter and the Lukasmarkt was established around the feast day of Saint Luke (October 18th). It has taken place without significant interruption for over six centuries – a continuity that few German cities can claim.

The 621st edition in 2026 confirms the Lukasmarkt's reputation as a major event: Over 250,000 visitors flock to the Vulkaneifel town over nine festival days. The festival grounds encompass the entire Mayen city center: Ferris wheels, roller coasters, dodgem cars, carousels, and over a hundred other rides line the squares around the Genovevaburg castle, the Old Town Hall, and along the central avenues. Between the rides, beer tents, snack stands, and raffle booths invite visitors.

A special feature of Mayen is the traditional livestock and craft market, which takes place daily in Bäckerstraße. Here, the rural character of the historic Lukasmarkt continues: farmers from the Vordereifel region present horses, cattle, and small animals, craftsmen showcase their work, and direct marketers offer regional products. This part of the market distinguishes the Lukasmarkt from many modern large folk festivals and connects it to its agricultural origins.

The market traditionally opens on Saturday with the tapping of the first keg at the Old Town Hall, followed by the grand Lukasmarkt parade through the city center. Sundays with open shops, family days with reduced prices on rides, and an impressive fireworks display are part of the regular program. The Mayen Genovevaburg castle, overlooking the festival grounds, provides a spectacular backdrop throughout the market week, especially in the evenings when the castle and rides are illuminated together.

The Lukasmarkt is also economically significant for Mayen and the region: hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments in a wide radius are fully booked during the market week, and restaurants and cafés report maximum occupancy. For the Eifel-Mittelrhein region, the Lukasmarkt represents the most important autumn event, attracting visitors from Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne, the entire Middle Rhine valley, the Mosel region, and the Westerwald.