One of the world's largest public festivals, Oktoberfest 2026, is preparing to open its doors on September 19 at Theresienwiese in Munich. To ensure a peaceful and safe environment on the festival grounds, strict security and entry rules will be enforced by organizers and police again this year.

Visitors must be particularly careful regarding the knife ban, bag sizes, cannabis use, and the removal of beer mugs from the festival grounds. Those who violate the rules face high fines, expulsion from the festival grounds, and in some cases, criminal proceedings.

Absolute Ban on Knives on Festival Grounds

Carrying knives is prohibited throughout the entire Oktoberfest area. The ban also applies to hunting knives carried with Lederhosen, the traditional Bavarian attire.

According to information from the German Automobile Club ADAC, individuals attempting to bring knives onto the festival grounds may face fines of up to 1,000 euros.

A knife ban is also in effect at some main train and S-Bahn stations in Munich during Oktoberfest.

Up to 1,500 Euro Fine for Cannabis Use

Despite the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, cannabis consumption is strictly prohibited on the Oktoberfest festival grounds.

Individuals caught using cannabis on the festival grounds may face fines of up to 1,500 euros, depending on the nature of the violation.

Bag Size Limit, Glass Bottles Prohibited

Visitors wishing to attend Oktoberfest with a bag or backpack must adhere to specified dimensions.

Only small bags with a maximum volume of three liters or dimensions of 20 x 15 x 10 centimeters are permitted onto the festival grounds. Larger bags must be left at the cloakroom and luggage areas near the entry points.

Bringing glass bottles onto the festival grounds is also strictly prohibited.

Smoking and E-cigarette Ban in Beer Tents

Smoking is prohibited in Oktoberfest's famous beer tents. This ban also includes e-cigarettes.

Visitors who wish to smoke must use the designated outdoor smoking areas on the festival grounds.

Furthermore, bringing outside food and drinks into the beer tents is not permitted.

Climbing on Tables and Railings Prohibited

While it is a common sight for visitors to stand on beer benches in Oktoberfest's lively atmosphere, climbing on tables and railings is strictly prohibited.

Individuals who do not comply with this rule, enforced for safety reasons, may be removed from the festival grounds.

Drinking a Liter of Beer in One Go Can Also Cause Problems

At Oktoberfest, a liter of beer, or the traditional Maß, is one of the important symbols of the festival culture. However, dangerous behaviors involving drinking a liter of beer in one go are not acceptable from a health and safety perspective.

Visitors engaging in such behavior may face the risk of expulsion from the festival grounds by decision of the security personnel.

Taking a Beer Mug is Not a Souvenir, It's Theft

One of the important issues Oktoberfest visitors should be aware of is beer mugs. Taking a beer mug in one's bag as a souvenir from the festival is not considered an innocent act.

Taking a beer mug from the festival grounds without permission can be considered theft. For this reason, visitors may face a temporary festival ban and criminal proceedings.

Important Warning for Visitors

Adhering to security rules at Oktoberfest 2026, which is expected to host millions of people, is of great importance for the safety of both visitors and festival staff. Visitors traveling to Munich for Oktoberfest are advised to check the current entry and security rules before their departure.

Taner TÜZÜN / MUNICH