Autumn in Essen

As the days grow shorter in autumn, the list of upcoming events in Essen grows ever longer. Here are some worthwhile events and tips on things to do, see and enjoy in the city this autumn.

How about going for a hike, for example? Essen is an excellent place to do just that. With no fewer than four outstanding hiking trails, Essen offers the most professional urban hiking network of any major German city. The routes along the four trails are as varied and exciting as the city itself. The BaldeneySteig (approx. 27 km) and the Kettwiger PanoramaSteig (34 km) wind through the green south of Essen, past its many rustic farms, forests and fields, while the ZollvereinSteig (approx. 26 km) leads through the north of Essen. Here, lush green parks meet unique industrial heritage, and lovingly tended allotment gardens sit alongside imposing slag-heap art. The urban hiking paradise is completed by the intermunicipal DeilbachSteig. Connecting Essen with the neighboring cities of Hattingen and Velbert, it offers beautiful landscapes and wonderful views along its roughly 33 kilometers.

Not long afterwards, the traditional “Essener Lichtwochen” offer all the sparkle you could wish for. From October 25 to January 2, 2027, they present impressive, large-scale light displays and radiant light installations every evening after nightfall. Of course, popular classics such as the “Zoo of Lights,” featuring illuminated animals from every continent, and the trumpeting angels, stars and comets are not to be missed. There is no more dazzling way to get into the Christmas spirit.

This year, the 43rd “Kinderfilmtage im Ruhrgebiet” will take place in Essen, Mülheim and Oberhausen over nearly four weeks. From October 4 to November 1, young moviegoers can look forward to moving, impressive and humorous films, as well as exciting workshops. The grand opening ceremony will be held at Essen’s Lichtburg, while the closing event will take place at the Lichtburg in Oberhausen. The children’s jury’s decision will also be announced there. The jury will first deliberate on which German film will receive the EMMI for the best film in the festival program. The EMO children’s film award will also be presented to the best child actor or actress in a German film production released in the past twelve months.

Board game fans from near and far will flock to Messe Essen again from October 22 to 25. That’s when “SPIEL”, the world’s largest public board game fair, takes place. This year, nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries will present their products across an area of more than 80,000 square meters. Visitors can discover, play and buy to their heart’s content. Numerous game authors will also be at “SPIEL” to sign their works and meet with fans. This year, visitors can also look forward to the “Essen spielt!” partner program. It offers ticket holders exclusive benefits and discounts at eleven partners—including 50% off our VR film experience “Aufwind” and the mixed-reality time-travel experience “Essen 1887”—as well as the “Gin & Win” cocktail created especially for “SPIEL” and fantastic activities such as extraordinary game nights at spectacular locations throughout Essen.

Tickets for the world’s largest board game event are available here: spiel-essen.de/de/besuchen/tickets-oeffnungszeiten

Make the most of the remaining weeks and book a ticket for “Aufwind” soon. The interactive virtual reality film experience by EMG – Essen Marketing GmbH and Neonreal ends on November 29, 2026. It gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the early days of aviation. You’ll step into the role of Thea Rasche from Essen, who rose to international fame as the “Flying Fräulein.” What makes “Aufwind” special is its blend of film and virtual reality. Thanks to a “Motion Seat,” you become part of the story and can experience your virtual movements in real life. Get your tickets here: aufwind.ticket.io