An autumnal atmosphere, bustling shopping streets, culinary delights, and a varied program for the whole family: On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Mainz once again invites you to its traditional “Mantelsonntag” in the city center. From 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., stores will be open, offering the chance to browse for fall fashion, do some early winter shopping—or simply stroll through the city center—in a relaxed atmosphere. Coat Sunday is thus once again a special occasion to discover the diversity of Mainz’s retail scene, dining options, and downtown area.

As early as Saturday, October 24, the “Fête de la Gastronomie” (Burgundy Festival) will begin on Gutenbergplatz. From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., visitors can once again enjoy French specialties and culinary delights from Burgundy. On Sunday (October 25), the festival will continue from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As in previous years, many well-known producers from Burgundy and the Jura department (Franche-Comté) will be represented, offering not only classics such as jam, cheese, bread specialties, and wine, they’ll also offer smoked sausages, truffles and truffle products, spices, flavored oils, and trout products. Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample specialties and creations from a food truck. 

This year, the Burgundy Festival will also enrich the entire downtown area with an art project. From October 19 to 25, 2026, artist Matteo Legrand Droz will transform the storefronts of several shops, as well as the display window of Haus Burgund, into works of art, bringing a touch of French flair to Mainz. In consultation with the shop owners, unique designs will be created to complement each store. This offers the opportunity to enjoy art while walking by. The unveiling of the display case at Haus Burgund will take place on Friday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m. 

The offerings in the downtown area will be complemented by stands serving Federweißer and food, as well as various activities for children. For example, the Landesmuseum will set up a creative station at the market under the motto “Join in and Have Fun.” 

“Every year, Mantelsonntag is a wonderful occasion to experience Mainz’s downtown in all its diversity. Shopping, dining, culture, and events come together to create a special fall weekend,” says Manuela Matz, Head of the Economic Affairs Department. “The combination of Mantelsonntag and the Fête de la Gastronomie in particular shows just how attractive Mainz is as a shopping and leisure destination. I’m looking forward to welcoming many visitors who will discover our downtown this weekend and take advantage of what our retailers and restaurants have to offer.”

Laurent Vieille, director of Haus Burgund, which organizes the Fête de la Gastronomie and the Burgundy Festival, is also looking forward to the weekend. “The Fête de la Gastronomie brings a piece of Burgundy right into the heart of Mainz and lets people experience our long-standing partnership in a delightful way. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Gutenbergplatz with French specialties, regional products, and the unique French-Burgundian way of life. Together with Mantelsonntag, this creates a weekend that wonderfully combines shopping, socializing, and enjoyment,” said Vieille.

For City Manager Sandra Klima, Mantelsonntag is an important event for downtown Mainz: “A vibrant city center thrives on the people who shop, work, live, meet, and spend their free time there. Mantelsonntag creates a special setting for this. The open stores, dining options, and numerous special events turn the downtown area into an attractive gathering place for the whole family. It’s especially nice that the Burgundy Festival, taking place as early as Saturday, provides an additional reason to visit Mainz.”

Retailers are also looking forward to a Sunday with strong sales and plenty of excitement. Annette Plachetka, chairwoman of the advertising association: “For our retailers, Mantelsonntag is an important opportunity to showcase their stores and the special offerings of downtown Mainz. Visitors can look forward to personalized advice, the latest fall and winter collections, and many unique shopping experiences. At the same time, we want to show that Mainz isn’t just a shopping destination—it’s a place to stroll, enjoy, and linger.”

Convenient and Affordable Travel to Downtown

Getting there by public transportation or car is also made easy. On Mantelsonntag, visitors can once again use the “Mainz-trifft-sich-Ticket” from Mainzer Mobilität. With this ticket, up to five people can use public transportation all day long for 5.20 euros. There’s also an attractive offer for drivers: With PMG’s flat-rate parking, you can park all day in participating parking garages for 5 euros.

Once again this year, Mantelsonntag offers the perfect setting for a relaxing fall day in Mainz: first take a stroll across Gutenbergplatz, enjoy culinary specialties, then wander through the city center, do some shopping, and round out the day with a coffee, a glass of Federweißer, or a meal at one of Mainz’s restaurants.