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Event Details
Welcome to the Erfurt Oktoberfest 2026 on the Cathedral Square
From September 25 to October 11, 2026, Erfurt's Domplatz once again turns into a Bavarian Thuringian festival mile. Set against the striking backdrop of the Erfurt Cathedral and St Severus Church, one of Thuringia's most popular folk festivals offers 17 days of festival beer, hearty food and fairground rides. Admission to the festival grounds is free.
Highlights and Attractions at the Erfurt Oktoberfest
- About 600 meters of fairground stretching between the cathedral and St Severus Church, with around 50 attractions
- Carousels, a traditional Ferris wheel and classic fairground rides for all ages
- Several beer tents serving festival beer brewed under the Munich purity law, alongside Bavarian and Thuringian dishes
- Live music and bands ranging from traditional brass sounds to Oktoberfest party hits
- A festive opening with a parade from Willy Brandt Platz to the Domplatz and the traditional tapping of the first keg
- A family day every Wednesday with noticeably reduced prices on many rides
- One of the most striking settings of any Oktoberfest held outside Bavaria
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
The opening ceremony is planned for September 25 from 4 pm, featuring a parade and the ceremonial keg tapping with the mayor, followed by live music inside the festival tent. Over the following two and a half weeks, fairground rides, food stalls and daily live music keep the festival mile lively. Every Wednesday brings a family day with reduced prices at many attractions, making it a great option for visitors with children.
Tickets and Admission for the Erfurt Oktoberfest
Access to the Domplatz and the entire festival area is free, there is no general admission ticket. Visitors pay on site for rides, food and drinks, including festival beer in the tents. Guests who want a guaranteed seat inside a beer tent can arrange a table reservation directly with the tent operator, who sets the exact terms and any related costs.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Erfurt
- The Domplatz is about a 15 minute walk from Erfurt's main train station, or reachable by tram lines 3, 5 and 6 to the nearby Anger stop
- Since the festival takes place right in the historic old town, arriving by train or tram is far more convenient than by car
- Evenings can already turn cool in late September and October, so a warm jacket is a good idea
- Booking accommodation in Erfurt's old town early is recommended, especially for weekends
- Wednesday's family day is a good choice for a calmer visit with children
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
