September in Mainz is for Festivals

September in Mainz is a wonder. It's sometimes a late summer (warm, late golden sun in the evenings), and sometimes gloomy and gray (great days for cuddling with a blanket and tea). It's always got a lot going on - just about every weekend, there's a festival of some kind. Here, below, my personal faves...

The first weekend in September (and last weekend in August)

Annual Weinmarkt. Every year, the Volkspark is filled with wine stands and food areas, and an artists' market. There's even a kids' corner - but it gets crowded early. You can get there by bus, best by bike, or attempt to park somewhere nearby.
Another great option is the Ziegelei Fest - a small festival at a neighborhood kindergarten in Bretzenheim, featuring course work from the VHS. Some fun dance and music performances accompanied by a local honey stand, cake table, and tacos!

The second weekend September is even busier:

Appel Happel has several festivals around apple picking - including a night picking Saturday night this weekend.
Intercultural Week kicks off with a colorful, food-filled festival in the Marktplatz, usually the same day as the...
Wissenschaftfest at the Staatstheater. Free and educational!
If you prefer wide open spaces, the Zitadellenfest kicks off too, with a book fair and tour of the tunnels. It's the only day every year you can get into the Citadel!
Open Door Day at the big fire station in Bretzenheim.

Mid-September

Rhine River Cleanup (Sept-15) - all along the Rhine including in Mainz!
Mainzer ApfelFest at Appel Happel (Sept 22-23) - it can get very crowded, but it's lovely and great for the kids!

...with more to be added as they come!

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