The Sunday shopping event begins at 1:00 p.m. Until 6:00 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to browse the retail stores to their heart’s content, learn about the latest trends, shop, and stop by the many cafés, wine bars, and restaurants. 

In the city center, this year’s event is all about sports. The area will be transformed into a lively “Sports Mile.” The event on the market square in front of the cathedral brings together sports, exercise, and community, inviting visitors of all ages to participate, explore, and watch. At 21 booths, various sports clubs and initiatives from the region will showcase their diverse offerings between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For example, there will be a mini-golf course, a baseball batting cage, and many different hands-on activities. A glider will also be on display.

“The market square will be bustling and offers fun and information for all generations,” says Alexander Reinemann, chairman of the organizing Mainz City Sports Association.  

Throughout the city center, there will also be various attractions as part of the Sunday shopping event. Starting at 1:30 p.m., visitors can take part in free city tours on a historic bus. These depart from the “Old University,” and the tour lasts about 30 minutes. The last tour departs at 5:30 p.m.  In addition, Mainzer Mobilität’s popular “Mainz-trifft-sich-Ticket”—which allows up to five people to use public transportation all day for 5.20 euros—will be available again, as will flat-rate parking for 5.00 euros in PMG parking garages.

You can also combine your Sunday in the city center with a visit to the “WeinFrühling” at Schillerplatz. There, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, guests can enjoy wines from the Rhineland-Palatinate wine regions, as well as from Spain and Portugal, along with complementary treats.    

Manuela Matz, Head of the Economic Affairs Department, is looking forward to the first Sunday shopping day of 2026. “One Sunday, two real highlights. Once again, people can experience just how diverse and attractive our downtown is. Visitors can look forward to a day full of attractions in the heart of Mainz. I find it very fitting that Mainz, as a city of sports, plays a special role this time with the ‘Sports Mile,’ given the great importance of sports for our city.”  

With its many great, unique retail stores, fantastic restaurants, sights, and wide variety of offerings, the downtown area has an incredible amount to offer. “A visit to our city center is always worthwhile. However, its special charm and appeal are particularly evident on Sundays when stores are open. So on April 26, 2026, the motto is: head to Mainz and enjoy a wonderful day in the city center,” says Manuela Matz. 

She once again extends special thanks to the Mainz Advertising Association and Mainz City Management (MCM) for the organization and for their consistently excellent cooperation. 

Annette Plachetka, chairwoman of the Mainz Merchants’ Association, and City Manager Sandra Klima are also looking forward to the first Sunday shopping day of 2026 with great anticipation. “Mainz is attractive both as a shopping destination and as a sports city. On April 26, you can experience both firsthand in the city center: shop and browse to your heart’s content, feast, and learn about the various sports activities on offer. Mainz’s downtown is vibrant and, with its many attractions, retail stores, and restaurants, always worth a visit. Spring, with its first warm days, is the perfect season to experience the special atmosphere, learn about the latest trends, and discover a wide range of culinary offerings. We therefore once again invite visitors from near and far to Mainz to enjoy the day in our downtown.”