September is a great month in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The weather is cooling down, and cities across the region are throwing street festivals. Expect thrill rides, delicious food stalls, and traditional markets.
Here are some great events you can visit with friends and family this weekend.
14th German Cheese Market (Deutscher Käsemarkt) Nieheim
Prepare for the largest cheese buffet in the country! The historic town of Nieheim takes center stage with the highly anticipated Deutscher Käsemarkt, gathering over 60 traditional, artisanal cheesemakers and elite vintners from various countries. You can sample everything from sharp, hand-crafted cheeses to perfectly paired regional wines while wandering through beautiful, historic alleyways.
📅 Date: Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6, 2026
⏰ Time: Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Venue: Historic Old Town / Innenstadt Nieheim
💰 Ticket Price: Affordable day or weekend wristbands are available; kids under 16 get in free! Grab your passes ahead of time on the Nieheim Tourism Portal.
Italian Day 2026 at Lenkwerk Bielefeld
For car enthusiasts Ciao Bella! If your dream weekend involves the sleek lines, roaring engines, and pure automotive passion of Italian cars, Bielefeld's stunning industrial culture hub is hosting Italian Day at Lenkwerk.
This open-house event brings together legendary classics and modern supercars from iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati, alongside vintage Vespa displays. Pair that with authentic Italian street food, live music, and vendor showcases, and you have an unforgettable Sunday morning.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: Lenkwerk Bielefeld (Am Stadtholz 24-26, Bielefeld)
💰 Ticket Price: Free admission for all visitors
Soest Bördebauernmarkt
Now is the time to head to the stunning historical old town of Soest for the annual Bördebauernmarkt.
This traditional harvest market features local farmers and Food stalls offering artisanal foods, fresh kitchen ingredients, and beautiful floral decorations like asters, sunflowers, and vibrant pumpkins.
Even better, the city's local boutiques open their doors for Sunday shopping.
📅 Date: Sunday 6th
⏰ Time: Market open from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Retail shops open from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
💰 Ticket Price: Free open-air access.
Moers Funfair (Moerser Kirmes)
A huge downtown party with 200 different stalls and rides.
Highlights: Try the spinning roller coaster Crazy Mine or see the views from the giant Europa-Rad ferris wheel.
📅 Date: Friday 4th to Tuesday 8th,.
⏰ Time: Friday starts at 5:00 PM. Saturday to Tuesday doors open between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Big fireworks on Tuesday at 9:30 PM.
💰 Price: Free entry to the streets. You only pay for rides and food.
Pützchens Markt (Bonn)
One of the biggest and oldest funfairs in Germany.
Highlights: Over one million people visit this event for high-tech rides, big beer tents, and a massive flea market.
📅 Date: Second weekend of September 2026.
⏰ Time: Open daily from lunchtime until late at night.
💰 Price: Free entry to the festival grounds.
Wilbasen Market (Lippe)
A fun mix of modern rides and a historic animal market.
Highlights: This event started hundreds of years ago. The most famous part is the traditional horse and cattle market on Monday morning.
📅 Date: Second weekend of September 2026.
⏰ Time: Open all day. Wake up early on Monday to see the live animal market.
💰 Price: Free entry to the market areas.
Blasheim Market (Lübbecke)
Four days of big beer tents and family fun.
Highlights: Locals call this event the "BlaMa." It features giant thrill rides and a massive market where you can shop for home and garden goods.
📅 Date: First weekend of September 2026.
⏰ Time: Thursday to Sunday, from lunchtime until late at night.
💰 Price: Free entry for everyone.
Ibbenbüren Grand Funfair
A massive carnival that takes over the whole city centre.
Highlights: All the roller coasters and food trucks are built right onto the city streets. There are more than 12 giant rides to choose from.
📅 Date: First weekend of September 2026.
⏰ Time: Friday to Monday, opening every afternoon.
💰 Price: Free to walk around the streets.
Vreden Funfair
Highlights: The whole town shuts down to celebrate. On Monday, local schools and businesses close early so everyone can enjoy the rides together.
📅 Date: First or second weekend of September 2026.
⏰ Time: Saturday to Monday, starting around midday.
💰 Price: Free of charge to enter.