Introduction to Oktoberfest
The 190th excursion of the Oktoberfest takes place from September 20 to October 5, 2025, on Munich’s Theresienwiese. Preparations have been completed a few days before the world’s largest folk festival. In order to start the festival, the mayor of Munich traditionally takes the first barrel with a cry of "O’Zapft is!"
Expected Visitors
In the next two and a half weeks, it is estimated that six to seven million visitors will take part in the Oktoberfest. Most of them come from Germany, especially Bavaria. International guests with the greatest crowds from the USA, Italy, Great Britain, Austria, Poland, France, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands – and India since 2024.
Record Prices
The big question at Oktoberfest every year is: "How much for a beer?" Last year, a trade fair – a one-liter stone from beer round cost 15 € ($ 17.65). This year, most beers cost a price of 15 euros, the most expensive in Munich Stubn and worth € 15.80. Only a few providers sell a liter of beer in a jug for less than € 15.
The Tents
The Oktoberfest has 14 large and 21 smaller tents. There are three festival tents to choose from for the section "Oide Wiesn". The larger tents usually have space for around 6,000 people, while the smaller tents fit up to 3,000. The Oide Wiesn is a special part of Theresienwiese and offers a classic Oktoberfest experience. Traditional brass straps appear in the three tents, and the trips are rather old-fashioned. To maintain everything, there is an entrance fee of € 4.
Food and Drinks
The food in the Oktoberfest has followed the trends for eating more regional and more organic products. More and more you will find vegetarian and vegan meals: sweet potato, bean stew, chickpea dishes, jackfruit-goulash – the list. Classic, hearty meat dishes remain most popular: 125 oxen and 70,000 pork ankles were consumed on the 2024 Oktoberfest. However, a court is at the top of the list: "Hendl" – Brath chicken – is served about 500,000 times a year.
Lost and Found
Every year, around 3,500 to 4,500 articles land in the lost and found office: mainly wallets, mobile phones, jackets, keys, and glasses. Bags, backpacks, and umbrellas also go there regularly, but there are some foreign insights. In 2024, 16 lederhosen, a few handcuffs, a mouth protection, and several pairs of women’s shoes were submitted. Hearing aids and dentures also appear every year.
Safety Planning
With such important events, security is always a priority – which is why the Oktoberfest changes its security strategy every year. The concept seems to work: The fire brigade, police, paramedics, and security personnel have determined the good behavior of the visitors. Security measures in the entrances do not cause any problems, and many visitors even thank the employees for feeling safe. The Munich police recorded a decline in crimes by 25% in 2024, and alcohol consumption among young people also dragged down.
Environmental Protection
In 2024, the Oktoberfest began a campaign for more environmental protection and sustainability. The Oktoberfest has been supplied with completely environmentally friendly electricity since 2023. The water with which the beer cups are rinsed is recycled for use in the hygiene facilities. The recycling system is continuously improved, with less disposable plastic tableware and an increase in regional and organic products. The city has introduced a point system for the providers to monitor how sustainable they are. The city authorities want to make the Oktoberfest completely climate-neutral by 2028.
