Munich Oktoberfest 2026 opens with Green mayor tapping first keg, moment of silence for 1980 bombing

Munich's 191st Oktoberfest officially opened on Saturday when Green Party Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the ceremonial first barrel with two precise strikes at noon. The festival, which runs through October 5, draws millions of visitors to the Theresienwiese fairgrounds each year. Beer prices this year ranged from 14.80 to 15.90 euros per Maß (one-liter mug), continuing a trend of annual price increases. The opening ceremony also included a solemn minute of silence honoring the 12 people who died in the 1980 Oktoberfest bombing, one of the deadliest terror attacks in German post-war history. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder used the occasion to publicly advocate for Munich's bid to host the 2040 Olympic Games, describing the festival as a symbol of Bavaria's international appeal. The 191st edition is expected to attract around six million visitors over its 16-day run.