Oktoberfest’s quiet music policy was introduced in 2005. Organisers created the “quiet Oktoberfest” rules to keep the daytime atmosphere more traditional and less dominated by loud party music. Until 18:00, tent bands were expected to play traditional brass music rather than especially rousing contemporary hits, and afternoon sound levels were capped at 85 decibels.
The policy did not make Oktoberfest silent. It regulated the timing, style and volume of entertainment, allowing the tents to become more energetic later in the day. The change was controversial when introduced: some visitors and tent operators felt that the quieter programme weakened the festival’s famous boisterous atmosphere.
A common mix-up is confusing 2005’s music rules with other major Oktoberfest changes. Bavaria’s smoking ban was fully enforced at the festival from 2011, while 2010 marked the event’s 200th anniversary and included the special historische Wiesn. Oktoberfest itself began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese.