It's probably the world's most famous folk festival: Munich's Oktoberfest. In 2024, 6.7 million people came as guests, nearly 20 percent of them from around the world. Beer, traditions, pretzels – that's what makes it so appealing.
For the 190th Munich Oktoberfest, BR24 is broadcasting the traditional parade of Oktoberfest landlords to the Theresienwiese as well as the legendary ceremonial tapping of the first keg, with which mayor Dieter Reiter opens this year's Oktoberfest. BR24 provides live English commentary for the broadcast.
For the tapping ceremony at the Wiesn on Saturday, the weather is expected to show its best side. After some early morning fog, the sun will shine almost uninterrupted over Munich – according to BR's weather department. Maximum temperature: up to 29 degrees celsius (84 in Fahrenheit).
- For more information about Oktoberfest visit this site.
Attractions Galore
Visitors can then expect 500 businesses on the Theresienwiese. These include, for example, four new rides: the barrier-free and more than 70-meter-high "Skylift," which previously operated in Olympiapark, the "Happy Sailor" with 20 rotating gondolas, the "Montgolfière" for children, and the "Geisterhöhle" (Ghost Cave) on the "Oide Wiesn" (Old Oktoberfest). The "Russenrad" – a small Ferris wheel with an old concert organ – is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Cashless payment in beer tents
At well over half of all businesses and rides, you can now pay both cashless and with cash – a response to increasing demand, as they say. The "Armbrustschützenzelt" (Crossbow Shooters' Tent) will accept cards for the first time – although not all servers will have corresponding mobile devices. In the "Münchener Stubn," however, this time you can only pay your bill exclusively with card or smartphone.
More expensive beer and more free water
Every year at Oktoberfest the beer price changes. It's gone up once again this year and will range between 14.50 and 15.80 euros. That's an average of 3.5 percent more than in 2024. Last year the price range went from 13.60 euros to 15.30 euros. The beer price is set by the restaurateurs.
The city has increased the number of drinking water fountains: There are now ten fountains distributed throughout the grounds where everyone can tap for free. However, you shouldn't bring glass bottles from home: These would be "confiscated" at security checks at the entrance.
Also new: Rain ponchos – and the 2025 Oktoberfest hit song
On worse weather days, vendors are allowed to sell rain ponchos with the official Oktoberfest logo for the first time this year. This also has the advantage that you can leave bulky umbrellas at home and fewer visitors crowd into the already full tents when it rains – that's the plan. Apart from that, everyone hopes that neither umbrellas nor ponchos will be needed at the 2025 Oktoberfest.
Only in October will we probably know which song is the new Oktoberfest hit. Good chances are given to the song "Wackelkontakt" (loose connection) by "Oimara." Ultimately, however, the audience in the festival tents decides who wins the race.
Oktoberfest: Our BreznBot answers your questions about the Wiesn
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