Oktoberfest in Munich sets a new record with 7.4 million visitors
Quick Look
The German city of Munich authorities announced that Oktoberfest 2026 received 7.4 million visitors, achieving a new record in attendance and beer consumption, despite several serious and fatal accidents occurring during the 16-day event.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Oktoberfest is the world's largest folk festival held annually in Munich, Germany, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world to consume beer, eat traditional foods and participate in entertainment events.
The authorities of the German city of Munich announced today, Sunday (October 4, 2026), that this year’s edition of the “Oktoberfest” festival has achieved a new record.
The authorities of the Bavarian capital explained that the number of people who visited the largest popular festival in the world in this year's edition reached 7.4 million people. It is noteworthy that the activities of the 191st edition of the "Oktoberfest" festival began on the nineteenth of last September, and ended today, Sunday.
Festival President Christian Scharpf said: “Therefore, the 2026 edition of Oktoberfest is so far the most attractive edition for visitors in the festival’s history.”
The Munich city authorities stated that visitors to the festival drank 6.7 million glasses of beer (a one-litre mug), an increase of 2.7 percent compared to the amount of beer (beer) consumed by visitors to the 2025 edition, which amounted to 6.5 million liters.
Restaurant owners at the festival recorded an increase in food sales of between 2 and 3 percent. "The traditional chicken dish has made a comeback," they said.
Out of a total of 7.4 million people attending the festival this year, 447,000 people also visited the Oidn Wiesn Heritage Festival.
Serious and fatal accidents
Despite the unprecedented crowds, the authorities confirmed that there were no overcrowding incidents after tightening safety measures and making efforts to encourage more visitors to come during the week.
But several serious and fatal accidents occurred during the festival, which lasted 16 days. On the closing day, a 47-year-old Romanian worker was seriously injured after being run over by an amusement park ride, and paramedics had to revive him. The police are investigating why he was in a restricted area.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Munich city authorities will review and implement safety measures in the restricted area around amusement rides after the accident
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What are the exact reasons behind the Romanian worker falling into the restricted area?
- Will these incidents lead to modifications to safety procedures in future editions of the festival?
