Looking for something different to do while traveling around Germany this Spring? The Mannheim Maimarkt is a great place to spend the day and check out what's new in the world of German consumer goods. This yearly market takes place from April 30-May 10 at the Mannheim Fairgrounds and is one of the biggest consumer trade fairs in Germany. It's also one of the oldest, dating back to 1613 when market privileges were given to the young city by Count Palatine Johann II.
The fair boasts everything from kitchen knives to flat-screen TV's, fitness equipment to camping gear and everything in between for the consumer, hobbyist or workplace. Hands-on demonstrations, tips and samples will be available, as well as a petting zoo for children, live music and too many other special events to list here.
The May Fair Horse Show also takes place at the fairgrounds from Saturday, May 7 through Tuesday May 10. Organized by the Equestrian Association of Mannheim, it includes a dressage and showjumping exhibition. Prices for grandstand tickets are 10-15 euro depending on the day and include entrance to the Maimarkt.
Since 1989 the fair has been held in the permanent exhibition space Maimarkthalle, just southeast of Mannheim. Each year, close to 350,000 visitors descend on Maimarkt to view 1,400 exhibitors with over 20,000 products.
Services at the Maimarkt include an on-site ATM, internet cafe and bag storage. Free childcare is even provided, located at the main entrance near the Information booth. Opening times are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day and tickets are available at the gates. Adults are 7 euro, children ages 6-14 are 4 euro. Reduced priced tickets are available in advance at many area stores and tourist offices. Click here to input your postal code and find a location near you.
The fairgounds are located off the Autobahn A656 southeast of Mannheim near the City Airport. Follow the signs or plug the coordinates into your GPS: Maimarktgelände, Xaver-Fuhr-Strasse 101, 68163 Mannheim.
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