The “Super September” Trend, Oktoberfest Secrets & Late-Summer Escapes
Summer isn’t ending—it’s shifting. According to ABTA’s official 2026 travel trends, we have entered the era of “Super September”, where 24% of international trips are now taken in late autumn to beat peak prices, heatwaves, and overwhelming crowds.
The 191st Oktoberfest in Munich is currently running through October 4.
1. Oktoberfest 2026: High Prices & The Hidden “Wiesn-Barometer”
The 191st Oktoberfest opened on September 19 and runs through October 4, expecting over 6 to 7 million global visitors. However, this year brings distinct shifts: solo travel air bookings to Munich have surged to 47%, with inbound flight reservations spiking dramatically from Japan (+30.7%) and India (+59.7%).
The Insider Tool Nobody Checks: To bypass new security bottlenecks and overcrowded tents, smart visitors use the official “Wiesn-Barometer” on oktoberfest.de. It provides real-time crowd forecasts for every tent and hour of the day.
2. La Mercè Barcelona: Starting Today (Sept 23–27)
Correfoc fire runs and human towers (Castellers) fill Barcelona’s streets this week.
If you are in Barcelona right now, you are stepping directly into Catalonia’s biggest street festival. Running from September 23 to September 27, La Mercè transforms the city into an open-air theater with free street performances, human towers (Castellers), and dramatic evening fire runs (Correfoc).
La Mercè Highlights (Sept 23–27)
• Correfoc (Fire Runs): Spark-spitting dragons charge through Via Laietana. Wear protective cotton clothing!
• Castellers: Towering human pyramids built in Plaça de Sant Jaume. Entirely free to watch.
San Sebastián International Film Festival
• Beach & Cinema: Late September brings world-class cinema alongside swimmer-friendly sea temperatures (~21°C) at La Concha beach.
• Pintxos Culture: Combine film premieres in Old Town with Basque culinary trails.
3. “Super September” & Why October Is the New September
Recent data from Campspot shows that 77% of travelers pushed their summer trips into September, while 58% are extending into October. Flight prices have responded dramatically: direct routes to destinations like Asturias (Oviedo, Spain) plummeted from €299 in peak July down to €106 in September—a 64.5% price reduction.
Explore Beyond the Festival Tents
Heading to Munich, Barcelona, or San Sebastián? Download the Wingman app to unlock self-guided audio walks that guide you through hidden streets away from festival crowds.
Download Wingman Free