Impressions from the first midday at the Munich Oktoberfest
"O'zapft is!" With these words from Munich Mayor Dominik Krause, the world's largest Oktoberfest traditionally kicked off today in the heart of the Bavarian state capital.
It’s underway: THE 191ST MUNICH OKTOBERFEST – the festival’s opening day began this morning with the traditional rush for the festival grounds; the event will draw visitors from around the world to Munich until October 4th (ITALIANO, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, ENGLISH, NEDERLANDS)
Munich – Theresienwiese. Anyone seeing the long lines around the festival grounds at sunrise this morning knew that, in just a few hours, the gates would open for the "Lederhosen and Dirndl run" to secure the best spots in the festival tents. At 9:00 a.m., Munich’s church bells rang, security staff opened the entrances, and the first Oktoberfest visitors raced into the tents in search of the best seats. Only water was served at first, as the excellent new festival beer wasn't available until 12:00 p.m. Munich Mayor Dominik Krause needed just two strikes to tap the keg, then shouted, "O'zapft is! Here’s to a peaceful Oktoberfest!" and handed the first *Maß* (liter mug) to Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder. Meanwhile, ceremonial cannon shots announced the festival's opening, and beer began flowing in all the tents and beer gardens across the Theresienwiese. The music played, and the world's largest folk festival was underway. Today, 55,000 people watched the procession of festival tent hosts as they made their way through Munich to the Theresienwiese.
Theresienwiese on September 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. Press photo: Helga Waess
A white-and-blue sky with the Ferris wheel, 22 degrees, and nothing but happy faces.
A stroll across the Theresienwiese is a must on the first day of the festival!
From Theresienhöhe, one looks out over the festival grounds all the way to the Frauenkirche in the heart of the city. Press photo: Helga Waess
Press representatives from around the world are reporting from Munich today.
We met colleagues from all over the globe. They are reporting from Munich and are delighted by the extremely positive atmosphere among the international visitors. Press photo: Helga Waess
The Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame (Ruhmeshalle)
The Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame overlooking the Theresienwiese in Munich. Press photo: Helga Waess
The Bavaria statue and the Hall of Fame
Ferdinand von Miller cast the bronze Bavaria statue (1843–50) based on a design by Ludwig Schwanthaler. The personification of Bavaria even has a street address: Theresienhöhe 16.The Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame is always a rewarding subject for photography. There is hardly a tourist who doesn't want to take a picture of it.
Text and photos:
Dr. Helga Waess – Art and cultural scholar, historian, and certified journalist with press credentials
(I supply editorial offices with press photos and texts; editorial contributions may also be requested by publications – please do not copy! Copyright: VG-Wort, VG-Bildkunst)
(I supply editorial offices with press photos and texts; editorial contributions may also be requested by publications – please do not copy! Copyright: VG-Wort, VG-Bildkunst)
