The 190th edition of Oktoberfest opened in Munich on 20 September with the traditional keg tapping at the Schottenhamel Festhalle. Munich’s Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter struck the first tap at noon, declaring “O’zapft is!” to mark the official start of the two-week festival, which runs until 5 October at the Theresienwiese grounds.
The opening day drew large crowds as gates opened at 9:00 a.m., with beer service beginning after the ceremonial keg tapping at midday. Organizers expect millions of visitors from Germany and abroad during the 16-day event, which is one of the world’s largest folk festivals and a major attraction for international tourism.
Festival Program and Opening Hours
Beer tents and rides follow extended opening hours during the festival, generally from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. On weekends, tents open as early as 9:00 a.m. Non-alcoholic beverages and food are available in the morning, while beer is only served once the ceremonial opening has taken place on the first day.
The Theresienwiese fairgrounds host more than a dozen large beer tents and numerous smaller tents operated by Munich breweries. Traditional Bavarian music, parades and cultural displays accompany the festivities. Authorities have coordinated with city services to manage crowd control, transport and public safety during the event.
New Attractions in 2025
Several new features were introduced for the 2025 edition. A special exhibition titled “Every Picture a Hit! Photography at the Fair” is on display in the Museumszelt at the Oide Wiesn section, highlighting fairground photography from the 19th century to the present. The Oide Wiesn, a historic area showcasing traditional rides and performances, charges a small admission fee but remains a popular family destination within the festival.
New rides include the Happy Sailor, featuring 20 boat-shaped gondolas designed for children and adults, and the Sky Lift, a rotating gondola attraction that rises 70 meters above the grounds, offering views across Munich. The Geisterhöhle ghost train, first introduced in 1965, returns this year, while the Olympia-Looping rollercoaster now features a dedicated photopoint for visitors.
A new music competition, A Liad für’d Wiesn, also forms part of the program, with the winning entry presented during the festival. Organizers said the additions are intended to broaden appeal for both first-time visitors and regular attendees.
Entry, Reservations and Costs
Admission to the Oktoberfest grounds and beer tents is free, with the exception of the Oide Wiesn, which requires a small entry fee. Table reservations in the main tents remain in high demand, especially for evenings and weekends, with limited walk-in seating available at peak times. Operators recommend early planning for visitors who want guaranteed access to the most popular tents.
Beer and food prices vary by tent and are not regulated by the city, but generally increase slightly each year. Visitors typically purchase beer in one-liter steins, alongside traditional Bavarian foods such as pretzels, roast chicken and sausages. Several travel operators offer package deals including accommodation, guided tours and tent access, with camping packages starting around €65 per night.
Visitor Advice and Security
City authorities have urged visitors to make use of Munich’s public transport to reach the Theresienwiese grounds, as parking is limited and security measures restrict vehicle access in the area. Police, medical services and security staff are deployed in large numbers to manage the event, with particular focus on crowd safety and alcohol-related incidents.
Festival organizers said they expect high attendance this year following strong recovery in international tourism. The event continues to serve as both a cultural celebration of Bavarian traditions and a major driver of Munich’s hospitality and tourism economy. Visitors from around the world are anticipated to contribute significantly to local hotels, restaurants and transportation services during the two-week period.
Oktoberfest dates back to 1810, when it was first held to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. While originally staged in October, the festival was moved forward into September in later years to take advantage of better weather and longer daylight hours, while still concluding in early October. The tradition of keg tapping by Munich’s mayor has remained central to the opening ceremony for decades, symbolizing the start of the festivities.
Though the official name is Oktoberfest, the event is often referred to as “Octoberfest” in English-speaking countries, a common misspelling that continues to appear in travel searches and media coverage. Organizers emphasize that the traditional spelling remains tied to its Bavarian origins.
With the opening declaration “O’zapft is!” the 2025 edition is now underway, combining long-established customs with new attractions for both residents and international visitors until 5 October. 🍻
What’s your favorite beer style 🍺, and how will you celebrate Oktoberfest this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Top Photo Credit: Frolova_Elena / Shutterstock.com
