Oktoberfest 2026 opens: Munich's Mayor Krause taps the first keg

This year's keg-tapping turned into a demonstration of Bavarian matter-of-factness. "Der holte aus, schlug zweimal schnell, gezielt und kräftig zu, war nach zwei Sekunden fertig und rief: „O'zapft is!"", an eyewitness described the moment. Afterwards, the keg-tapper revealed that the previous evening he had drunk "zum Einschlafen" two half beers and had followed a piece of advice: "Man sollte bloß nicht größenwahnsinnig werden und einen Schlag probieren, weil dann geht's auf jeden Fall schief."

Opening of Munich's Oktoberfest: Krause and Söder in the Schottenhamel Festival Tent

Opening of Munich's Oktoberfest: Krause and Söder in the Schottenhamel Tent

Political Prominence and Tradition

Also part of the party was Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder. At the keg-tapping, however, an unwritten rule applies: the political luminaries stand one row behind the keg-tapper. Söder therefore had to take the position unfamiliar to him in the second row.

Political Prominence and Tradition

Wiesn Kick-off Under Economic Premise

In addition to Söder, numerous other guests from politics, business and show business were invited. Among them was Schlager star Florian Silbereisen, who regularly accompanies the folk festival as a promotional figure.

Wiesn Kick-off Under Economic Premise

Economic Significance and Security Precautions

The consumption of traditional costumes and beer at the Wiesn is of supraregional significance: up to six million visitors are expected at the festival grounds over the coming two weeks, including many tourists from abroad. The medical station is also expecting increased numbers and is preparing personnel-wise for the two festival weeks.

The TV channel OE24 broadcast the kick-off live via stream, so that the opening ceremony could be followed nationwide and abroad. Commentators assessed the swift strike as evidence of a smooth opening and a successful start to the Wiesn season.

Economic Significance and Security Precautions

The City of Munich invests millions each year in security at the Wiesn, from medical services and traffic control to access checks at the festival tents. Due to alcohol consumption and the masses of visitors, the medical station is also preparing for an intensive season.

Following the successful keg-tapping, the first visitors streamed onto the festival grounds. The tents opened immediately after the traditional signal, and the atmosphere at the Theresienwiese was described by media and guests as exuberant yet orderly.