New Munich mayor faces first Oktoberfest keg-tapping test

Munich Mayor Dominik Krause is set to open the 191st Oktoberfest by tapping the first beer keg at noon in the Schottenhamel beer tent, BR reported. It will be Krause’s first time performing the ceremony as mayor.

Krause has already practised, aware that millions of viewers will be watching to see how many blows he needs. His predecessors, Dieter Reiter and Christian Ude, usually managed it in two.

BR Television is broadcasting the tapping live in its programme O’zapft is!, with presenters Michael Sporer and Susanne Wiesner reporting from the Schottenhamel tent. The programme will also feature actress Mitsou Jung, who will discuss filming the latest season of Hubert ohne Staller, and influencer Alessandro Capasso, who will talk about creating content from folk festivals.

At the Theresienwiese’s main entrance, Sophie Grund and Andi Christl will comment on the arrival of the Oktoberfest hosts with the breweries’ decorated horse-drawn wagons. The Bayerischer Rundfunk broadcast will also be available with sign language.

The festival grounds opened at 9 a.m. for the traditional rush to the beer tents. Many predominantly young visitors had spent the night waiting in queues before rushing inside. BR said the crowds were notably disciplined this year after chaotic scenes in 2025.

Beer will not be served until the mayor declares O’zapft is after tapping the keg.