Munich's Oktoberfest officially opened on Saturday with Mayor Dieter Reiter tapping the first beer barrel. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder described the festival as an escape from current crises. Expected to draw over 6 million visitors, this year's event, the 190th edition, is anticipated to surpass previous records set in 2023 (7.2 million visitors and 7.4 million liters of beer consumed). Despite record beer prices, attendees enjoyed traditional festivities, including beer, food, and rides.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.