WAT-kreativ Creative Market Wattenscheid

Wattenscheid — District of Bochum

Wattenscheid is a district of the city of Bochum in the western Ruhr area, North Rhine-Westphalia — incorporated in 1975, it was a self-governing city for a long time with its own identity. With around 75,000 inhabitants, the district is a small major city in its own right within the urban mosaic of the Ruhr area, with its own town center, pedestrian zone, and an active citizenry.

WAT-kreativ — A Brand for Decades

The WAT-kreativ Creative Market is one of the most traditional creative fairs in the Ruhr area. With its 48th edition in 2026, its history dates back to the late 1970s — a fair that has evolved from a small hobby market into an established meeting point for arts and crafts, creative DIY, and designer pop-ups. The organizer is Stadtmarketing Wattenscheid in cooperation with the Technology and Start-up Centre.

Alte Lohnhalle as a Venue

The venue is the Alte Lohnhalle at the Wattenscheid Technology and Start-up Centre on Lyrenstraße 13. The historic building — a former pay office of the Zeche Holland mine from the late 19th century — is now an industrial monument and event location. High ceilings, brick walls, and an open hall structure provide exhibitors with an extraordinary setting that shapes the fair's atmosphere.

76 Exhibitors — Handmade Assortment

WAT-kreativ 2026 brings together 76 exhibitors: craftspeople, artists, small businesses, and designers from Bochum, the Ruhr area, and beyond. Products for sale include:

• Handmade woodwork, felt, and ceramics
• Fashion jewelry, handcrafted pieces
• Textiles, patchwork, quilts
• Tufted carpets and wall hangings
• Handmade candles, scented candles, soaps
• Glass and mosaic art
• Children's accessories, stuffed animals, custom baby clothing
• Pictures, prints, cards

Six Workshops in 2026

Workshops are a central element of WAT-kreativ — visitors can get creative themselves, learn crafts, and take their own creations home:

• Saturday Morning — Candle Workshop for Children aged 6+: Wax eggs and small Easter figures
• Saturday Late Morning — Scented Candles for Adults: Soy wax with chosen fragrances
• Saturday Afternoon — Spring Floristry: Floristry course with tulips and ranunculus
• Saturday Afternoon/Evening — Felting Workshop for All Ages: Felt flowers or decorated soaps
• Sunday Morning — Tufting Workshop: Create small rugs using tufting guns
• Sunday Late Morning — Ceramic Painting: Paint pre-fired pieces (mug, bowl) that will be glazed later

Admission and Registration

Admission €3, children under 12 free. Workshop participants receive free fair admission. Online registration via the organizer's website is recommended due to limited spaces, especially for children's workshops.

In Bochum's Creative Calendar

WAT-kreativ fits into Bochum's profile as a Creative City in the Ruhr area — with the Bochum Art Fair, the Design Weekend, and city pop-up projects. Wattenscheid maintains its own distinct accent: the focus on DIY and arts and crafts distinguishes WAT-kreativ from the gallery formats in the city center. Those who want to experience the format over a weekend often combine their visit to the fair with a stroll through the old Wattenscheid town center.