Oktoberfest asks visitors to stay away as crowds fill grounds

Oktoberfest organisers asked visitors to come later on Saturday as crowds packed the grounds, BR reported. The festival management, acting on behalf of the city, posted a message saying there were already too many guests and urging people to return at another time. Many had used German Unity Day to visit the festival.

Many of the large beer tents had been closed since midday because they were full. Beer gardens also filled up, with entry stopped. The prospect of unreserved seats in the tents appears to have encouraged more people to try their luck.

A similar situation arose the previous Saturday, during the festival’s middle weekend, but later in the day, at about 4:45 p.m., when reservations changed over. Organisers briefly closed both main entrances and made announcements in German, English and Italian. The crowds then dispersed. Festival chief Christian Scharpf said the strengthened safety plan had worked.

Organisers will publish visitor numbers for Oktoberfest 2026 on Sunday, the festival’s final day. Police, fire services and emergency responders will also release their figures. A traditional ceremonial firing at noon will officially mark the end of the festival, although celebrations will continue into the night.