Imagine this: you’re sitting at a long wooden table, the air filled with laughter, oompah music, and the clinking of giant beer mugs. Around you, thousands of people dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits are singing, dancing, and enjoying roast chicken the size of a small dog. In short, this is what Oktoberfest Munich looks like—the world’s biggest beer festival, as well as a cultural experience you have to experience on your Munich trip, at least once in a lifetime.
As per reports, around six million people attend Oktoberfest Munich festival each year including a number of return visitors. But, if you’ve never been before, Oktoberfest can feel a bit overwhelming. What’s the deal with the tents? Do you need tickets? What should you wear? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Oktoberfest travel guide, which includes everything a first-timer needs to know before diving headfirst into this 2-week-long celebration of beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian traditions. Let’s dive in!
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History of Oktoberfest
Often referred to as the “Wiesn” by the locals, Oktoberfest is a massive, vibrant celebration, which combines the atmosphere of a county fair, a bustling beer garden, and a deep dive into Bavarian culture. The very first Oktoberfest took place in 1810, but it did not even start as a public holiday. So, what actually happened?
It all started as a part of a royal wedding when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese, and the whole city of Munich was invited to celebrate on a large field. The horse races were such a hit that it became an annual event. The event took place from October 12 to 17, but later it was pushed up to September so that everyone can enjoy pleasant weather.
As per the official website of Oktoberfest Munich, the bride is still celebrated to this day. The field where the festival takes place is named after her, Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Meadow).
Oktoberfest begins in September and ends on the first Sunday of October. Over time, the celebration evolved into what we now know: a massive folk festival featuring beer tents, music, parades, carnival rides, and traditional food. It’s not just about drinking — it’s about culture, community, and having a very good time.
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Where and When Does It Happen?
Location: The festival takes place at Theresienwiese, a 42-hectare open space in Munich, Germany.
Dates: It typically starts in mid-to-late September and ends on the first Sunday of October. In 2025, the festival will run from Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, October 5.
Duration: 16 days
Oktoberfest Tips for Beginners for Planning A Visit
Good planning, what it actually means ‘planning ahead’, makes all the difference when attending a festival like Oktoberfest —- especially, when it’s your first time. From when to go to how to get inside a tent, this section covers all the Oktoberfest first-timer tips you’ll need for a better Oktoberfest experience.
Accommodation
Plan and book accommodation at least 6 to 12 months in advance. Munich gets fully booked quickly. Staying near Theresienwiese is most convenient, but if you’re a budget traveler, you can find options outside—in the places like Garmisch, Augsburg, Tegernsee, or Nuremberg, which are around 90 minutes away, and connected by train.
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When to attend Oktoberfest?
At the Beginning vs. At the End
- At the Beginning (Opening Weekend): the festival kicks off with the ‘O’Zapft Is!’ ceremony on the first Saturday, when the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg in the Schottenhamel tent. You can expect massive crowds, a celebratory vibe, and a high-energy atmosphere, and also long lines and difficulty finding seats without a reservation. Not an ideal time to visit if you’re not a person who likes to celebrate a festival with crowds!
- At the End (Final Weekend): the closing weekend is just as festive, especially with the traditional gun salute on the last day. Crowds remain large, but there’s often a more relaxed vibe, and spontaneous seating is slightly easier to find.
- Expert tip: if you want to delve into Bavarian tradition and don’t mind big crowds, aim for the opening weekend. For a more chill (but still exciting) experience, the final days are a great pick.
Weekdays vs. Weekends
- Weekdays (Monday–Thursday): are generally calmer, with easier access to tents, cheaper ride prices, and a more local, family-friendly crowd. It’s the best choice for first-timers who want to soak in the culture without the chaos.
- Weekends (Friday–Sunday): are the busiest — especially afternoons and evenings. Tents fill quickly, and rowdy behavior becomes more common. A reservation or very early arrival is almost essential.
- Oktoberfest first-timer tip: we’ll suggest you to go on a weekday afternoon (before 4 PM of course) for the perfect balance — you’ll still get great music, beer, and food without the overwhelming crowd. Sounds great, right?
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Admission and Reservations
Do You Need Tickets to Attend?
One of the best surprises for first-timers is that Oktoberfest is free to enter — including the beer tents! You can walk the fairgrounds, enjoy the rides, and soak in the atmosphere without spending a cent. In short, you don’t need a ticket to attend!
How to Get Into a Beer Tent
While admission is free, getting a seat inside a tent — especially during peak hours — is a different story:
- Reservations: large groups (6–10 people) should reserve a table months in advance via the official website of each tent. Reservations are free, but you’re required to pre-purchase vouchers for food and drinks (usually 2 beers + ½ chicken per person).
- Walk-Ins: smaller groups and solo travelers can still get in without a reservation, but you must arrive early (by 10–10:30 AM on weekends or 11:30 AM on weekdays). Please remember, after 5 PM, most tents are full.
- Expert tip: if you don’t have a reservation, try entering a tent through the side doors and look for open spots on shared tables. Why? Many locals are happy to welcome friendly travelers.
Getting Around
Munich has an excellent public transport system. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run frequently and are the easiest way to reach Theresienwiese. Avoid driving, as parking is limited, and drinking + driving is strictly enforced.
- Expert tip: if you’re searching for the easiest option to reach the festival ground, take a Munich hop-on hop-off bus. Trust us, you won’t regret it later!
What to Expect at Oktoberfest?
1. Beer Tents
As you can understand now, the beer tents are the primary part of Oktoberfest. They’re the main places where the festival actually happens —- music, dancing, and beer-fueled fun! There are 17 large tents and 20 smaller ones, each operated by a Munich brewery or traditional family.
Every tent is free to enter, but getting a seat, specifically in the evenings or on weekends, is one of the most difficult things to do at Oktoberfest. So, here’s our Munich Oktoberfest guide to choose your tent, so that you can make a reservation in advance. For first-timers, it’s best to arrive early in the day, especially if you’re visiting without a booked table. Tents open around 10 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends.
Inside, the vibe is energetic and festive. You can expect live traditional Bavarian brass bands playing oompah music, folk songs, and popular hits (the song “Ein Prosit” is a frequent and highly anticipated toast), communal tables with people cheering “Prost!” (cheers!), hearty Bavarian food, and one-liter mugs of strong Oktoberfest beer. Each tent has its own vibe, from traditional and family-friendly to wild and loud.
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Here are just a few of the most popular large tents:
Schottenhamel – Where the mayor taps the first keg to open the festival.
Hofbräu-Festzelt – A favourite among international visitors for its party atmosphere.
Augustiner-Festhalle – Traditional, warm, and a local favorite, serving beer from wooden barrels.
Hacker-Festzelt – Nicknamed “Bavarian Heaven” for its blue-sky ceiling and classic decor.
Bräurosl – Famous for its yodeling and strong Bavarian roots.
- Expert tip: it’s impossible to hit every tent, so we recommend you to choose 2–3 that match your vibe and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
2. The Beer
Only beers brewed within Munich city limits are allowed at Oktoberfest, making this a showcase for the city’s six legendary breweries. Each tent serves its own version of “Wiesn beer”, a stronger, maltier brew specially crafted for the event. These beers are about 6% ABV and come in 1-liter mugs called Maß.
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3. Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
Beyond the beer and tents, Oktoberfest is packed with old-world charm and quirky entertainment. These classic attractions are a glimpse of into the festival’s long-standing traditions:
Schichtl Theater: an outmoded vaudeville theater dating back to the 1800s. Outside, you’ll see a lively parade; inside, the star act involves a (fake!) guillotine execution of an audience member—pure dark-humored Bavarian fun.
Bavaria Statue: towering over Theresienwiese, the statue is climbable and gives panoramic views of the festival. For an even higher perspective, head to the nearby St. Paul’s Church tower—on clear days, if you’re lucky enough, you can even see the Alps behind the Ferris wheel.
Krinoline: a vintage carousel from 1924 with a live brass band on board. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience drenched in nostalgia.
Teufelsrad (Devil’s Wheel): since 1908, locals have loved this spinning disc challenge where you try to stay upright while the disc speeds up—and the audience cheers as people fly off.
Toboggan: half funhouse, half physical challenge. You ride a conveyor belt up a steep wooden slide—hilarious to watch and harder to climb than it looks.
First-Timer Tips: Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
If it’s your first time, you’ll want to avoid the chaos and confusion by keeping a few key things in mind:
Do’s:
- Arrive early if you don’t have a reservation (before 11 AM is best).
- Bring cash (Euros) as most tents don’t take cards.
- Pace yourself as Wiesn beer is stronger than average.
- Tip your server, around 1–2 Euros per beer is appreciated.
- Stay hydrated; drink alternate beer with water or Spezi (cola + orange soda).
- Go on weekdays for a more relaxed experience.
- Learn a few key phrases to help you feel like a local.
- Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour and connect easily with the places.
Don’ts:
- Stand on tables (benches = okay, tables = no).
- Steal the mugs (security will catch you and fine you).
- Show up in a Halloween costume-style “beer girl” outfit; locals find this disrespectful.
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What to Wear: Dirndls, Lederhosen & Bow Etiquette
Wearing traditional Bavarian clothing isn’t mandatory, but it adds to the experience — and honestly, you’ll feel left out without it.
For men:
- Lederhosen: leather shorts with suspenders.
- Checkered shirt, wool socks, and Haferl shoes complete the look.
For women:
- Dirndl: a traditional dress with a bodice, blouse, and apron.
- Watch the bow placement:
- Left side: Single
- Right side: Taken
- Front centre: Virgin (or young girl)
- Back: Widowed or waitress
- Where to buy/rent: shops like Angermaier or Wiesn Tracht & Mehr in Munich offer rentals or affordable pieces starting around €50.
Final Thoughts: Is Oktoberfest Worth It?
At any cost, yes, it’s worth it — even if you don’t drink beer! Oktoberfest Munich is one of those events that lives up to the hype, a blend of culture, food, music, and a giant dose of fun and laughter. If you’re a first-timer, you can feel a bit lost at the beginning, though, we believe, after reading our blog, you’ll be able to do the right planning. However, if you miss this festival, and want to experience something similar (though the hype can’t be matched), you can always prefer to join a Bavarian Beer and Food Tour. Otherwise, if you get the tickets, go ahead — raise your Maß, shout “Prost!”, and enjoy the party like a true Münchner (Munich local)!
