In the dancing fountain
“Royal Wiesn” will bring Oktoberfest to Cologne in 2026
11/11/2025 – 10:47Reading time: 2 minutes
In October 2026, the “Royal Wiesn” will move to Tanzbrunnen for the first time. With tents, specialty beers, rides and support from Bavaria.
Cologne will hold its own Oktoberfest in 2026: “Royal Wiesn” will take place over two weekends from October 9 to 11 and from October 16 to 18 in Tanzbrunnen. The organizers are Lukas Wachten and Stefan Wolter with Koelncongress GmbH. The patron was Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, who personally presented the project in Cologne.
Organizers wanted to create a Bavarian folk festival “in the best sense” – with beer, music and traditional costumes, but without carnival or Ballermann elements. In his presentation, Prince Luitpold referred to the historical ties between Bavaria and Cologne. Members of his family were electors of the Rhineland for nearly two centuries, and the Wittelsbach diamond can still be found in Cologne Cathedral today.
The central location of the “Royal Wiesn” is a heated festival tent with approximately 3,500 seats. Munich Oktoberfest-style bands, real Bavarian beer from the König Ludwig Hell brand, as well as signature dishes such as roast pork, chicken, snack boards and vegan alternatives are also on offer. The action should cost 14.50 euros.
The outdoor area also offers a Ferris wheel with views of the cathedral, several rides and an open-air beer garden. A white sausage breakfast was planned for families on October 11, the second Sunday dedicated to Cologne Pride and intended to support CSD financially.
Koelncongress managing director Ralf Nüsser announced a “high quality event” that will extend the open season in Tanzbrunnen. Organizers expect high demand from Cologne and the surrounding region.
Advance sales have been running since November 4. In addition to regular tickets from 19 euros, VIP offers with meal packages and reserved seats are available. About 300 spots remain for spontaneous visitors with no reservation fee.
