Munich’s Oktoberfest faced one of its most dramatic interruptions in years when a bomb threat linked to a violent crime in the city forced the festival grounds to close for seven hours on Wednesday. Police evacuated the site and only reopened it once they were certain no explosives were present.
The scare followed a tragic incident in Munich’s Lerchenau district, where a man allegedly killed his father, injured his mother and daughter, and set fire to the family home. Investigators later discovered a note threatening the Oktoberfest, prompting the unprecedented shutdown.
Hospitality sector proposes extending the Wiesn
In the aftermath, the Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) suggested that Munich could consider extending the festival. Thomas Geppert, Dehoga’s state managing director, told the German press agency dpa that an extension would send a strong message:
“The Wiesn is a world-famous symbol of Bavarian hospitality, joy of life, and solidarity. We should not let such an incident overshadow it.”
He argued that once the grounds reopen, visitors will return quickly, as the swift police response has reassured the public.
Fewer visitors after reopening
Although tents reopened on Wednesday evening, attendance remained visibly below normal. Beer gardens and tents saw thinner crowds, and the usually bustling grounds were noticeably quieter than on comparable evenings in previous years.
Economic powerhouse for Munich
The Oktoberfest is not only a cultural highlight but also a massive economic factor for the city. Last year, the festival generated around €1.48 billion in revenue, including tent sales, accommodation, and related spending. During the first half of this year’s festival, 3.5 million people attended — slightly fewer than during the same period last year. The record, set in 1985, stands at 7.2 million visitors across the full event.
Is a Wiesn extension realistic?
Even Dehoga acknowledges challenges. Extending the Oktoberfest would require new permits from the city and, most critically, sufficient staff. The majority of waiters, servers, and seasonal workers are hired specifically for the official festival period. Securing them for additional days could prove difficult.
Nevertheless, for many in Munich’s hospitality industry, even the discussion of an extension is a symbolic act of resilience. The sentiment: Oktoberfest stands for joy, not fear.
