Menden Spring with Medieval Market and Jousting Tournament

Menden Spring — Medieval Magic in the Sauerland

The Menden Spring marks the start of the event season in the Sauerland town of Menden. Instead of a classic spring fair, the town has opted for a much more attractive concept: a medieval market with a jousting tournament, which takes place annually in the city center on the second weekend of April. In 2026, the festival runs on April 11 and 12, from 11 AM to 6 PM daily.

Medieval Market Through the City Center

Stalls from traders and craftsmen stretch across the pedestrian zone and adjacent squares: blacksmiths demonstrate their skills live, leatherworkers, basket weavers, and felt makers showcase historical techniques, and potters shape jugs on the wheel. Spice merchants, mead taverns, bakers with 'Stockbrot' (stick bread), and medieval snack stands ensure culinary authenticity.

Jugglers, Falconers, and Children's Program

The artistic program features "Der Gaukler Jeremias" (The Juggler Jeremias), the musical group "Porca Pellere", the "kleine Gauklerschule" (little juggler school) for hands-on activities, and the storytelling theater Fabulix for children. Falconers present bird-of-prey demonstrations, a historical wooden Ferris wheel rolls through the city center, and camp life with historical tents offers a glimpse into medieval daily life.

Three Jousting Tournament Shows

The absolute highlight: the jousting tournament with three performances per day. Mounted knights compete in lance duels, jousting, and staged combat. Veh- und Mercatus, one of Germany's most professional medieval event organizers, ensures historically accurate reenactments. Tickets for the jousting tournament must be booked separately — market entry itself is free.

Sunday Shopping

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Menden's shops open their doors from 1 PM to 6 PM — Sunday shopping combined with the medieval market. A clever combination that brings several thousand additional visitors from across the Sauerland region to the city center.

Menden in the Märkisches Sauerland

The town of Menden (Sauerland) is located in the Märkischer Kreis district (North Rhine-Westphalia) between Iserlohn and Arnsberg. With its historic old town, parts of which still date back to the Middle Ages, it is the ideal stage for such a festival. The Menden Spring is organized by StadtMarketing Menden GmbH, which also organizes the Pentecost festival, the Christmas market, and other city events.