The Oktoberfest 2026 festival will kick off on Saturday, September 19, at 12 PM with a symbolic tapping of the barrel ceremony. During this ceremony, the Mayor of Munich will tap the first wooden beer barrel and announce the festival's start with the phrase "O'zapft is," meaning "the beer is tapped."
Festival Details
This festival, considered the largest folk festival in the world, is expected to attract over 6 million visitors from around the globe and will continue from September 19 to October 4. The festival area at Theresienwiese in Munich spans 34.5 hectares, equivalent to 48 football fields.
According to reports, crowds on Saturdays and holidays may increase significantly, and last year, officials had to temporarily close entrances. This crowd surge is due to the operation of 38 beer tents that work in two or three shifts, leading to congestion at the entrances.
New Security Measures
To prevent similar issues this year, the city of Munich has designed a new security plan for the festival. 26 new cameras have been added to the existing 56 police cameras, and an artificial intelligence system has been implemented to analyze visitor flow and send alerts in case of congestion in various areas. Additionally, a new coordination center has been established to improve communication between security agencies and event organizers.
A total of 600 police officers will be present at the festival venue to ensure the safety of visitors. There is also a plan to deal with drones, although no further details have been released on this matter.
Visitor Demographics
The Oktoberfest is recognized as an international tourist attraction, but most visitors come from areas close to Munich. According to a study conducted last year, 41 percent of visitors are from Munich itself, 25 percent from surrounding areas, and 9 percent from other parts of the region. Overall, about 75 percent of the approximately 6.5 million visitors come from Bavaria, while 21 percent of visitors, around 1.35 million people, come from other countries.
Americans make up the largest group of international visitors, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the total visitors. Italians rank second, comprising just over 13 percent of visitors.
Consumption and Dress Policies
During the festival, marijuana consumption is prohibited throughout the grounds, while alcohol is readily available. The price of a liter of beer, known as "Mass," will range from 14.80 to 15.90 euros (17 to 18.25 dollars). The price of a liter of water is also 11 euros, although several free drinking water fountains are available on-site.
In terms of attire, visitors typically wear traditional clothing. Women and girls wear "dirndl" dresses, while men wear "lederhosen." For those not from Bavaria, wearing these outfits is optional, but avoiding cheap imitations of traditional clothing is recommended. First-time visitors are advised to rent traditional clothing to avoid purchasing them.
