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
Together, we’ll showcase the magic of Aachen’s downtown area in the evening hours. Your idea for an event or promotion
- out in the pedestrian zone or
- inside one of the lovely shops and restaurants
- Will it help revitalize the downtown area and create new reasons for people to visit after 5 p.m.?
We would be happy to support you with grants from the “Guten Abend, Aachen” fund.
New: The “Christmas Edition” of the “Guten Abend, Aachen” fund is now open. Secure funding for Christmas lighting on your shopping street now, no later than October 31, 2026.
About the "Guten Abend, Aachen" initiative
About the "Good Evening, Aachen—Christmas Edition" campaign
What can I apply for?
Funding is available for
- Events and Activities,
- that take place in the evening (focus period starting at 5 p.m.) and
- attract more people to the city center.
Events and activities may take place outdoors as well as in restaurants, bars, or stores, and must be held within the Alleenring or be located there.
The funds can be used for:
- Artists' Fees
- Advertisement to promote the campaign
- Technology
- Decoration
Special Feature of the “Christmas Edition”: Eligible for funding are Christmas lights that enhance public urban spaces along the streets of downtown shopping districts and neighborhood centers. Funding for lights at Christmas markets is not available.Who is eligible to apply?
One or more people from the following fields:
- Restaurant owners
- Retailers
- Clubs and Initiatives
- Collectives
You can receive up to €2,500 in funding per application. If at least three parties submit a joint application, up to €5,000 in funding may be awarded.Special feature of the “Christmas Edition”: A joint application from at least three participants is required. This makes it possible to receive a grant of up to €5,000.
What do I need to keep in mind as an applicant?
- Most of your events take place after 5 p.m.
- Your event will take place within Aachen's Alleenring
- Their offer is free of charge
- A project or initiative can receive funding only once
- There is no legal right to receive financial assistance
Highlights of the “Christmas Edition” at a glance:- Promotion of Christmas Lighting in Public Streets
- Funding is available for downtown and neighborhood centers
- At least three partners from the retail, food service, and skilled trades sectors are required to submit an application
You can submit your application online through the City of Aachen's service portal.
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
