Autumn highlights in NRW: fair, markets and festivities until October 19th!

Autumn highlights in NRW: fair, markets and festivities until October 19th!

There's really something going on in North Rhine-Westphalia next weekend from October 17th to 19th, 2025! While most of us are enjoying the fall holidays, there are numerous events on the program that provide the best entertainment. From colorful fairs to shimmering light festivals to diverse flea markets, everyone will find something to their taste here. The popular autumn fair events, Oktoberfest and city festivals attract people from all over the region to enjoy the autumnal hustle and bustle together.

But what exactly does the weekend offer? The exciting fair highlights include the city center fair in Marsberg (October 16th to 19th) and the autumn fair in Rheine (October 17th to 20th). Bocholt also celebrates its autumn fair from October 17th to 20th and attracts many visitors with a special fireworks display on Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. There will also be a fair to experience in Hückelhoven from October 17th to 21st. For those in Warendorf, the Fettmarkt has special treats from October 18th to 22nd, while Autumn Week in Lippstadt from October 18th to 26th offers numerous attractions. For fans of leisurely dawdling, there are new events in Simmerath with an autumn market on October 19th and 20th.

Lively markets and customs

Another highlight are the flea markets, which traditionally take place on weekends. Loud Tonight Second-hand fashion and self-designed goods have increased significantly, and the trend shows that more and more people like to browse for treasures at flea markets. On Friday, October 17th, for example, the “Trödel mit” will take place in the parking lot of the horse racing track in Cologne, which is open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday, visitors can visit, among other things, the clothes exchange in the Duisburg Central Library or the town hall flea market in Bochum.

Sunday, October 19th will be particularly interesting. There are several flea markets in different cities waiting for bargain hunters. Among other things, the flea market in the Engelshof community center in Cologne-Porz takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in Marsdorf there is also a flea market at Globus, which is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Düsseldorf, fashion enthusiasts can take part in a clothes swap at the “Girls’ Clothes” in the Boston Club from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A festival of lights and music

But it's not just the fairs and flea markets that create a great atmosphere! In Lennestadt-Altenhundem, Thomas-Morus-Platz will be illuminated with a great family program and a street food market from October 17th to 19th. Entry is free! In Jülich, Brückenkopf Park is hosting its “Autumn Lights” event from October 18th to November 9th, where visitors can enjoy the illuminated facilities from 4pm until dark. The Hömma 2025 Jazz Festival in Oberhausen, which takes place from October 17th to 19th, promises another spectacle. Tickets for the opening concert are available here starting at 29.50 euros.

For music lovers staying in Cologne on Saturday evening, the Depeche Mode Party offers a real highlight, while Dortmund offers the Looparama Beatbox Festival. Guests will be spoiled with culinary delights at the Street Food & Music Festival in Wuppertal, which also takes place from October 17th to 19th.

Whether at the fair, dawdling or at the light festival – the weekend in NRW has a lot to offer. So keep your eyes peeled and get ready for a fun-filled fall weekend!

Further information about the possibilities to have fun in North Rhine-Westphalia can be found here: 24rhein and meine-flohmarkt-termine.