May Market in Emden City Garden

The City Garden as a Festival Site

Emden's City Garden is a central green space in the heart of the port city, located directly between the festival hall, the Tonnenhof, and the city center. With its old trees, well-kept paths, and a central festival area, it offers ideal conditions for a compact folk market. The May Market has used this location for years as its annual spring event in Emden's calendar of events.

Dancing into May on April 30th

The event kicks off on the evening of April 30th with the erection of the Maypole – an old tradition where a highly decorated birch trunk is anchored in the ground and adorned with ribbons, wreaths, and symbols. Afterwards, a live band invites you to dance into May. The area around the Maypole becomes an improvised open-air dance floor.

May Day Celebration, May 1st

On May Day (May 1st), the actual festival program takes place: The carousels, rides, and stalls are open all day, supplemented by a stage program and occasional accompanying activities such as Maypole dancing, face painting for children, or small competitions. The event continues until May 3rd, 2026, with a reduced program on the weekend.

Atmosphere and Character

The May Market is not a large folk festival in the style of a Schützenfest, but a compact spring event with a family character. Its central location in the City Garden allows for a visit without extensive travel. The organizer is the Association of Traveling Showmen East Frisia (Verein reisender Schausteller Ostfriesland e.V.), which has many years of experience with such market formats in the region.