We are committed to fostering a vibrant Aachen city center and organize our own events and initiatives that draw people to the city center. These include, among other things, the after-work market “Spät am Markt,” mobile games for families, and street art projects that creatively revitalize construction sites and vacant properties and add new touches to public spaces.
In addition, we support entrepreneurs in the restaurant, retail, and skilled trades sectors in bringing their ideas, initiatives, and events to life. Through our “Oecher Perlen” and “Guten Abend, Aachen” funds, we provide financial support and help turn great ideas into reality.
For example, funding is provided for:
- Events and Activities,
- joint projects by business owners,
- Decorations and design elements on your street, as well as
More ideas to revitalize Aachen's downtown and make it more attractive.
Oecher Perlen Fund – For a City Center Worth Living In
Through the "Oecher Perlen" initiative, we support retailers, restaurant owners, and artisans by providing financial assistance for projects and initiatives that
- make their surroundings more beautiful,
- invite more people to visit,
- promote the attractions of our city and
- bring entrepreneurs together.
What can I apply for?
We are looking for creative and original ideas that go beyond normal business operations or the activities of interest groups, advertising groups, or neighborhood associations:
- Measures to enhance the appearance of a location, such as uniform street decorations that comply with current regulations governing special municipal land uses.
- Events (admission must be free), such as those with special opening hours (like late-night shopping or special promotions on Sundays when stores are open), culinary, cultural, or sporting events, street festivals, and related marketing activities
- Shared and short-term uses or arrangements for (vacant) retail spaces and their storefronts (in coordination with the owner, e.g., a pop-up market)
. The maximum grant amount is €7,500.
Who is eligible to apply?
To submit an application, at least three stakeholders from the retail, restaurant, and skilled trades sectors must join forces. The following are eligible to apply:
- Company
- Interest Groups
- Property Owners
- Associations
The connection to the industries mentioned above is important here.
What do I need to keep in mind as an applicant?
- Only projects that have not yet begun are eligible for funding
- The funds will be made available immediately upon approval and must be spent on the proposed project within 6 months.
- A project or initiative can receive funding only once
- There is no legal right to receive financial assistance
You can submit your application online through the City of Aachen's service portal.
"Guten Abend, Aachen" Fund: Support for Cultural Activities in the Evening Hours
Note: Please note that the “Guten Abend, Aachen” fund is currently not accepting applications.
The “Guten Abend, Aachen” fund supports events and initiatives that contribute to the creative and cultural revitalization of Aachen’s downtown area, particularly in the evening hours.
On the one hand, activities such as music, theater, and creative events are intended to make evening strolls through the city center more appealing. On the other hand, events at restaurants and shops—such as concerts, readings, or film festivals—are intended to attract additional visitors to the city center.
Restaurants, businesses, clubs, and initiatives located within the city limits of Aachen may submit applications to the fund when the application period is open. Funding is provided as a one-time grant toward the costs of the event (specifically, expenses for artists’ fees, marketing to promote the campaign or event, and technical equipment and decorations).
Further information
Late at the market - Aachen enjoys the end of the day
Summer evenings, regional cuisine, and a special atmosphere at Aachen’s market square—that’s what “Spät am Markt” is all about. On six Thursdays between May and October, the square in front of City Hall becomes a gathering spot after work.
Street food, drinks, and a music program featuring DJs and live acts set the tone for the evenings in the heart of downtown. Amid the stalls, lights, and sounds, the historic setting creates an open atmosphere that lets visitors experience the area in a whole new way in the evening hours.
Following last year's successful debut, the event will continue in 2026. A mix of familiar and new culinary offerings, along with a variety of musical performances, will ensure a diverse program throughout the season.
Where? At the Aachen Market—right in front of City Hall
. When? 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The event is organized by Mukuva e.V. on behalf of the City of Aachen. All dates, highlights, and news can be found on the Spät am Markt website.
Would you like to experience even more after-work markets?
There are many other events that invite you to enjoy the end of the workday in a relaxed atmosphere, because in addition to “Spät am Markt,” other after-work markets also offer the perfect opportunity to wind down the day in a cozy setting. Below is an overview of the upcoming dates and markets:
Evening Market in Brand
Where? Brand Market Square
Who? MuKuVa e.V.
When?
July 24, 2026
; August 28, 2026
; September 25, 2026Burtscheid After-Work
Market Where? Abteitor, Aachen Burtscheid
Who? Burtscheid Community Association (e.V.
) When?
May 21, 2026
; June 18, 2026
; July 16, 2026
; August 20, 2026
; September 17, 2026Eilendorf After-Work Market
Where? Moritz-Braun-Park, Aachen / Eilendorf
Who? IG Eilendorf – Retail – Crafts – Business
When?
May 7, 2026
; July 2, 2026
; September 3, 2026Frankenberg After-Work Market
Where? Neumarkt, Aachen / Frankenberg District
Who? David Morlok
When?
June 5, 2026
; July 3, 2026
; August 7, 2026
; September 4, 2026
City of Aachen