1. Royal Wiesn Köln 2026 — Kölsches Oktoberfest

Premiere — Bavarian Oktoberfest in Cologne

What has long been missed in Cologne is coming in 2026: a grand Bavarian Wiesn in the style of the Munich Oktoberfest, right on the Rhine, in the heart of the cathedral city. From Friday, October 9th to Sunday, October 18th, 2026, the 1. Royal Wiesn Köln celebrates its premiere at Tanzbrunnen Köln — one of the city's largest outdoor event venues, directly on the Rhine with a view of Cologne Cathedral.

When and Where?

• Dates: Friday, October 9th to Sunday, October 18th, 2026
• Location: Tanzbrunnen Köln, Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Köln
• Festival Tent: heated, 3,500 seats
• Wiesn Grounds: Ferris wheel, rides, Wiesn stalls

Program and Opening Hours

Fridays (Fri, Oct 9th & Fri, Oct 16th)

5:00 PM to 10:00 PM — After-Work Wiesn, ideal for professionals and students who want a Bavarian beer after work.

Saturdays (Sat, Oct 10th & Sat, Oct 17th)

Two shifts: 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM (lunch shift) and 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM (evening shift). Main Wiesn time — heated festival tent, traditional Wiesn music (live bands with polka, sing-along classics), dance performances, swaying.

Sunday, Oct 11th — Sunday Brunch

From 11:00 AM — Wiesn Brunch with a Bavarian-Rhenish selection: Weißwurst, Brezn, Leberkäse, mixed buffet, sparkling wine reception. Packages from €75 to €149.

Sunday, Oct 18th — Pink Sunday / Cologne Pride

Closing day with a special touch: Pink Sunday from noon — organized in cooperation with Cologne Pride. Programmatically open, with a special CSD reference. One of the program innovations of the premiere Wiesn: a queer Wiesn format, which is rare in this form so far.

Schlossbrauerei Kaltenberg and Prince Luitpold

The main partner is Schlossbrauerei Kaltenberg from Geltendorf near Munich — one of the most traditional Bavarian breweries. Patron is Prince Luitpold of Bavaria, whose ancestor King Ludwig I. founded the original Munich Oktoberfest in 1810. This royal connection gives the Royal Wiesn its name and authenticity.

The Beer: König Ludwig Hell

The main beer is König Ludwig Hell from Schlossbrauerei Kaltenberg — a smooth, easily drinkable Helles in genuine Wiesn quality.

Bavarian Culinary Delights

On the menu: Hendl (grilled half chicken), Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Knödel (dumplings), Sauerkraut (sauerkraut), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Brezn (pretzels), Obatzda (cheese spread), Weißwurst (for Sunday brunch), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Bavarian classics of the highest quality.

Wiesn Grounds — Ferris Wheel with Cathedral View

Outside the festival tent, the Wiesn grounds extend with a small amusement park:

• Ferris wheel with a view of Cologne Cathedral — one of the most iconic Wiesn images of this premiere
• Nostalgic rides (old carousels, looping swings)
• Wiesn stalls with games, prizes, sweets
• Photo spots with Wiesn backdrops

Tickets and Packages

Advance Sales

Advance sales started November 4th, 2025, 11 AM via Eventim. Seat reservations from €19.

Wiesn Packages (Sat/Fri)

Packages combine seat + food + beer in tiers from €19 to €149. Options with König Ludwig Hell, Hendl, or Schweinshaxe. Empore-Tier from €149 including a collector's stone mug as a souvenir.

Sunday Brunch Packages

Sunday, Oct 11th — Brunch packages from €75 to €149 with sparkling wine, coffee, buffet.

Group Inquiries

Via email to [email protected].

Cologne and its Relationship with Bavaria

Cologne and Munich are the two major carnival and folk festival cities in Germany — but traditionally with distinct festival cultures. Cologne locals drink their Kölsch, Munich locals their Helles. The Royal Wiesn bridges this gap: a Bavarian Wiesn in the cathedral city, with all due respect to the local Kölsch identity (the festival takes place in October, so not during the carnival season).