GiessenKreativ Giessen

GiessenKreativ is an annual consumer exhibition held at Messe Giessen, dedicated entirely to arts and crafts, creative hobbies and DIY. Bringing together a wide range of creative disciplines under one roof, the event offers visitors plenty of inspiration alongside the opportunity to purchase high-quality materials on site and try out new techniques for themselves.

GiessenKreativ is organised by Okken GmbH, an experienced exhibition organiser specialising in consumer trade fairs and interactive public events. With its varied and engaging concept, the exhibition provides a platform where manufacturers, retailers, artisan makers and creative service providers showcase their latest products, materials and ideas to an enthusiastic audience. The focus extends beyond retail and expert advice to hands-on experiences and active participation.

The exhibition covers almost every aspect of the creative hobby market. Visitors can browse an extensive selection of wool, yarns, felt, fabrics, patchwork supplies, haberdashery and sewing and embroidery accessories. The range also includes papercrafts, scrapbooking, stamping, origami and a wide variety of craft materials. In addition, exhibitors present beads, gemstones and jewellery-making supplies, art and drawing materials, contemporary creative techniques such as Blob Painting and Diamond Painting, as well as products for cake decorating, including sugar flowers and decorative cake accessories. Further highlights include solutions for woodworking, cutting plotters, sublimation printing, ceramic and plaster decoration, upcycling, personalised gifts and many other DIY products.

One of the exhibition's defining features is its extensive programme of interactive activities, making every visit a hands-on experience. Many exhibitors host workshops and live demonstrations where visitors can create greeting cards, learn plotter techniques, make jewellery or keyrings, try Blob Painting, watch woodturning demonstrations or model sugar roses from flower paste. Creative activities for children are also a regular part of the programme, making GiessenKreativ an ideal day out for the whole family. The emphasis is on learning through practical experience and engaging directly with experienced creatives.

Exhibitors represent a broad range of sectors, including needlecraft, textiles, craft supplies, paper and stationery, artists' materials, jewellery design, cake decorating supplies, woodworking, creative machinery, home décor, DIY products and artisan crafts. They showcase new products, innovative materials, tools and specialist services while providing visitors with expert advice and guidance.

GiessenKreativ is aimed primarily at hobby crafters, sewing enthusiasts, knitting and crochet fans, artists, scrapbookers, jewellery makers, cake decorating enthusiasts, families with children and anyone with a passion for creative pursuits or an interest in discovering new techniques. The exhibition also attracts small creative businesses, workshop providers and artisan makers looking to keep up with the latest trends and expand their professional networks.

Combining a retail exhibition, creative workshop space and source of inspiration, GiessenKreativ has established itself as one of the leading events for creative leisure activities in Central Hesse. Messe Giessen provides spacious exhibition halls, modern infrastructure and ample parking facilities. Conveniently located close to the A45 and A485 motorways and well served by public transport, the exhibition venue is easily accessible by both car and bus or rail.

The GiessenKreativ will take place on Friday, 30. October 2026 in Giessen.