What do visitors expect at the Oktoberfest?
The Oktoberfest is mostly a beer festival and it serves as a showcase for Munich's six traditional breweries. In 2023, the prices of a beer stein increased significantly, surpassing 17 euros in the most expensive tent. But beyond beer, the event also promotes a large assortment of entertainment and activities, such as games and ball tossing. The event celebrates the traditions of the region through its beer, food, and even outfits. Oktoberfest visitors usually wear the traditional costumes: Dirndl for women and Lederhosen for men. However, some traditions have evolved to keep up with current demand. One example of this is the vegan variant of the Munich specialty Weißwurst – white sausage – which was offered for the first time at the Oktoberfest in 2022. A survey conducted that year found that around one quarter of respondents were inclined to trying the vegan sausages at the festival.Is the Oktoberfest safe?
Large-scale celebrations such as the Oktoberfest can sometimes involve behavior which requires police intervention. In 2022, there were a total of 967 criminal offences at d’Wiesn, with drunk driving constituting the largest share of them. When it came to medical emergencies, there were more than 5.4 thousand people who required special attention at the Oktoberfest in the same year. Since 1999, there have been an average of 1,833 police deployments during those days in Munich, ensuring the authorities are able to handle the situation speedily when necessary.
