The “20th Mainz Oktoberfest” is scheduled to take place at the Hechtsheim Exhibition Grounds from October 8 to October 25, 2026. However, the realization of this festival, which attracts approximately 40,000 to 60,000 visitors annually, is “seriously in doubt,” explains Ludwig Holle, the department head for Construction, Historic Preservation, and Historical Heritage: “Based on current circumstances, the 2026 Oktoberfest cannot be held in the planned festival tent.”  

The festival tent where the Oktoberfest is to be held constitutes a structure requiring a building permit. In 2010, a building permit was issued for the festival tent at that time, which was granted for a limited period until 2017 due to its “temporary nature.” Holle: “Since that time, the festival tent has no longer had a building permit. Therefore, the building department is now once again required to act.”

During past events, the operator submitted “temporarily valid expert reports on fire safety and structural stability” to the building authority—in each case only in response to the authority’s intervention. After an in-depth evaluation of these expert reports and corresponding on-site inspections, the building authority concluded in these cases that, on a case-by-case basis, the festival tent could be used safely provided certain requirements and conditions were met, and therefore a ban in the specific individual case did not appear appropriate, according to the head of the building department. 

The operator of the Mainz Oktoberfest had consistently communicated that the festival tent was merely a “temporary structure”—therefore, for years, assessments were repeatedly conducted on a case-by-case basis only for the events immediately at hand.

“In the current year 2026, the necessary documents enabling a current and final assessment have not yet been submitted to the building authority. Nor has a building permit been issued. Although such a permit was applied for in the spring of 2026, the supporting documentation required for the building permit process was not subsequently submitted, which is why the application must be considered ‘withdrawn’ in accordance with legal requirements,” Holle explained. 

It is the responsibility of the operator of the planned Oktoberfest to proactively obtain a building permit and submit the necessary documentation; however, this has not been done despite repeated requests from the state capital’s building authority. 

To make matters worse, the festival tent has now been erected at short notice in a modified form and at a different location on the fairgrounds—and there is no building permit for this either. 

Fire Accident at Swiss Bar: Compliance with Safety-Related Building Codes Essential

The building authority is therefore currently unable to provide an expert assessment of the festival tent’s safety for use. “Given that the Mainz Oktoberfest is attended by approximately 40,000 to 60,000 people each year, it is essential that any risk to visitors be ruled out before the event begins,” emphasizes Ludwig Holle. “Looking back at the devastating fire that occurred on New Year’s Eve in a Swiss bar in Crans-Montana in particular makes it very clear just how important it remains to comply with, monitor, and continuously optimize safety-related building codes,” emphasizes Ludwig Holle.

The city administration therefore communicated its position to the operator—well in advance and on multiple occasions—that holding the Mainz Oktoberfest in the festival tent in question in 2026 is not possible. 

Holle, the commissioner for building affairs, makes it clear: “The possibility that the Mainz Oktoberfest can still take place definitely remains. However, this absolutely requires erecting a festival tent that meets building code requirements—particularly with regard to fire safety and structural stability. At this time, we do not consider these basic conditions to be met.”  

In general, Holle said, it is “absolutely understandable” that there is significant public interest in holding the popular Oktoberfest. “We wholeheartedly welcome this traditional event—and would be delighted if it were to take place. However, the top priority must be guaranteed in advance: the safety of the event—in every respect. 

At present, the Mainz city administration cannot confirm this safety when using the planned festival tent. As frustrating as a last-minute cancellation of the Oktoberfest may seem—deliberately risking an accident resulting in injuries or even deaths can hardly be considered a serious alternative. Therefore, I must conclude that, as things stand today, the 2026 Oktoberfest cannot take place. 

Holle concluded: “But we are still in close contact with the organizer to give them the opportunity, even at this late stage, to demonstrate that they can host a safe event.”