The 2024 Munich Oktoberfest, set to begin on September 21, will see around 6 million visitors from across the world gather for over two weeks of beer, food, and festivities. This 189th edition of the iconic festival will feature over 5.6 million liters of beer from six local brewers and countless plates of Bavarian specialties like oxen, potato salad, and sauerkraut.
Yet, beneath the revelry, Oktoberfest has made significant strides in aligning itself with modern sustainability trends, making it a case study of how traditional events can adapt to the times.
While the Oktoberfest remains known for its old-school charm, the event has increasingly focused on minimizing its environmental impact. Festival organizers have worked to incorporate clean energy and waste reduction strategies, transforming what could be a massive source of waste into a platform for ecological stewardship.
Since the 1990s, disposable, non-recyclable plates and cutlery have been banned, with festival-goers instead paying a deposit on reusable glass beer steins, which are washed and reused. Additionally, drink cans are prohibited. Food waste is collected separately and composted, while renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biogas power are used for much of the event.
According to the Munich municipal street cleaning service, these efforts have produced tangible results: waste levels at the festival have plummeted from 247 tons in 2008 to just 88 tons in 2022.
In recent years, Oktoberfest organizers have taken their sustainability efforts further by prioritizing organic, locally sourced, and vegetarian options. Many food stalls offer dishes highlighting locally grown, chemical-free produce, and new vegan and vegetarian menus are increasingly common. One notable addition is the Boandlkramerei tent, which combines local folk music with a predominantly plant-based menu, a significant departure from the traditionally meat-heavy Bavarian fare.
Stallholders are also encouraged to sell reusable or recyclable goods, and many have adopted solar power installations or electric vehicles to minimize their carbon footprint further. These sustainable initiatives play into the festival’s "eco points" system, which helps rate businesses seeking admission to the Wiesn, or fairground.
Oktoberfest’s ambitious green transition isn’t limited to food. In 2023, the 15 largest beer halls on the fairgrounds announced plans to become climate-neutral within the next five years—possibly even as soon as three years. This shift involves reducing carbon emissions by incorporating more climate-friendly vegetarian and vegan menu items and investing in carbon-offsetting initiatives worldwide.
This push toward climate neutrality started in 2016 when Ammer Hühner und Entenbraterei chicken and duck grill became the first climate-neutral venue at the festival. They achieved this by offsetting their unavoidable emissions with investments in global sustainability projects, such as providing efficient cooking systems to families in Nigeria and supporting low-emission power generation in India.
Even Oktoberfest’s famous amusement rides are joining the green revolution. For instance, the Grand Carousel, which debuted in 2023, is powered by an emission-free electric motor. This shift marks a notable departure from the diesel-powered rides of the past, proving that even the most traditional elements of the festival are capable of evolving.
As Oktoberfest continues to evolve, it reflects a broader trend of iconic cultural events embracing sustainability. The festival is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable event management by integrating renewable energy, reducing waste, and offering more environmentally friendly food options. The 2024 Oktoberfest promises a memorable celebration and a step toward a greener future.
The festival’s continued commitment to carbon neutrality is a testament to how even century-old traditions can adapt and thrive in a world increasingly conscious of its environmental impact.
Whether through reducing emissions, offering plant-based dishes, or utilizing clean energy, Oktoberfest proves that sustainability and celebration can go hand in hand.
