Munich, August 2 – Fifty days before the official tapping of the first barrel, the city of Munich has announced significant innovations for the upcoming Oktoberfest 2026. The focus of this year’s preparations includes enhanced security measures, the introduction of thrilling new rides, and adjustments to beer prices. Third Mayor Verena Dietl (SPD) and Wiesn Chief Christian Scharpf (SPD) presented these changes today, marking the countdown to the festival’s opening on September 19, when the new Mayor, Dominik Krause (Greens), will perform the traditional tapping for the first time.
Enhanced Security Measures After Last Year’s Overcrowding
A major emphasis for Oktoberfest 2026 is on improving visitor safety, following critical overcrowding incidents last year, particularly on the middle Wiesn Saturday (Italian Saturday). To address these concerns, a new security center has been established within the Service Center. This center will serve as a crucial coordination hub, streamlining information flow between security authorities and festival management.
Last year, certain areas in front of the beer tents became so congested that visitors found it difficult to move, leading to temporary closures of entrances. Christian Scharpf stated, “We can detect very early where something is brewing.” The goal is to prevent similar situations through modern observation management, controlled visitor flow, and improved information sharing. Scharpf emphasized that security is the most important aspect of the Wiesn.
As part of the revised security concept, the lost and found office has been relocated to the Theresienhöhe. Additionally, the city is installing urban cameras across the entire festival grounds. These cameras will utilize artificial intelligence to generate “Heat Maps” in the security center, indicating areas where too many people are congregating and potential overcrowding situations could arise.
“How to Wiesn” Campaign to Disperse Crowds
In May, the city launched the “How to Wiesn” campaign to help manage visitor traffic. The campaign encourages guests to visit Oktoberfest during weekdays, highlights that the Wiesn has multiple entrances, and suggests exploring the showmen’s street or the “Oide Wiesn” instead of waiting in long lines outside the tents.
To make morning visits more appealing and to encourage international guests to visit during weekdays, music bands in the large beer tents will now start playing earlier. From 11:00 AM, and even from 10:00 AM on weekends, traditional brass music will be played until 12:00 PM, avoiding “heating up music,” as Scharpf described it. This aims to make early morning sessions more attractive and to distribute visitor numbers more evenly throughout the week.
Exciting New Rides and Attractions
Construction is currently underway on the 35-hectare festival grounds, with 478 businesses approved, including 250 showmen, nearly 200 market traders, and 45 businesses on the “Oide Wiesn.” Out of 954 applications, 40 tents are currently being erected, with ride construction set to begin in late August.
Among the new attractions is the “Shake & Roll” round ride, described as a wilder evolution of “Break Dance” with gondolas that can freely flip and perform complete loops. “Fisherman’s” promises an “action and water adventure” set in a three-story fishing village. Debuting at Oktoberfest is also the “Chaos Pendel,” which will whirl guests up to 42 meters high at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour on a rotating arm attached to a swiveling propeller. Scharpf commented on the new rides as “charming.”
Support for Visitors with Disabilities and Other Innovations
Oktoberfest 2026 will introduce increased support for visitors with invisible disabilities, such as autism, anxiety disorders, or hearing impairments. These individuals can obtain special “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower” lanyards to discreetly signal their needs. Festival staff, authorities, and aid organizations will receive training to be sensitive to these requirements.
Other convenient changes include the option for cashless payments at approximately half of all stalls and attractions. Additionally, water will once again be available for free at ten fountains for visitors to tap themselves.
There are also changes among the tents: “Bartls Flößerstadl” will take over the spot previously occupied by “Münchner Stubn,” whose landlord canceled at short notice. “Bodo’s Cafézelt und Cocktailbar” will also feature a new wooden festival tent.
New Wiesn Mug and Music Competition
The design for the new Wiesn mug, which will also be featured on posters and licensed merchandise, was unveiled in January. It depicts the Frauenkirche and typical Wiesn elements like a tuba, pretzel, Ferris wheel, gingerbread heart, and beer mug in vibrant colors above a hinted table surface. The design was created by graphic artist and illustrator Florian Huber from Kranzberg. This year’s pewter lid features a portrait of Betty Feldl, who operated the “Teufelsrad” for many years.
The “A Liad für’d Wiesn” music competition will also continue. Out of 122 submitted songs, seven made it to the online voting stage. The winner is expected to be announced on Saturday at the Brass Wiesn Festival.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/mehr-sicherheit-und-hoehere-preise-auf-dem-oktoberfest,VQrXG1o
