O’zapft is: how the Oktoberfest first tapping works
The mayor’s first keg opens the Wiesn at noon. Here is why Schottenhamel matters, what signals the other tents and where to follow the ceremony.
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The ritual
One keg, the mayor and a famous Bavarian phrase
The mayor of Munich drives the tap into the first keg at Schottenhamel. “O’zapft is!” means “It’s tapped!” and marks the official opening. The first Maß is traditionally handed to Bavaria’s Minister-President. The crowd and cameras follow how many strokes the mayor needs, but there is no reliable way to predict that number in advance.
The tents open earlier on the first morning, but beer service waits for the ceremonial signal. Twelve shots fired near the Bavaria tell the other tents that the first keg has been tapped and they can start pouring.
Watching in person
Schottenhamel is the centre of the ceremony
Schottenhamel is the main stage for the tapping, so it becomes exceptionally crowded. A seat is not guaranteed by arriving on the grounds. If you cannot get into the tent, the ceremony is also shown by Bavarian public broadcaster BR, which has offered a live broadcast and stream.
If your priority is the tapping, arrive with a clear meeting point and a way to leave the crowd calmly. For the official parade route and other dates, use the 2026 events calendar.
Useful before you go
Common questions, straight answers.
When is the first Oktoberfest tapping in 2026?
At noon on Saturday 19 September 2026 at Schottenhamel Festhalle.
What does “O’zapft is” mean?
It means “It’s tapped” in Bavarian dialect and announces that the first keg has been opened.
Why are twelve shots fired after the first tapping?
They signal to the other festival tents that the official opening has taken place and beer service can begin.
No mystery meat facts
Sources and edition notes
Changeable details such as dates, prices, rules and opening times are checked against the linked sources. Recheck them before your visit.
