Munich's 191st Oktoberfest began at noon on Saturday as Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the first keg, signaling the start of the 16-day festival.

The 191st Munich Oktoberfest officially opened on Saturday at the Schottenhamel festival tent. Munich Mayor Dominik Krause performed the traditional keg tapping at noon, requiring two strikes of the mallet to open the barrel. The ceremony was followed by twelve cannon shots, signaling that beer service could begin throughout the fairground.

Festival Traditions and Attendance

The festival, known locally as the Wiesn, began with a procession of landlords, musicians, and staff at 10:35 a.m. Festival tents opened at 9 a.m. to serve non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, but beer and fairground rides were restricted until the official tapping. Organizers managed large crowds at the gates, with some attendees arriving as early as Friday evening to secure seating. More than 6 million visitors are expected to attend the event, which runs for 16 days until October 4. The festival features traditional Bavarian food, live music, and fairground attractions.

Costs and Logistics

Visitors face higher prices for refreshments this year, with a one-liter stein of beer costing between €14.80 and €15.90. The average price for a beer has risen by 2.38% compared to last year, reaching €15.61. Large pretzels are priced between €5 and €6. City officials have advised attendees to use public transport, noting that parking near the Theresienwiese is extremely limited.