Over six million visitors. 14 legendary beer tents. One unforgettable Bavarian celebration on the Theresienwiese. Disneyland for people of adult age!
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The Munich Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest, combining a legendary beer festival with a lively travelling carnival of rides for all ages. Every year, over six million visitors from around the globe gather on the Theresienwiese in central Munich to celebrate Bavarian culture, enjoy world-famous beer, traditional food, live music, and unforgettable festivities.
Often called the Munich Beerfest by international visitors, it's a bucket-list experience you won't want to miss - think Disneyland for people of adult age!
The tradition dates back to October 12, 1810, when the citizens of Munich gathered to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen - giving the festival grounds their name. More than two centuries later, Oktoberfest has evolved into an unmissable celebration of Bavarian heritage, filled with lively beer tents, parades, folk music, and endless fun.
Mark your calendars: Oktoberfest 2026 kicks off on Saturday, 19 September, and runs through Sunday, 4 October. Get ready to raise a stein, dress in traditional lederhosen or dirndls and join the world's biggest party right in the heart of Munich!
Most years, Oktoberfest in Munich lasts for 16 days, beginning in late September and concluding on the first Sunday in October - though it is extended to include October 3rd if that Sunday falls before it.
On the opening day (Saturday), beer service starts from 12 midday - many people arrive much earlier to secure a seat. During the week, large tents (including the Oide Wiesn) are open 10am to 11:30pm, with beer service ending at 10:30pm and music until then. On weekends and October 3 (public holiday), tents open from 9am.
Exceptions: the Kafer Wiesn-Schanke and Kuffler's Weinzelt (wine tent) are permitted to stay open until 1am, with last orders 30 minutes before closing.
Small and medium-sized tents, restaurant tents, and cafe tents open from 10am on weekdays (9am on weekends and holidays) and close at 11:30pm, with last beer and wine served at 11pm.
The heart of Oktoberfest lies inside the 14 massive beer tents, each with its own unique vibe, food, and entertainment. Whether you want the lively energy of Hofbrau Festzelt, the traditional charm of Augustiner Brau, or the cosy atmosphere of Fischer-Vroni, there's a tent for every taste. There are also 21 small tents plus three festival beer tents within the Oide Wiesn.
Served in traditional 1-litre steins (Maί) - brewed to strict Reinheitsgebot purity standards.
Roast chicken, giant pretzels, sausages, pork knuckle - proper Bavarian feasting inside every tent.
Parades, singalongs, and oompah bands fill each tent with an atmosphere impossible to replicate.
Every large beer tent has limited unreserved seating on a first-come, first-served basis -no ticket needed. On weekday mornings it's usually easy to find a seat. Evenings and weekends are a different story: some tents display "Wegen Uberfullung vorubergehend geschlossen" (Closed temporarily due to overcrowding) by lunchtime. When it is warm and sunny the beer garden area of each tent offers a nice outdoor space; when it rains the tents are often much fuller.
If you plan to attend with a large group of friends, colleagues, or clients, a reservation is strongly advised. Services such as Oktoberfest Premier offer reservation assistance with a meet-and-greet host, table service, and enhanced VIP options for the most popular tents.
Entry to the festival grounds is free, but beer tent reservations are highly recommended for evenings and weekends. Book early - tables sell out fast.
Reserve Now →Hotels near Theresienwiese fill up fast. Book as early as possible - ideally a year ahead - for the best prices and locations.
Find Hotels →Embrace Bavarian tradition! Lederhosen for men and dirndls for women are the go-to - though casual outfits are fine too.
Dress Guide →With literally millions turning up, Munich becomes extremely busy. Book flights and trains well in advance via Opodo, Skyscanner, or Deutsche Bahn.
It all began in 1810, when the citizens of Munich gathered to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The festivities were so popular they became an annual tradition, and the festival grounds were named the Theresienwiese ("Therese's Meadow") in her honour.
More than 200 years later, the Munich Oktoberfest has grown into the world's most famous beer festival, blending old Bavarian traditions with an electric, modern-day party atmosphere.
Read the Full History →Choice of hotels within short walking distance of the Oktoberfest grounds - these book out very quickly. Best choice for central access.
View Hotel Packages →Munich-based Oktoberfest table reservation with English-speaking hosts who guide you from arrival to your table, plus enhanced VIP options.
Book a Table →Everything you need to know about securing your spot at the world's largest beer festival.
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