After the Oktoberfest organizer implemented the necessary safety measures and submitted all required documentation, the City of Mainz’s Building Inspection Department was able to conduct the final inspection of the newly constructed event tent today, Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The building inspectorate has determined that the requirements for the safe and legally compliant use of the new tent have been met. The 20th Mainz Oktoberfest can therefore take place at the exhibition grounds in Mainz-Hechtsheim.

In recent days, the organizer has submitted additional documents and supporting evidence and implemented the remaining required measures. The Building Department, Public Order Office, and Fire Department reviewed these and assessed the conditions on site. The safety of festival guests and staff was always the top priority. In addition to the event tent, the other facilities and areas designated for the event were also inspected. They, too, may be used as planned.

The old and new festival tents are legally distinct cases
. Today’s positive decision concerns the now-designated event site with the newly erected festival tent. The ban on using the originally planned festival tent remains unaffected.

The organizer had sought a judicial ruling on whether the old festival tent could be treated as a temporary structure. On October 5, 2026, the Mainz Administrative Court rejected the motion for summary relief and concurred with the city’s position that the tent, which has been in place for many years, is not a temporary structure but rather a permanent building. A building permit would have been required for this.

Although defects were still identified during yesterday’s final inspection, their rectification was confirmed today during a follow-up inspection. For the event tent that has now been erected, the organizer has therefore implemented the necessary measures—particularly regarding structural stability and fire safety—and submitted all required documentation. Following a review of this documentation, a final occupancy inspection by the building authority was required before the tent could be put into operation. It was successfully completed today based on the fully submitted expert reports and supporting documentation.

Ludwig Holle, Head of the Building Department: “We have always said: The Oktoberfest is possible if there is a safe and legally sound solution. The organizer has now finally met these requirements. The past few weeks—and especially the last few days—have been intense for everyone involved. I am all the more pleased that we have reached a positive outcome today and that guests can now celebrate in a safe environment.”

Mayor Nino Haase: “Ludwig Holle, the Commissioner for Construction, and I have been working closely together over the past weeks and months. I have also held personal discussions with the organizer. The decisions made had—and continue to have—my full support. The new tent presents a new situation that has now been assessed positively. I thank the administrative staff for their tremendous dedication and wish everyone a wonderful festival season.”