Munich Oktoberfest Draws a Record 7.4 Million Visitors

Munich’s Oktoberfest has ended its 2026 edition with a record 7.4 million visitors, making this year’s festival the most attended in its long history.

The 16-day celebration ended on Sunday, October 4, after bringing people from Germany and around the world to the Theresienwiese festival grounds.

The final attendance figure was higher than the 6.5 million visitors recorded in 2025. Organizers said the warm late-summer weather helped attract large crowds, while visitor numbers also increased during weekdays.

The festival’s traditional atmosphere remained a major attraction. Visitors filled the beer tents, food stalls and amusement rides, while many wore traditional Bavarian clothing such as lederhosen and dirndls.

International visitors were particularly numerous. According to organizers, the largest groups of foreign visitors came from the United States, Italy and Austria.

The festival also recorded strong interest in its traditional section known as the Oide Wiesn. About 447,000 people visited the area, which offers a more historic version of the Oktoberfest experience.

Beer consumption reached about 6.7 million one-liter mugs, an increase of 2.7 percent from the previous year. At the same time, sales of non-alcoholic drinks increased by 10 percent.

Behind the celebrations, thousands of workers, vendors, security staff and emergency personnel helped keep the enormous event running. The lost-and-found office handled about 4,000 items, while staff also helped six children who became temporarily separated from their families.

For many visitors, however, the Oktoberfest was about more than food, rides or beer. It was an opportunity to meet friends, experience Bavarian traditions and share a festival that has become an international part of Munich’s cultural identity.

After 16 days and millions of visitors, the 2026 Oktoberfest closed with its biggest crowd ever — another reminder of the enduring appeal of gathering together in person for music, food, tradition and celebration.

Sources: Reuters; City of Munich; Oktoberfest.de.