Oktoberfest 2026: “Münchner Stubn” Tent Will Be Absent Amidst Ongoing Legal Disputes
Munich, July 6 – As construction for Oktoberfest 2026 gains momentum on the Theresienwiese, an unexpected development has emerged: the “Münchner Stubn” tent, a fixture since 2024, will not be part of this year’s festivities. Its operator, Alexander Egger, reportedly failed to return the signed contract to the city by the stipulated deadline last Friday.
The news comes just two and a half months before the world’s largest folk festival is set to begin, with initial structures of the large beer tents already visible on the Wirtsbudenstraße. Forklifts and lifting platforms are actively working on what is considered one of Europe’s largest temporary construction sites.
“Münchner Stubn” Remains in Storage
The “Münchner Stubn” tent, with a capacity of 440 seats, has been operated by Kathrin Wickenhäuser-Egger and Alexander Egger since 2024. Despite receiving approval from the city to operate again this year, Egger did not return the signed contract by the deadline, as reported by “Münchner Merkur” and “tz.” The precise reasons for Egger’s surprising withdrawal remain undisclosed, with a request for comment from BR (Bayerischer Rundfunk) going unanswered.
The city’s Department of Economic Affairs (RAW), responsible for Oktoberfest, has not confirmed speculations about a replacement operator already being selected. They stated that a decision on how the vacant space next to the Löwenbräu-Festzelt will be utilized this year will be made promptly. Furthermore, RAW has clarified that Giesinger Bräu did not submit an application for this year’s Oktoberfest, refuting rumors of their immediate involvement.
Allocation Dispute Continues in Court
Egger’s withdrawal adds another layer to the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the allocation of Oktoberfest tents. The Bavarian Higher Regional Court is currently handling a complaint filed by Egger, demanding that the pitches for the large Oktoberfest tents be put out to tender across the EU, unlike the current practice. Egger’s lawsuit specifically targets the Schottenhamel Festhalle and the Paulaner-Festzelt.
Egger had also requested that both tents not be erected until a final clarification of the legal situation. However, the Bavarian Higher Regional Court recently rejected this request in an urgent decision. Consequently, construction of the Paulaner-Festzelt’s tower and shell is already underway, with the Schottenhamel Festhalle also scheduled to begin construction in the coming days.
Despite the legal complexities and the absence of the “Münchner Stubn,” the overall construction of Oktoberfest 2026 continues as planned, with the festival gearing up to welcome millions of visitors once again.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/muenchner-oktoberfest-ein-festzelt-wird-wohl-fehlen,VObRoIT
