Munich's Oktoberfest Returns With 6.5 Million Expected

Munich transformed into a joyful gathering place Saturday as Oktoberfest returned for its 191st year, bringing together millions to celebrate tradition, community, and Bavarian culture.

By late morning, the Theresienwiese fairground buzzed with anticipation as decorated horse-drawn carriages carried festival hosts, musicians, and staff through central Munich. Around 1,000 participants dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes paraded toward the festival grounds while crowds gathered under glorious sunshine and perfect 20-degree temperatures.

The festival tents opened at 9 a.m., but everyone had to wait for the main event. At exactly noon, Munich's mayor Dominik Krause raised his mallet in the Schottenhamel tent and tapped the first keg for the first time in his term.

After the traditional "O'zapft is!" rang out and twelve cannon shots fired from the towering Bavaria statue, the celebration officially began. The first one-liter stein went to Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, and the beer started flowing across the festival grounds.

For 16 days, the Theresienwiese becomes a unique blend of traditional costume showcase, funfair, beer garden, and open-air stage. Fairground rides spun to life after the tapping ceremony, and Munich residents clearly came ready to celebrate without worrying about calories, uncomfortable shoes, or anything else.

The Ripple Effect

The Wiesn draws around 6.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the world's largest folk festivals. People travel from across Germany and around the globe to experience this piece of living Bavarian culture that's been celebrated since 1810.

The festival creates a powerful sense of shared joy and community that extends far beyond Munich's borders. International visitors return home with stories of German hospitality, traditional music, and the warmth of strangers becoming friends over shared tables and steins.

The event supports local businesses, preserves cultural traditions, and brings together people from every background to celebrate together. Festival organizers recommend public transport to help everyone reach the celebration easily, with multiple train stations serving the grounds.

While a Maß of beer costs between €14.80 and €15.90 this year and pretzels run about €5 to €6, the experience of joining millions in this centuries-old tradition remains priceless for those who make the journey to Munich each September.