The Loooong Thursday

Thursdays hold a special tradition in Arrenberg in more ways than one. In the past, young people from the region would regularly make their way on Thursdays to the legendary “Wackeltreff” at the “börse” communication center at the Viehhof, which had a significant impact on Friday classes at secondary schools. And starting in 1989, store closing times in West Germany were extended to 8:30 p.m. for the time being to allow industrial workers and office employees to shop after work. Especially in industrial and trade regions, Thursday “after-work” get-togethers or markets have become popular since the turn of the millennium, serving as a place for workers and residents to mingle.

During this period of change, “Laaange Thursday” became established thanks to the dedication of Sven, a former neighborhood staff member, featuring a highly varied program and sometimes lasting veeery long. Following personnel changes within the association in the summer of 2024, we’re trying to fill the established evening on a case-by-case basis with lectures, quizzes, and “Arrenbingo,” as well as gatherings for hat wearers, cocktail parties, and community forums; in the winter and spring of 2026, for example, we’ll also host 14 “Erzähl mal über’n Arrenberg” dinner-and-chat events, and starting in the fall of 2026, we’ll introduce additional formats.

The loooong Thursdays can become more frequent again: They should be open to all neighbors (whether members or not), featuring specific themed events, serving as a meeting place and a space for new ideas in the neighborhood. Occasionally, there’s something to eat (for a small donation). But there’s always something unexpected and a cheerful atmosphere with people from Arrenberg and the surrounding area.