The world’s largest Volksfest kicks off on Saturday, September 19, with the traditional keg tapping at noon. Munich’s mayor will drive a tap into the first beer barrel and announce “O’zapft is,” signaling the start of celebrations. The gesture will be followed by 12 gunshots, alerting the festival’s numerous tents that beer service may begin.
Organizers anticipate more than 6 million attendees over the festival’s run, which extends through October 4. To manage the massive crowds on the Theresienwiese grounds—a sprawling 34.5-hectare site roughly equivalent to 48 soccer fields—the city has implemented significant security upgrades.
Last year, dangerous overcrowding forced temporary entrance closures when simultaneous shifts in 14 large tents caused massive influxes of visitors. In response, Munich has deployed 26 new surveillance cameras alongside 56 existing police units, integrated with an AI system designed to analyze visitor flows and issue real-time alerts for congested areas. A dedicated coordination center has also been established to improve communication between police and event organizers.
Security forces will include approximately 600 officers, and while specific details remain undisclosed, plans are in place to counter drone threats.
A Regional Phenomenon
Despite its global fame, the festival remains predominantly local. A study commissioned by the city revealed that in 2025, about 75% of visitors were from Bavaria, with 41% hailing from Munich itself and another 25% from the immediate vicinity. Only 21% traveled from abroad, with Americans forming the largest international group at roughly 270,000 people.
Costs and Traditions
Beer prices have risen slightly, with a Mass (one liter) costing between €14.80 and €15.90. Notably, a liter of table water is priced at €11, though free drinking water fountains are available on-site. Ride tickets range from under €5 to €14.
The 191st edition celebrates a deep-rooted fairground culture, recently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. About 90% of the 130+ operators trace their origins to the 19th century. Many vendors continue to accept cash only, so visitors without money should utilize on-site ATMs.
Attire Guidelines
Traditional dress remains a highlight, with women wearing dirndls and men in lederhosen. However, officials advise tourists against purchasing cheap, garish imitations. Simple Munich recommends renting quality attire or opting for jeans and a checkered shirt, which are considered appropriately casual for first-time visitors.
Good advice on renting proper Tracht instead of buying cheap knockoffs from the tourist shops. Nothing worse than looking like a walking stereotype!
Wait, they fired gunshots to signal the beer start? Remind me never to visit during keg tapping if you have anxiety about loud noises.
So seventy-five percent are locals? I had no idea Oktoberfest was still this regional. I guess all those photos of international tourists are just marketing.
The AI crowd control system sounds like something from a sci-fi movie. Hopefully it actually works better than the chaos we saw last year.
I never realized a liter of water costs eleven euros! That is absolutely insane pricing for a public festival.