Events at the Oktoberfest: Tapping, parades, concert at the Bavaria
Oktoberfest programme of events 2026
There are always some great events at the Oktoberfest that you shouldn't miss: In addition to the traditional tapping, there are also two parades through the city on the first weekend and the concert at the Bavaria is also worth a visit.
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Grand entry of the Oktoberfest landlords and breweries
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Route: From Sonnenstraße via Schwanthalerstraße to the Oktoberfest grounds
What happens: This traditional parade marks the start of Oktoberfest. Around 1,000 participants make their way to the Theresienwiese, including the Oktoberfest landlords and their families in decorated carriages, the magnificent horse-drawn wagons of Munich’s breweries, waitresses, showmen and women, and the beer tent bands. In 2026, the new Münchner Kindl, Sina Hochreiter, leads the parade on horseback. Munich Mayor Dominik Krause also travels to Oktoberfest in a carriage before tapping the first keg.
Tapping of the first keg
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026, at noon
Venue: Schottenhamel Festhalle
What happens: The tapping of the first keg officially opens Oktoberfest every year. In 2026, Munich Mayor Dominik Krause will perform the ceremony for the first time. After tapping the keg, he traditionally declares “O’zapft is!” Twelve ceremonial gun salutes at the Bavaria statue then signal to the other beer tents that beer may be served. Traditionally, the first Maß — a one-liter mug of beer — is presented to the Bavarian Minister-President.
Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen's Parade
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to around noon
Route: From the Max II Monument to the Theresienwiese
What happens: More than 8,000 participants take part in one of the highlights of the first Oktoberfest weekend. Traditional costume groups, riflemen’s associations, brass bands, riders, carriages and decorated floats travel about seven kilometers through central Munich. In 2026, 8,267 participants from 148 groups are taking part. They come from Bavaria, other parts of Germany and several European countries.
Open-air concert of the Oktoberfest bands
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Venue: In front of the Bavaria statue
What happens: On the second Sunday of Oktoberfest, the bands from the large beer tents come together for a traditional open-air concert. Around 300 musicians perform Bavarian and Alpine marches and songs. Traditional costume and Schuhplattler dance groups also take part. By tradition, Munich’s mayor and other guests also take turns conducting some of the pieces. The concert traditionally ends with the Bavarian anthem. Admission is free.
Ceremonial gun salute on the final day of Oktoberfest
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026, at noon
Venue: On the steps below the Bavaria statue
What happens: Around 60 men and women in traditional costume gather below the Bavaria statue for the ceremonial gun salute on the final day of Oktoberfest. The program also includes brass music and the honoring of Bavaria’s state shooting champions, before traditionally ending with the Bavarian anthem. The shots are very loud but no bullets are fired: special ceremonial devices filled with gunpowder are used to produce the salute. Visitors who are sensitive to loud noises may want to keep some distance or use hearing protection. Oktoberfest does not end at noon, however: the beer tents, rides and stalls remain open until later in the evening.
