Flocks of lederhosen and dirndl-wearing groups ran to claim their seats in the Oktoberfest tents, filled with tables covered in steins of beer. Attendees danced atop benches as booming music blaired from the main stage, and visitors drank their way through the annual celebration of Oktoberfest in Munich. However, with binge-drinking and massive crowds, there comes various risks for visitors and staff.
Preliminary statistics from the official Oktoberfest website report 7.4 million guests, around 6.7 million Maß of beer consumed and about 4,000 lost items. Police and medical staff reported an increase in the number of incidents for the 2026 season. Additionally, 105,000 beer mugs were collected from attempted theft despite signs hanging at the entrance and exits of booths bringing a notice that taking or purposefully breaking beer mugs is illegal.
“Everyone here is drunk. The Puke Hill [Kotzhügel] is right over there, that’s where people throw-up, people have even thrown-up on me. Some people have even died here from over-drinking,” said a souvenir-selling staff member on the large quantity of Oktoberfest visitors.
Security staff was present throughout to ensure safety and to respond to any disturbances reported on the festival grounds. Alongside medical personnel to help with emergencies, who could be seen rolling sick or injured people out on stretchers and blowing whistles to better navigate crowds. There were also staff members watching who was going in and out of bathrooms and different information booths to direct and answer questions.
Some female visitors have reported facing harassment, however Oktoberfest anticipated this issue and supplied staff to hand out free shorts for women wearing skirts to prevent exposure and to create a feeling of security to enjoy the various amusement rides.
Maddon Hoh-Choi, a third-year Berkeley student currently studying abroad in Barcelona, had a suggestion of what to do to help increase the safety levels at the event. “I believe that if there was a ticket-system, free or even for five euros, it would help weed out some looking for trouble and help getting into the festival,” said Hoh-Choi.
With this, Oktoberfest still remains an exciting event year after year that can be safely enjoyed when taking the right precautions and preparation. Friends, families and travelers alike can enjoy beverages, various foods, music, rides and have fun in a friendly setting.
