From Oktoberfest to Any Fest: Ensuring Women’s Safety 

By Scarlett T., Grade 9  

Festivals, whether it’s Oktoberfest in Munich, a local music festival, or a large cultural event, are a celebration of community and fun. However, they can also present challenges, especially regarding safety. How can women safely enjoy Oktoberfest or any festival with large crowds, alcohol, and a lively environment? 

Just imagine the following situation (which happened to a student at MIS): a girl and her friends were followed by a drunk group of men. They were waiting in line for a ride called “The Racer” when the men asked if they wanted their jackets. The girls refused and the men thought it was disrespectful and began to raise their voice at the girls. The girls looked at each other and decided they needed to get out of this situation and get to safety. They found Oktoberfest security and immediately asked for their help. They claim the security were amazing and thanks to them the group of men was forced to leave, and the girls could continue to have a fun and safe experience at Oktoberfest. 

“I felt very safe with my friends at Oktoberfest due to all the safety features they have,” said Nikki C., Grade 9. “I would recommend sticking together so that you don’t get separated and put in situations that you don’t want to be in.” 

According to women who attended Oktoberfest this year, here are some key’ safety tips:  

• It is recommendable to attend Oktoberfest with friends. Staying in a group can reduce the risk of attention and make it easier to move around safely in the festival grounds.  

• Try to agree on meeting points in case anyone gets separated.  

• Also, Oktoberfest is known for its strong beers. It is important to keep an eye on your drink to avoid spiking, a rare but reasonable risk at crowded events like Oktoberfest. 

• Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and stay aware of your surroundings.  

• Another thing, the beer tents and festival grounds can get very crowded. Be mindful of your surroundings. 

• If you feel uncomfortable, do not be scared to leave a situation or look for help from security or staff who are stationed throughout the area.  

The Oktoberfest staff have developed a “Safe Oktoberfest” app that gives safety information, emergency numbers, and helps you find the nearest first-aid station or police officer. This app can be an important thing if you need assistance. A security point for women, known as the “Security Point for Women and Girls,” is near the festival grounds. This is a place where women can go if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Female security officers are ready to offer support and assistance. Stick to well lit, crowded areas, especially at night. 

Although Munich is relatively safe, it is best to stay away from dark or isolated places when leaving Oktoberfest. Use public transportation or carpool to get back to wherever they need to go.  

In conclusion, Oktoberfest is an amazing cultural event, and by focusing on safety, women can enjoy it to the fullest. Stay aware, stick with friends, and do not be scared to ask for help if needed. These things will help ensure a safe and fun experience at any festival