During yesterday’s joint site visit with Ludwig Holle, the city’s commissioner for construction, representatives from the relevant departments, the fire department, experts, and the event organizer, the outstanding issues and the required documentation were discussed. Against this backdrop, not all of the mandatory inspections and approvals have been completed as of today.

The 2026 Mainz Oktoberfest cannot take place, even in the newly constructed festival tent at the exhibition grounds in Mainz-Hechtsheim. The City of Mainz has a special duty of care toward its citizens as well as toward visitors. Given this, approval cannot be granted.

The City of Mainz regrets that, despite the intensive efforts of all parties involved, it was not possible to hold the Oktoberfest even with the newly constructed festival tent. However, the necessary building code and safety requirements must be fully verified and approved before the venue can be used. Nevertheless, we would be delighted to host an Oktoberfest next year—and the city administration is already offering the organizer the opportunity to begin planning together well in advance.