Oktoberfest 2026 Kicks Off in Munich with Mayor Tapping Keg

MUNICH, Germany – The 191st Oktoberfest officially began Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, as Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the ceremonial first keg of beer. Krause marked the opening with two mallet strokes and the traditional cry, “O’zapft is,” meaning “It’s been tapped.”

Thousands of festival-goers, many dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, filled the beer tents on Munich's Theresienwiese fairground. Brass music filled the air as attendees sang and danced, enjoying freshly tapped beer and classic festival fare like pretzels, pork roast, and sausages.

Organizers expect approximately 6 million visitors over the 16-day festival, which runs through Oct. 4. Millions of attendees are traveling from across Germany and around the globe.

German authorities implemented enhanced security measures, including AI-powered cameras to monitor crowd density after last year's temporary closures due to overcrowding. A ban on knives and flying objects, including drones, is in effect. Entry checks and restrictions on large bags are in place, and smoking marijuana is prohibited on festival grounds.

Approximately 600 police officers are on duty, supported by Bavarian riot police, pickpocket investigators, and international task forces from eight countries. Ava Laboncher from the United States described the atmosphere as having “super high vibes” and being “amazing.” Ben Dawson of New Zealand plans to “drink lots of beer and probably get hammered” and ”do it again tomorrow.”