Oktoberfest Munich

Event Information

About Oktoberfest Munich

Experience the iconic Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, the world's largest beer festival. Held annually, it runs for 16–18 days from late September to early October. Join millions of global visitors for a vibrant celebration of Bavarian culture and diverse beer offerings.

Event Highlights

These are the most important highlights for this beer event:

• Beer Tents: Oktoberfest is renowned for its massive beer tents, each operated by different Munich breweries. These tents, such as the Hofbräu Festzelt, Löwenbräu, and Augustiner-Festhalle, can accommodate thousands of guests and offer a unique atmosphere with traditional Bavarian music, hearty food, and, of course, a wide selection of beers.
• Traditional Bavarian Cuisine: The festival offers a culinary feast with traditional Bavarian dishes like pretzels, bratwurst, roast chicken, pork knuckles, and various cheeses. These dishes are perfect pairings with the rich, flavorful beers served at the event.
• Parades: Oktoberfest kicks off with a grand parade featuring horse-drawn beer wagons, traditional costumes, and marching bands. The Costume and Riflemen's Procession is another highlight, showcasing Bavaria’s cultural heritage with participants in traditional attire from various regions.
• Rides and Attractions: The festival grounds, known as the Theresienwiese, are filled with numerous carnival rides and attractions. From roller coasters and Ferris wheels to fun houses and haunted houses, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
• Traditional Music and Dancing: Each beer tent features live music, often traditional Bavarian folk music, which creates a lively and festive atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to join in the dancing, singing, and toasting, making it a joyous celebration of Bavarian culture and camaraderie.

Additional Info

Here are some additonal info and tips for visitors and travelers:

• Drinking Age: For beer and wine in Germany is 16 years old. Distilled alcohols, like spirits, can be purchased at age 18.
• About Children: Children are allowed on the festival grounds. Children are allowed in the beer tents as well, but children under six-years-old must leave the tents by 8 p.m., even if they are with their parents.
• Traditional Bavarian Attire: Embrace the festive spirit by wearing traditional Bavarian clothing like lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. It adds to the overall experience and is widely accepted during the festival.
• Learn Basic German Phrases: While many people at Oktoberfest speak English, knowing a few basic German phrases can enhance your experience and interactions.
• Arrive Early to Grab a Seat: The beer tents can get crowded quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early gives you a better chance of securing a seat, especially if you're in a larger group.
• Reserve a Table (for Groups): If you're traveling in a group, some beer tents offer table reservations. This ensures you have a designated space and can skip the hassle of finding seating.
• Cash and Card: Bring both cash and cards. While Oktoberfest is becoming more cashless, some smaller vendors might still prefer cash. Also, having cash avoids long ATM lines.
• Try Bavarian Food: Explore traditional Bavarian dishes like pretzels, sausages, and sauerkraut. The food is a crucial part of the Oktoberfest experience.
• Attend Weekdays: If possible, consider attending Oktoberfest on weekdays. The weekends are the busiest, and weekdays offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Explore Beyond Beer Tents: While the beer tents are a major attraction, Oktoberfest extends beyond them. Explore the fairgrounds, amusement rides, and various attractions.
• Tips: Tips are no more than 10 to 15% of the beer or food price.
• Restrooms: There are enough facilities in the tents. But in a tent with thousands of people drinking thousands of liters of beer there also is a clear need for these! For men, this usually means a wait between 5 and 10 minutes in the line. For women, this usually means a wait between 10 and 20 minutes in the line.
• Book Accommodation Early: Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors, so accommodation fills up quickly. Book your hotel or Airbnb well in advance to secure a comfortable stay.