Merzig Oktoberfest Week

The Saarland Oktoberfest with Genuine Wiesn Authenticity

Anyone who thinks Oktoberfest is a Bavarian domain hasn't experienced the Merzig Oktoberfest Week yet. Since 1957, the district town of Merzig in the Merzig-Wadern district has been celebrating for ten days in a marquee — in 2026, it's the anniversary edition for its 70th birthday, from September 25th to October 4th. Instead of Munich Hofbräu, Karlsberg beer is tapped here (the Saarland brewery is located in neighboring Homburg), and instead of Bavarians, Saarlanders and people from Lorraine wear Lederhosen — but the atmosphere is classic Wiesn.

Ten Days, Every Evening a Theme

The festival week is structured around distinct themed evenings. Classic program:

• Karlsberg After-Work Party (Friday kickoff) — Top acts from the German Schlager and party scene
• Official Opening with Barrel Tapping (Saturday) — The mayor performs the ceremonial tapping of the first beer barrel, followed by live bands until late into the night
• Kids' Oktoberfest (Sunday) — Family day with Markus Becker, youth orchestras, and child-friendly prices
• Mallorca Night (Saturday of the second week) — The ultimate Ballermann party with Ina Colada, Julian Sommer, and co.
• Company, Authority, and Club Evenings — Reserved tables for groups, party bands like Die PartyHirschen, or free beer
• Festival of Brass Music (Sunday finale) — Five Saarland music associations play through traditional tunes

The Top-Tier Acts

For years, the Merzig marquee organizers have consistently booked top acts from the German party, Schlager, and Mallorca scene: voXXclub (pop stars from chart shows), Mickie Krause (Ballermann legend), Markus Becker (king of children's hits), Julian Sommer, Ina Colada, Krachleder, Frankenkracher, and local house bands like the Best of Band and the Merchinger Hauskapelle. It's an atmosphere that consciously balances high-energy fun with Lederhosen romance.

Beyond the Marquee

In addition to the central marquee, the Oktoberfest Week includes a classic amusement park with rides, an arts and crafts market, a cider festival (Federweißer & co.), and a program that involves the entire city center — the city uses the festival week to showcase its cultural and gastronomic offerings (“Merzig Serves Up”).

The Saarland Wiesn Identity

What sets Merzig apart from a crude imitation of Bavaria: Here, Lederhosen are worn with Saarland's down-to-earth spirit. Beer comes from Karlsberg, the roast chicken from the local butcher, and Lyoner sausage as a snack. The Saarland dialect mixes with Mallorca Schlager, and there are numerous guests from Lorraine and Luxembourg. The marquee can hold thousands of visitors; on good evenings, it's full but rarely unpleasantly overcrowded.