The Oktoberfest 2026 set a new record with 7.4 million visitors, according to the organizing committee announced on Sunday. By the halfway point of the festival, 3.8 million people had attended, which represents an increase of 300,000 compared to the previous year and 400,000 more than the record-setting 2023 event. Notably, the 2026 festival lasted only 16 days, compared to the 18 days of the 2023 event.
Consumption figures also reached new heights. The association of Munich breweries reported that festival beer consumption increased by 2.7%, reaching approximately 6.7 million Maß. Sales of non-alcoholic beverages rose by ten percent, with the sour Radler being particularly popular. Furthermore, festival vendors reported a positive growth of two to three percent in food sales.
However, the final day of the Wiesn was overshadowed by serious accidents. On the Oidn Wiesn area, a fairground employee was severely injured after being struck by a ship’s swing. The circumstances of the accident remain unclear, and the ride has since been closed. Earlier, on September 21, a staff member of the Freefall-Towers Hangover tragically died. Despite these serious incidents, overall security measures were assessed as effective.
