Spring Fair Dortmund-Aplerbeck 2026

Classic Spring Fair in Dortmund's Southeast

The Spring Fair Dortmund-Aplerbeck is a fixed date in the annual calendar of the Aplerbeck district. From May 14th to 17th, 2026, showmen will fill the Aplerbecker Marktplatz with a classic fair atmosphere — not a Ferris wheel spectacle, but a manageable fair with a family focus. That's precisely its charm.

The Program

Opening Hours

The fair runs from Thursday to Sunday, daily from 2 PM to 9 PM:

• Thursday, May 14th, 2026 — Opening, 2 PM–9 PM
• Friday, May 15th, 2026 — 2 PM–9 PM
• Saturday, May 16th, 2026 — 2 PM–9 PM (Main attendance day)
• Sunday, May 17th, 2026 — 2 PM–9 PM (Family Sunday)

The Classic Fair Attractions

For children and families, there are:

• Children's carousels — classic horse and car carousels, suitable from 3 years old
• Dodgems — the most popular family attraction, with classic fairground soundtrack
• Game stalls — dart throwing, ball throwing, duck fishing, wheel of fortune
• Prize stalls with plush toy prizes
• Candy stalls — cotton candy, candied almonds, chocolate-covered fruits, Turkish nougat
• Food stands — sausages, potato pancakes with apple sauce, French fries, crêpes

Aplerbeck as a District

Aplerbeck is one of Dortmund's twelve city districts, located in the southeast of the city — between Dortmund's south and the transition to the Sauerland region. The Aplerbecker Marktplatz with the traditional Aplerbecker Markt (every Wednesday and Saturday) is the center of the district. Aplerbeck is manageable, a mix of rural and urban, with plenty of greenery and the Emscher river shaping the landscape.

Spring Fair Tradition in Dortmund

Dortmund, as a Westphalian metropolis, has a diverse fair tradition: from major events (Cranger Kirmes with over 4 million visitors in the nearby region) to district fairs and small village fairs. The Spring Fair Aplerbeck is one of the classic district fairs — not a mass phenomenon, but a cozy district event with high recognition among Aplerbeck families. In autumn, there is also an Autumn Fair on the same square.