Memminger Jahrmarkt

Since 1541 – one of Bavaria's oldest folk festivals

The Memminger Jahrmarkt is one of the oldest continuously celebrated fairs in Southern Germany. The first documented evidence dates back to 1541, giving the fair almost 485 years of tradition. Unlike fairs of comparable size, the Memminger Markt is not relocated to a remote festival site but takes place right in the heart of the old town – on public streets and squares, closely linked to the city's trade, gastronomy, and traffic.

Memmingen as a Free Imperial City Host

Memmingen is one of the most significant preserved Free Imperial Cities in the Allgäu region. The city centre with its Tax House (Steuerhaus), main station, Antonite Monastery, Westertor gate, and Kemptener Straße forms a cohesive medieval ensemble. The Jahrmarkt makes the most of this backdrop: rides are set up between burgher houses, market stalls line Maximilianstraße, and the Hallhof square transforms into a market lane.

Two Markets in Parallel

The Jahrmarkt consists of two overlapping markets with different characteristics:

• Showman's Market / Funfair: Around 200 showman businesses – carousels, roller coasters, ghost trains, shooting galleries, lottery stalls, and food stands – are located in the areas around the city centre. Open throughout the entire festival period.
• Market (Krämermarkt): Tuesday to Thursday (October 13th–15th, 2026), 9:00 AM–10:00 PM. Over 250 stalls or "just under 150 market traders" (sources vary) offer everything from shoelaces, braces, and crockery to tools, sweets, and clothing. The market stretches from Roßmarkt and Weinmarkt squares, along Maximilianstraße, to Hallhof square.

No Beer Tent – A Memmingen Trademark

Unusual for a Southern German folk festival of this size: there is no beer tent. This deliberate decision distinguishes the Memminger Jahrmarkt from many other folk festivals and gives it a distinct market and family character rather than a beer tent atmosphere. Those who want to celebrate can visit the numerous Memmingen inns and pubs in the old town, which are open throughout the Jahrmarkt week.

Family Day and Sunday Shopping

On the Friday of the Jahrmarkt week, it's Family Day with reduced prices on rides – a hallmark that specifically appeals to multi-generational families. Additionally, Memmingen's shops are open on Sunday for extended Sunday shopping – Memmingen's retail sector directly benefits from the market crowds.

Park & Ride

Due to the compact city centre and high visitor numbers, the City of Memmingen strongly recommends arriving by Park & Ride: parking facilities on the outskirts with shuttle buses to the old town. Arriving by public transport via train is also convenient from Augsburg, Lindau, or Munich.