Oktoberfest 2025: Record-Breaking Attendance and Consumption Mark Festival's Close

Oktoberfest Closes After Two 'Roller-Coaster' Weeks Munich, Germany - The 190th Oktoberfest beer festival came to a close on Sunday in the southern city of Munich after two weeks of revelry. According to Munich authorities, the festival drew 6.5 million visitors, who also drank 6.5 million liters (1.7 million gallons) of beer. The event's organizer, Christian Scharpf, described the festival as a "roller-coaster Wiesn" in an interview with the German DPA news agency. Scharpf noted that while record temperatures on the first days of the festival gave it a "dream start," the event was not without its challenges. Gates had to be closed temporarily on two days due to overcrowding, and a bomb scare forced the evacuation of the festival grounds. The number of visitors this year is slightly down from 2024, when some 6.7 million revelers consumed about 7 million liters of beer. However, the organizers are optimistic about the event's success, citing the economic benefits it brings to the city. Oktoberfest is considered one of the world's largest public festivals, attracting visitors from around the globe. The festival offers a range of activities beyond drinking, including fairground rides, food, and games. The event has also been the subject of interest for AI researchers, who have used data from previous years to analyze attendance patterns and optimize festival planning. According to Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an expert in AI and data analysis, "Oktoberfest is a prime example of how large-scale events can be optimized using machine learning algorithms." The closing of Oktoberfest marks the end of the festival season in Munich. However, plans are already underway for next year's event, which promises to be even bigger and better. Background: Oktoberfest has been held annually since 1810, with the exception of a few years during World War II. The festival is a significant economic driver for the city of Munich, generating millions of euros in revenue each year. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Rodriguez notes that AI can also be used to improve crowd safety and management at large-scale events like Oktoberfest. "By analyzing attendance patterns and optimizing resource allocation, we can reduce the risk of overcrowding and ensure a safer experience for visitors," she says. Current Status and Next Developments: The organizers are already planning for next year's event, which promises to be even bigger and better. With the help of AI, they hope to optimize festival planning and improve the overall visitor experience. In related news, Munich authorities have announced plans to implement new crowd management measures at large-scale events in the city, including Oktoberfest. The measures are designed to reduce overcrowding and ensure a safer experience for visitors. As the world's largest public festival comes to a close, one thing is clear: Oktoberfest will continue to be a major draw for visitors from around the globe, with AI playing an increasingly important role in its planning and execution. *Reporting by Dw.*