Oktoberfest 2024: The World’s Largest Beer Festival in Munich
Oktoberfest 2024 was held from September 21 to October 6. Key dates included the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by Munich’s mayor on September 21 and the traditional costume parade on September 22. Munich’s Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, made a spectacular return in 2023 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival, which ran from September 16 to October 3, attracted over 6 million visitors from around the globe. This year, Oktoberfest featured new highlights, including a craft beer tent showcasing local breweries, expanded family-friendly areas, and an array of cultural performances.
During the 18-day event, attendees consumed approximately 7.5 million liters of beer, 500,000 roasted chickens, and 200,000 pairs of sausages. The festival also generated significant economic benefits, with an estimated €1.2 billion in revenue for the local economy. “We are thrilled to see Oktoberfest back in full swing, bringing joy and economic benefits to Munich,” said Clemens Baumgärtner, head of Oktoberfest. In addition to the traditional beer tents and fairground rides, Oktoberfest 2023 emphasized sustainability with increased recycling efforts, the use of renewable energy, and eco-friendly transportation options. Visitors were encouraged to use public transport, and the festival provided numerous recycling stations to minimize waste.
