Oktoberfest 2026: Construction Begins at Theresienwiese as Munich Prepares for the World’s Largest Folk Festival
With just 82 days to go until the ceremonial tapping of the first keg, Munich’s Theresienwiese has transformed into one of Europe’s largest temporary construction sites. On Monday, June 29, at 7 a.m., excavators rolled in to begin the massive logistical undertaking of erecting the world’s largest folk festival. This year, organizers started two weeks earlier than usual due to weather conditions, ensuring that all 35 tents and countless facilities will be ready for the millions of visitors expected from September 19.
The setup phase is a monumental task that spans twelve weeks, moving thousands of tons of materials to build fairground rides, stages, beer gardens, and essential infrastructure. Each day, workers labor to transform the open meadow into a vibrant festival grounds. The scale is staggering: by the time the first beer is tapped, the site will be fully operational, ready to welcome guests from around the globe. Accessibility is also a priority, with luggage storage areas at the Hans-Fischer-Straße entrances (G10) and near the main entrance (G1) offering two complimentary wheelchairs to guests with limited mobility, in exchange for a photo ID as a deposit.
While the main Oktoberfest continues to draw massive crowds, the Oide Wiesn (the traditional, nostalgic section) faces challenges. It has not yet recovered from the pandemic’s impact, with visitor numbers in 2025 reaching only 372,001—significantly below the 447,356 in 2024 and far from the pre-pandemic high of 556,920 in 2019. Organizers are exploring optimizations and volume discounts to attract more visitors to this beloved area, which offers a more historical and family-friendly atmosphere.
As the construction progresses, anticipation builds. The Ochsenbraterei, one of the largest tents, has already announced that brass band music will play until 3 p.m. daily, promising a lively atmosphere. With meticulous planning and early start, Munich is on track to deliver another unforgettable Oktoberfest, blending tradition, innovation, and Bavarian hospitality.
Shimanta Das 
