Oktoberfest has brought a tremendous economic boom to the local economy, depositing over €1.57 billion in Munich's GDP yearly. This festival is celebrated in different parts of the world as well. China, the USA, Brazil, and many other big names are venues for Beerfest with their cultural twist each year. This colossal event has brought much gain apart from entertainment to all its hosts. Oktoberfest has impacted the global economy by opening new job positions, exchanging goods, and creating a positive image of the host country. For a reason, other countries have welcomed Wiesn into their homeland!
Oktoberfest Economic Impact on Germany
The Oktoberfest economic impact is substantial, with the festival typically contributing up to 2% to Munich's GDP annually. In 2025, the festival attracted 6.5 million visitors over 16 days and generated over €1 billion for Munich's economy. This was slightly below the typical €1.57 billion contribution due to a bomb threat on October 1 that forced the temporary closure of the Theresienwiese grounds. All this fiscal contribution comes from different industries, like hospitality, transportation, food, and local goods.
Approximately 6.5 million Wiesn attendees in 2025 spent almost €442 million on the fairgrounds, with around 6.5 million liters of beer consumed. Over the 16 days of festivities, each person spent an average of €70.22, according to the City of Munich Department of Labor and Economic Development.
Attendees outside Munich spent almost €505 million on accommodation alone, contributing to a considerable revenue increase for the hospitality industry. Hotel occupancy rates reached 92% during peak days, with average room rates soaring to €415 per night. Food sales jumped 5-6% in 2025, while the sale of non-alcoholic beverages within and outside Oktoberfest beer tents increased by 50% compared to previous years.
How Much Money Does Oktoberfest Make?
The Munich Oktoberfest revenue typically reaches €1.57 billion annually, making it one of the most profitable cultural festivals in the world. Roughly €1.25 billion is spent on drinks, food, and rides during the festival. The remaining revenue comes from accommodation, transportation, shopping, and other tourism-related activities.
Beyond these figures, 8,000 permanent and 5,000 temporary jobs are created every year because of Wiesn, with approximately 12,000 full-time positions supported throughout the year. Stalls, bars, and amusement rides collectively contribute an estimated €140 million to the festival's earnings.
How Much Revenue Does Oktoberfest Generate?
Oktoberfest revenue from beer sales alone is substantial. In 2025, beer prices ranged between €14.50 and €15.80 per liter (Maß), representing a 3.52% increase from 2024. The cheapest beer was available at Augustiner-Festhalle at €14.50, while Münchner Stubn charged the highest at €15.80. Between 6 and 7 million liters of beer are served annually, generating approximately €75.7 million in Munich's gross revenue from beer sales alone.
Only Munich's six breweries are permitted to serve beer at Oktoberfest. Non-alcoholic drinks have also seen price increases, with table water averaging €10.95 per liter, Spezi at €12.48, and lemonade at €12.11. Despite record-high prices, visitors continue to attend in millions, demonstrating the festival's enduring appeal.
Munich Oktoberfest Revenue and Regional Impact
The Munich Oktoberfest revenue extends far beyond the festival grounds. The economic ripple effect reaches 50 to 100 kilometers beyond Munich, boosting tourism in surrounding Bavarian towns. Munich Airport reported 15-20% increased passenger traffic during the festival, benefiting airlines and airport services.
The U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks operate at maximum capacity with extended hours, while regional trains from neighboring towns carry commuters staying in outlying areas. Local businesses experience 40% increases in sales during the festival period, with restaurants, hotels, and retail shops extending operating hours to accommodate increased demand.
International visitors comprise 72% of total attendance, with Americans, Italians, and Australians representing the largest foreign demographic groups. These international guests spend an average of €180 per day on accommodations, food, beverages, and souvenirs, significantly higher than domestic visitor spending of €85 daily. Since 2024, more visitors from India have been attending Oktoberfest, expanding the festival's global reach.
Financial Impact of Wiesn on Different Countries
Oktoberfest revenue extends globally as the festival is celebrated worldwide. Here are some key figures from major Oktoberfest celebrations:
-
According to the Economics Department at the University of Wisconsin, during Oktoberfest in 2014, the annual Beerfest in La Crosse generated a total annual economic impact of $15 million.
-
State and Local Governmental bodies of Wisconsin received $1.17 million in taxes.
-
According to a study on the economic impact of Oktoberfest done in 2022, Kitchener-Waterloo Beerfest generated over $5.4 million in economic benefit to the Waterloo Region.
-
Kitchener Waterloo tourism industry generated $6.7 million due to the Wiesn.
-
The local restaurants and hotels generated $4 million during the Kitchener Waterloo Wiesn.
-
Over $1.9 million in tax revenue was generated from the Oktoberfest Kitchener Waterloo.
-
Oktoberfest Cincinnati generates tens of millions of dollars in revenue after COVID.
-
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati set a new attendance record in 2025 with 818,532 attendees, making it the largest Oktoberfest in North America.
Other Implications of Wiesn Around the Globe
Apart from the financial benefits, the Oktoberfest economic impact has benefited host countries in several socio-economic ways that cannot be ignored.
Creation of New Jobs
One of Oktoberfest's most significant global impacts is on employment. Wiesn creates new positions in the hospitality and tourism industry. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and event venues see a significant rise in business during the Beerfest. This leads to an influx of job openings. Oktoberfest provides employment opportunities across various roles and skill levels, from waitstaff and bartenders to hotel staff and event organizers. Though smaller in scale, local celebrations still contribute to job creation within their respective communities.
In Wisconsin alone, the festival creates 200 new jobs every fall during the Oktoberfest season. The Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest creates 59 full-year jobs. Munich's Oktoberfest alone supports approximately 12,000 temporary jobs and boosts employment throughout the region.
Oktoberfest Revenue Generation in Munich Through Taxes
The Munich Oktoberfest revenue contributes to Bavaria's economy through indirect taxes, job creation, and tourism revenue.
-
Beer sales alone generate approximately €75.7 million to €100 million in gross revenue, with VAT at 19%.
-
Shopping, city tours, taxis, and overnight stays by out-of-town visitors account for approximately €937 million.
-
The festival generates an estimated €39.63 million per day in taxable economic activity.
-
The 12,000-13,000 seasonal workers earning between €5,000 and €12,000 during the 16-day festival contribute to income tax revenues.
Sale of the Local Goods
The event organizer of Cincinnati Oktoberfest reports massive consumption figures: "87,542 metts, 80,500 bratwurst, 64,000 sauerkraut balls, and lots of beer." Local bakeries, butchers, and food stores display traditional delicacies, from freshly baked pretzels to sausages and hearty stews. The sales of these Bavarian dishes skyrocket during the Wiesn, benefiting local traders. Oktoberfest revenue from food and merchandise is another significant income stream.
"The big takeaway we saw is that Oktoberfest is no longer limited to German pubs, and more bars and restaurants should be taking advantage of this two-week festival and pushing beer specials to capture more sales," said Layne Cox, Union’s chief marketing officer. "With the price of Oktoberfest brews being higher than other beers, this is a big sales opportunity that many operators should capitalize on."
Promoting Host's Soft Image
Though this aspect may not impact the global economy directly, all the nations celebrating the German heritage with open arms are considered welcoming. With Oktoberfest, the host states get to present their image and help them in trade with the German nation as well as globally. Annually, Oktoberfest gives the locals a chance to present their food, beverages, and culture along with German traditions. The festival's portrayal on social media platforms creates a positive image of Munich and Germany, attracting infrastructural investments and foreign businesses.
Sustainability and Future Outlook
Since 2023, Oktoberfest has operated entirely on green electricity, while water used for rinsing beer mugs gets recycled for sanitary facilities. The city has implemented a vendor points system monitoring sustainability practices, with the ultimate goal of achieving complete climate neutrality. These initiatives ensure the long-term viability of the economic impact of Oktoberfestwhile addressing environmental concerns.
Looking ahead, Oktoberfest revenue is expected to continue growing despite rising costs. The 2025 edition demonstrated remarkable resilience, generating over €1 billion in economic activity even with security disruptions. As more cities worldwide adopt their own Oktoberfest celebrations, the global economic significance of this beloved festival continues to expand.