Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest is a large annual beer and folk festival held in Munich, Germany. Traditionally taking place from late September to the first weekend in October, it is one of the world’s most visited cultural events, attracting millions of guests each year. The festival combines Bavarian beer culture, traditional cuisine, music, and amusement rides in a temporary fairground known as the Theresienwiese.

Oktoberfest originated in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Over time, the celebration evolved into a large public fair featuring beer tents, parades, and traditional Bavarian customs. The 2026 edition, from 19 September to 4 October, is the 191st; in 2027 the festival is expected to run from 18 September to 3 October.

Layout and Beer Tents

The festival grounds feature two main types of tents:

• Large Beer Tents. Operated by major Munich breweries (e.g., Augustiner, Hofbräu, Paulaner), each tent has its own atmosphere, music, and menu. Entrance is free, but seating requires arriving early or reserving in advance.
• Small and Specialty Tents. These offer unique themes such as wine, desserts, fish dishes, or quiet seating areas suited for families and visitors seeking a calmer environment.

Only beer from Munich’s six large breweries is served, brewed specially for the festival. In 2026 a one-litre Maß costs between €14.80 and €15.90.

Key events include:

• Opening Parade of the Wiesn Landlords. Brewery carriages, marching bands, and tent owners’ families parade through central Munich.
• Traditional Costume and Riflemen Parade. A large procession showcasing Bavarian costumes, folk groups, and cultural associations.
• Official Tapping of the First Keg. The mayor of Munich opens the first barrel with the proclamation “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”), signaling the start of beer service.

The landlords’ parade and the tapping at noon in the Schottenhamel tent take place on the first Saturday, and the costume parade on the first Sunday.

Reservations and Entry

Entrance to the festival and tents is free, but table reservations are recommended for evenings and weekends. Reservations include beer and food vouchers.

The Oide Wiesn, a historic section at the southern end of the grounds with traditional music and vintage rides, charges €4 admission (free for children up to 14). Bags larger than about 3 litres are not allowed on the grounds.

Food

Popular dishes include roast chicken (Hendl), grilled sausages, giant pretzels, roast pork with dumplings, and traditional sweets such as Kaiserschmarrn.

How to Get There

The Theresienwiese is a 10–15-minute walk from Munich Central Station. The nearest U-Bahn stops are Theresienwiese (U4, U5) and Goetheplatz or Poccistraße (U3, U6). There is no parking at the festival, so public transport is by far the best option.