Guide to Attending Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

What You Need to Know about Attending Oktoberfest

Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: July 30, 2024

crowd view from Bavaria Statue — View of Oktoberfest from Bavaria Statue

Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, is held annually in Munich, Germany, from late September to the first weekend in October at the Theresienwiese festival grounds. Millions of visitors from all over the world come to this iconic event to listen to traditional Bavarian music, taste local cuisine, and drink local beers. Whether you’re enjoying a large pretzel in a bustling beer tent, meeting people from around the world, or riding the ferris wheel, Oktoberfest is the adventure of a lifetime!

In this Oktoberfest guide, I’ll share what you need to know about attending Oktoberfest, covering aspects such as hours of operation, transportation, things to do, budget, events to attend, and what to wear.

Historical Background on Oktoberfest

The festival originated in 1810 to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join in the festivities, which included a grand horse race. The event was held in the fields in front of the city gates, later named Theresienwiese (“Therese’s Meadow”) in honor of the princess. The celebration was such a success that it became an annual event. Now, Oktoberfest has grown into a period of 16 to 18 days extravaganza that embodies German culture and hospitality.

General Information

Oktoberfest consists of two key areas, each area offering a unique experience: Oktoberfest and Oide Wiesn (Historical Oktoberfest). In the tables below, you’ll find the Oktoberfest and Oide Wiesn opening hours and admission.

Area	Admission	Day	Hours of Operation
Oktoberfest	Free	Monday to Thursday	10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Oktoberfest	Free	Friday and Wednesday	10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Oktoberfest	Free	Saturday	9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Oktoberfest	Free	Sunday	9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Oide Wiesn	4 euros*	Sunday to Thursday	10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Oide Wiesn	4 euros	Friday and Saturday	10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

*Please note that you don’t need to purchase tickets for Oide Wiesn in advance, there will be a ticket booth on site where you can purchase them.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8cUyBEbkfY4Rn7Bt9

How to Get to Oktoberfest:

Given the vast size of Oktoberfest, there are multiple entrances to accommodate the influx of visitors. Parking is limited, so the most convenient and cost-effective way to reach Oktoberfest is to use public transportation.

Heading to the Oide Wiesn Entrance — *South entrance (near Oide Wiesn)*

People leaving and entering Oktoberfest — *The Rear View of North entrance (near Marstall Beer tent)*

By U-Bahn (underground/subway): All stations are approximately 10 minute walk to Oktoberfest. However, Theresienwiese is about a 5 minute walk to Oktoberfest.
- Line U4/U5, Theresienwiese: enter through the North entrance, conveniently situated near Marstall Beer tent.
- Line U3/U6, Poccistrasse*: enter through the South entrance, conveniently situated near Oide Wiesn.
- Line U3/U6, Goetheplatz: enter through the West entrance, conveniently situated near the carnival rides and games.
- Line U4/U5, Schwanthalerhöhe: enter through the East entrance, conveniently situated near Paulaner Festzelt Beer tent.
By Train: If you’re coming from outside of Munich, take the train to Hauptbahnhof. It’ll be only a 15 minute walk to the North entrance, which is located near Marstall Beer tent.

*Tip: On the opening day, we entered from the South entrance and were able to go straight into the festival without waiting in a queue.

What to do at Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a large festival filled with activities for everyone. From listening to live music in beer tents to enjoying the breathtaking views on the Ferris Wheel. There is something for everyone! Here are five major activities to look forward to:

1. Beer tents

Statue of a lion drinking beer with the lowenbrau tent in the background — *Lowenbrau Beer Tent*

People standing and sitting in the Lowenbrau Beer Tent — *Interior of Lowenbrau Beer Tent*

There are 14 large beer tents, each operated by one of Munich’s traditional breweries (e.g., Augustiner, Paulaner, Spaten, Lowenbrau, Hacker-Pschorr, and Hofbrau). These tents offer a variety of refreshments, including Oktoberfest beer (a wheat beer), Radler (beer mixed with lemonade), and non-alcoholic beer, along with traditional Bavarian foods such as half-grilled chicken (my favorite dish!), ox sandwich, or pork knuckles.

Grilled Chicken on a white plate — *Grilled Chicken at Festzelt Tradition*

A lady in yellow holding a beer at Festzelt Tradition — *Janice holding a beer at Festzelt Tradition*

Each tent boasts a unique atmosphere, live music of all varieties, and distinctive decor, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for everyone.

2. Attractions, rides, and games

People entering a rectangular shaped building titled Teufelsiad — *Devils Wheel*

There are over 30 different types of attractions, ranging from roller coasters, carnival games, to fun houses. Before hitting the beer tents, check out the Devil’s Wheel, a rotating circular amusement ride, or the Olympia Looping, the five-loop roller coaster.

People walking towards the lighted up ferris wheel — *Ferris Wheel*

Fake guns lined up facing targets — *Shooting Gallery Game*

After the beer tents, ride the Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of the festival, or the Fun House for amusing distortions of your reflections. Lastly, test your skills at shooting galleries or ring toss for a chance to win prizes.

3. Oide Wiesn (Historical Oktoberfest)

People riding the historic swing rides at Oide Wiesn — *Swing Rides*

The Oide Wiesn, located at the southern end of the festival grounds, offers a nostalgic experience with historic rides such as the ship swing and children’s carousels.

Oktoberfest tent with green ceiling and decor with people seated — *Volkssangerzelt Schutzenlisl tent*

Here, you’ll find four beer tents (e.g., Festzelt Tradition, Musicians Tent, Schutzenlsil, and the Museum Tent) serving a variety of refreshments, traditional Bavarian foods, and live folk music.

Oktoberfest poster collection in Museum Tent — *Oktoberfest Poster Collection*

In addition to the rides and beer tents, watch a motorcycle steep wall show at the Motodrom, go bowling, or visit the Museumszelt (Museum Tent) to see the collection of Oktoberfest posters dating back to 1952.

4. Stands

A wooden stand with a wine bottle poster — *Schnapps and Cocktails Stand*

fish sandwich, fried fish on a skewer on display — *Seafood Stand*

There is a wide variety of stands from souvenir shops, food vendors, baked goods, and cocktail bars. For food, you can savor bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel. When it comes to drinks, options include Aperol Spritz (prosecco, Aperol, and club soda mix), soft drinks, water, and Spezi (cola and orange soda mix).

A heart shaped brown colored cookie with writing in icing — *Gingerbread Heart Cookies*

Additionally, you’ll find numerous Lebkuchen stands selling heart-shaped gingerbread cookies with sweet messages.

5. Smaller Tents

A black food menu written in chalk — *Cafe Kaisercharmm*

yellow dough covered in apple sauce — *Kaisercharmm “sweet pancake”*

There are 20 smaller and medium sized tents that serve a variety of foods from coffee and donuts, Kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancake), potatoes and cheese to roasted duck. Most of these places allow you to purchase food on the go or offer seats so you can sit and relax in a cozy environment.

How much money should I bring to Oktoberfest?

The amount of money you should bring to Oktoberfest depends on your planned activities, length of stay, and personal spending habits. If you plan to eat, drink, play games, and enjoy rides, I recommend bringing at least 100 euros per person per day. While this may seem like a significant amount, expenses can add up quickly. Here are some cost considerations to help you budget:

Menu showing appetizers, salad, entrees with the prices in euros — *Hofbrau Beer Tent Menu*

Beer: 13.60 euros to 15.30 euros for a liter of beer.
- Tipping etiquette: The servers make money off tips. At Lowenbrau, it was 14,50 euros per liter of beer. I gave 15 euros to the server, and she kept the change because she expected the 0.50 euros as her tip.
Appetizers: 5 to 15 euros for potato dumplings, pretzels, or sausages.
Entrees: 20 to 40 euros for half-grilled chicken, pork knuckles, or schnitzel.
Oktoberfest Rides: 5 to 15 euros for the Ferris Wheel
Oide Wiesn Rides: 1.50 euros per ride, game, or show.
Souvenirs: Prices vary widely, but plan for around 10 – 50 euros. The souvenir stall accepted credit cards.

Tip: Please avoid drinking on an empty stomach. If you start acting belligerent or fall asleep at the table, security guards will intervene and escort you out. Therefore, make sure to bring enough money for food to keep you fueled and in good spirits.

What events can I attend during Oktoberfest?

There are a variety of events to attend that celebrate Bavarian culture. During the opening weekend, check out the following:

People on a Wagon — *Ochsenbraterei Float for the Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries Parade*

People standing in a yellow wagon that has pretzel symbols on the side — *Traditional Costume and Riflemens Parade*

Saturday

Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries: A parade featuring horse-drawn beer wagons, marching bands, and participants in traditional Bavarian attire.
Tapping of the First Keg: At noon, the Lord Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer in the Schottenhamel Festival Hall, officially kicking off the festival with the cry of “O’zapft is!” (It is tapped).

Sunday

Traditional Costume and Riflemen’s Parade: A parade featuring participants in historical dirndls and lederhosen, fashion of the Biedermeier period, floats of the six Wiesn beer breweries, and Bavarian sport shooters.
Gay Sunday: On the first Sunday of the Oktoberfest, the LGBTQ+ community gathers together at the Pschorr-Festzelt tent. The tradition began more than 30 years ago when the gay community invited guests to Gay Sunday at the Braurosl.

If you miss the opening weekend, don’t worry! There are plenty of other exciting activities to look forward to, such as:

Ecumenical Mass in the Marstall Marquee: On the first Wednesday of the festival, you pray in the Martsall marquee.
The open-air concert of the Wiesnwirte: On the second Sunday of the Oktoberfest, watch a concert where all the bands of the Oktoberfest tents gather on the steps of Bavaria statue to play together.
Traditional firecracker shooting: On the last day of the Oktoberfest, watch female and male firecrackers in traditional costume fire their salute from the foot of the Bavari statue. They will be accompanied by a brass band and conclude with the singing of the Bavarian anthem.

What should I wear to Oktoberfest?

Many people wear Dirndls and Lederhosen, but dressing up is not mandatory. In fact, I chose not to dress up and instead wore jeans, a t-shirt, and running shoes. I was glad I did because I walked over 20,000 steps each day, and the beer tents were really hot. However, if you’re interested in dressing up, you can purchase Dirndls (for women) and Lederhosen (for men) online on Amazon.

Dirndl: https://amzn.to/4dnizY1
Lederhosen: https://amzn.to/4cSyYE1

If you’re more interested in the traditional style, then you have the option to rent them in Munich (about 50 euros a day): Lederhosen rental: https://lederhosenverleih.de

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Additional Tips:

Most of the signs are in German, which can be challenging for non-native speakers to read. Therefore, here is a helpful list of German festival terminology to prepare for Oktoberfest.

Signs in German — *Signs: Schanke and WC*

Bierpreis means beer price. Each beer tent charges the price of beer differently. For instance, the Pschorr-Brausol tent charged 14.30 euros for a liter of beer while the Lowenbrau tent charged 14.50 euros for a liter of beer.
Toiletten / WC means toilet / bathroom. Women’s bathroom is WC Damen and Men’s bathroom is WC Herren.
Schanke means bar. In this area, you can see the glasses being cleaned and the servers picking up beers.
Nicht Reservierung Samstag – Sonntag means no reservation between Saturday – Sunday. These seats are first come, first served.
Muchner Reservierung means reserved. You can make paid reservations ahead of time to secure a seat in a beer tent. For details on booking reservations, click here for advice.
Boxe means box. These spots are also reserved for guests that book online.

Enjoy Your Time in Munich, Germany

I hope that you’ll find the Oktoberfest guide to be useful when planning a trip to Oktoberfest. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think.