Efficient setup and dismantling at the Oktoberfest: Which machines will be used in Munich in 2024?

The Munich Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world and places high demands on the logistics and the machines used. Here is an overview of the use of forklifts , rotating telescopic forklifts , cranes and work platforms during assembly and dismantling on the Theresienwiese in Munich.

Preparations for the Oktoberfest usually start in July

Construction work for the Oktoberfest begins in July. Numerous machines are available for building the huge beer tents and festival halls. Forklifts and rotating telescopic forklifts, which can transport the material precisely and flexibly, are indispensable. The city of Munich ensures that the preparations run according to plan and safely, because everything has to be ready in time for the start of the Oktoberfest in September. Cranes are also frequently used to safely lift and place heavy parts such as tent supports and roof structures.

This is how the tents and beer tents are set up on the Theresienwiese

Cranes and work platforms are mainly used to set up the tents on the Theresienwiese. The cranes lift the large roof structures into position, while the work platforms enable them to be set up at height. In the state capital of Munich, where the Oktoberfest takes place every year in September or October, safety plays a central role - the Theresienwiese is largely closed to the public during the set-up. This allows the workers to set up the tents and beer halls undisturbed. The work platforms are important because they can be used flexibly and allow access to hard-to-reach places on the tent roofs.

A telescopic forklift from BIBERGER in use to set up a festival tent on the Theresienwiese – efficient support for the Munich Oktoberfest 2024.

What machines are used to build the rides?

Special machines are also needed for the rides at the Oktoberfest. Forklifts and telescopic forklifts transport the heavy components of the carousels and roller coasters, which are often delivered in individual parts. They ensure quick and safe assembly, as they can work in the tightest of spaces. For particularly large or tall rides such as the famous Ferris wheel, special cranes are used to position large parts precisely and safely. During the assembly phase, all necessary information such as road closures and access regulations is provided directly by the state capital of Munich.

September – Everything must be ready for the Oktoberfest

Everything has to be ready in September so that the Oktoberfest can open on time. At this point, the machine work is almost complete and the site is prepared in the last few weeks before the festival. From cherry pickers to telescopic forklifts, all machines are used specifically to complete the final details. A final inspection takes place on the Monday before the official opening to check whether all safety standards have been met.

Dismantling of the tents and rides at the Wiesn begins in November

After the last day of Oktoberfest, dismantling begins in November. Then the entire area has to be cleared again, which requires careful planning. Work platforms and cranes are in use again to dismantle the large tent structures and rides. The cranes lower the large roof and steel structures, while the work platforms ensure safe work at heights. Dismantling is taking place under time pressure, so all machines are in constant use to clear the area as quickly as possible.

This is how the Theresienwiese will be dismantled after the Oktoberfest

After the tents and rides have been dismantled, the Theresienwiese will remain completely closed for another week in order to carry out extensive cleanup work and inspections. Machines such as forklifts and work platforms will be used again to remove remaining materials and prepare the area for general use by the city of Munich.

Many showmen and restaurateurs use BIBERGER work platforms because we can get to the site quickly and react flexibly from our location near Regensburg. Our modern work platforms with digital access control also offer optimal protection against unauthorized use - a decisive advantage in keeping the machines ready for use and safe at all times. Thanks to this innovative solution, control of the equipment remains completely in the hands of the tenants, which significantly increases the efficiency and safety of the dismantling work.

At the end of this intensive cleanup phase, Theresienwiese is ready to regain its place in the city's everyday life and present itself in new splendor for future events.