The annual Oktoberfest 2024 celebration ended successfully and peacefully after 16 days (21 September to 6 October). The 189th iteration of the festival was packed with fun, and 6.7 million people flocked to the Theresienwiese. 

The total consumption of beer was recorded to be 7 million liters, and food sales increased by 9% compared to the previous year. Oktoberfest 2024 set some new records and introduced exciting additions. Overall, the celebration met expectations for both organizers and guests.

The Highlights from Oktoberfest 2024 

The Oktoberfest celebration's aspects, such as food, drinks, tents, rides, etc., are equally important in making the festival a success. 

Locals to International-The Guests at the Oktoberfest 2024

The headcount was slightly less than the previous year, but the festival had a good turnover of 6.7 million people overall. Festival director Clemens Baumgärtner quoted regarding the numbers: “It's not about chasing records, but about happy and satisfied visitors.” 

The colorful audience at the fest consists of senior citizens, young people, couples, families, and friends. Organizers praised the fact that “the beer tents were filled but not overcrowded.” 

Which international guests flocked to the Oktoberfest in abundance? The majority of the visitors were local, but the International visitors were from the USA, Italy, the UK, Austria, Poland, France, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, and, for the first time, increasingly from India. The traditional attire unites all the guests (local or international) at the fairground. 

New Food and Beer Drinking Records Set 

Although beer is costly for some, it was flowing freely even at Oktoberfest 2024. Despite the price adjustment, beer consumption saw a very marginal decline from the previous year. According to the landlords of small and large tents, beer, wine, champagne, other long drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages were sold in a good number.

• Most sold beverage besides beer: Water, apple spritzer, and Spezi

• 1 litre Mass price: Between 13.60 and 15.30 euros.

Which traditional dish was the Oktoberfest winner? Prime Minister Markus Söder's statement at X backed the high demand for Hendl (chicken roast) and recommended others try it too. Both the small and large tent hosts reported an increase in food demand, with traditional dishes still winning the guests' hearts. Vegetarian and vegan dishes were also prominent on most of the tents' menus. 

Decline in the Overall Crime Rate 

The festival organizers reported a decline in the crime rate, which was possible due to the increased police force. The Munich police stated: “It was a safe and peaceful Oktoberfest.” There were fewer physical assaults, pickpocketings, and sexual offenses. The number of crimes fell by around 25% compared to the previous year.

What were some prominent cases at the Oktoberfest 2024? Six minor drinking cases were reported during the Oktoberfest, of which only one was reported as serious. 98,000 beer mugs were recovered, and 3,500 items were reported as lost, from which 800 items were returned to their owners. The list of the lost items includes:

• 160 bags

• 700 wallets

• 500 ID cards

• 60 umbrellas

• 315 cell phones

• 700 items of clothing

• 300 pairs of glasses or sunglasses

No fire incidents were reported, and youth protection also played a role in safeguarding minors from intoxication or helping the lost minors rejoin their families.

The New Additions to the Oktoberfest in 2024

There have been several upgrades and new additions to the Oktoberfest 2024. Some of the notable changes include the new tent additions, new rides, and new attractions.

• A new Oktoberfest tent, Boandlkramerei, joined the Oide Wiesn, replacing the Herzkasperl-Festzelt.

• Festzelt Tradition expands its lemonade garden, where children can tap their own soda.

• AuerOx & Suppenküche stall also started serving ox sandwiches, fried chicken, stews, and soups.

• Augustiner Festhalle renovates its back balcony, with part of it now serving as a brewery balcony.

• Löwenbräu-Festzelt continues its second-floor expansion, adding new storage spaces, windows on the north side, and a centralized beer pipeline system for better service.

• Laser Pix is a mobile shooting gallery, and Kick Down, a ride similar to Mr. Gravity but with a completely different experience, made its debut at Oktoberfest 2024.

• Two classic rides, Jim & Jasper's Wildwasser, a popular log flume ride, and Der Selbstfahrer, a historic bumper car ride, are reintroduced at the Oide Wiesn section of the festival.

• In 2024, a German Mittelstand Innovation Award-winning initiative, “the vr4kids Project,” was introduced for children and young people with disabilities. 

• Five free water drinking taps were installed outside the toilet, which was a relief during the warmer days at the fest.

Oktoberfest 2024 Steps towards Sustainability 

820 tons of waste was disposed of in the 189th edition of the Oktoberfest, which was fairly less than the previous year. Instead of disposable options, reusable beer steins and cutlery were made available to the guests. 

The beer tents worked towards their promise of making their marquees climate-neutral by minimizing their carbon footprint. They have taken steps by incorporating vegetarian and vegan menu items and investing in carbon offsetting initiatives through out the world.

The Utility Cosumed During Oktoberfest 2024

For the second year in a row, Oktoberfest 2024 was powered entirely by green electricity. Around 65% of customers continued to actively purchase M-green electricity, maintaining the same high level as the previous year. 

• Total electricity consumption: 2.8 million kilowatt hours, a 12% increase compared to the previous year.

• Total Gas consumption: 19%, reaching 165,000 cubic meters, as nearly all available gas connections for cooking and heating were in use. Water consumption, however, decreased by 2.18% to 82,653 cubic meters compared to 2023.

• Total water usage (at the festival's drinking fountains): 72 cubic meters (as of October 5). The Bräurosl drinking fountain was the most popular, with nearly 20 cubic meters of water consumed.

Wrapping It Up- Oktoberfest 2024 a Happy Affair

The 2024 Oktoberfest celebration was considered one of the best editions of the festival, both in terms of weather and turnout. The fairground received many new attractions, including one new tent in Oide Wiesn and a new food stall. The environment-friendly initiative continued with efforts to make the tents climate-neutral. The celebration resulted peacefully from the organizers' efforts and the visitors' cooperation.