Munich: The fifth season begins! Strong beer season in Minga! ...
Oktoberfest Countdown: 212 days until the tapping of the first keg in the Schottenhamel beer tent!
Munich Oktoberfest and Oide Wiesn - from September 19, 2026 to October 4, 2026 on the Theresienwiese in Munich (English, Italiano, Deutsch)
Munich. In Munich, the "fifth season" traditionally begins with strong beer season, which starts after Ash Wednesday (in 2026: February 20 at the Löwenbräukeller) and lasts until Easter. It's celebrated with traditional strong beer festivals in rustic taverns and beer halls. The tapping of the first Salvator keg on the Nockherberg (this year on March 4) is considered the highlight of this special season. Carnival and Oktoberfest are also sometimes referred to as the fifth season. So today we start the Oktoberfest countdown: The 191st Oktoberfest will take place this year from September 19th to October 4th, 2026 on the Theresienwiese in Munich. The Oktoberfest traditionally begins on the second-to-last weekend of September. Highlights like the tapping of the first keg of beer on September 19th, the traditional costume and riflemen's parade on September 20th, and the nostalgic Old Oktoberfest (Oide Wiesn) are always something to behold. This year, the Old Oktoberfest 2026 will once again take place as part of the 191st Oktoberfest in the southern part of the Theresienwiese. Anyone who loves tradition should definitely check it out and visit the nostalgic beer tents like the "Festzelt Tradition," the "Boandlkramerei," and the "Schützenlisl," as well as the historic rides.
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| Munich Oktoberfest - Press photo archive : Helga Waess (cover blog) |
The new Oktoberfest poster design has already been chosen
Every year there's a competition for the new Oktoberfest poster design. This year, graphic designer Florian Huber from Kranzberg created the colorful, vibrant design. A play of rich colors is brought to life by the bright yellow, and all the elements of Munich's Oktoberfest are incorporated: from the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) to the beer stein and the Ferris wheel, the viewer already feels a longing for late summer and a visit to the Oktoberfest. It's reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, throwing colorful, repeating, and symmetrical patterns back and forth. The poster jury has made an excellent choice.
We're already looking forward to the arrival of the landlords and breweries and the tapping of the first keg
The 191st Oktoberfest will kick off with the traditional tapping of the first keg by the Mayor of Munich.
Crowds of people will then gather to watch the music and traditional costume groups march through the city center to the Theresienwiese.
A tip: Start planning your Oktoberfest vacation in Munich early!
Anyone planning a trip to Munich specifically for the grand 191st Oktoberfest in 2026 can start looking now and booking accommodations...
191st Munich Oktoberfest and Old Oktoberfest 2026
Dates: September 19, 2026 – October 4, 2026
Location: Theresienwiese, Munich
Tapping of the first keg: September 19, 2026, 12:00 noon in the Schottenhamel tent
