Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest suspended in Germany after ‘bomb threat’

Local authorities in the German city have announced that Oktoberfest, Munich’s renowned beer festival, will be closed for the majority of Wednesday following a security concern related to a deadly explosion elsewhere in the city.

As a result of an investigation into whether an explosion at a residential building in northern Munich was connected to Oktoberfest, the festival grounds will remain closed until at least 5pm (15:00 GMT).

According to Germany’s Bild newspaper, a man planted explosives in his parents’ home in Munich’s Lerchenau district. One victim was killed at the scene, and another is still unaccounted for. According to the police, special forces were used to extricate booby traps discovered inside the building.

“We are currently looking into every possibility,” he said. Possible connections to other Munich locations, including the Theresienwiese [the Oktoberfest venue], are being looked into, according to a Munich police statement that was cited by the Reuters news agency. The festival grounds’ opening has been postponed because of this.

The festival grounds are still being searched, according to city officials, who confirmed this on their official X account and gave instructions to visitors to leave.

Oktoberfest also stated on its website that a “bomb threat” will prevent it from happening until 5 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, and that a decision will be made regarding how to proceed.

The Oktoberfest this year started on September 20 and ends on October 5. Up to six million people usually attend the largest beer festival in the world.