What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich: A Complete Guide to the World’s Biggest Beer Festival
Welcome to the world's largest beer festival, and one you'll definitely want to have on your bucket list. When I was planning my first trip back in 2014, I had no idea what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich.
Since then, I've been there 3 times to celebrate, and it's one of my favorite festivals around the world.
In this guide we're going to share what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich, how to prepare, and tips for having an epic experience.
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An Intro of What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich
Before learning what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich, let's dive into some of the history behind the festival, as when and where you can experience it.
🎉 What is Oktoberfest and Why is it Celebrated?
Oktoberfest is Germany's largest festival, and is celebrated all over the country, with the biggest one being in Munich.
The festival originated in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
The citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities, which included horse races and plenty of beer. Since then, it has evolved into a grand festival of Bavarian culture, featuring folk music, dancing, food, and dressing in traditional German attire.
🤔 Why is Oktoberfest Still Celebrated?
The primary reason Oktoberfest is celebrated is to honor Bavarian traditions and culture. What originated as one simple celebration, has transformed into a nation-wide celebration, and the biggest beer festival in the world.
Over the years, it has grown to symbolize much more than just the royal wedding it commemorates. It's a way for locals and visitors alike to celebrate Bavarian heritage, complete with beer brewed according to centuries-old purity laws, traditional foods like pretzels and sausages, and lively parades featuring traditional costumes.
The festival has become a global icon of fun, unity, and Bavarian pride.
Oktoberfest is the biggest celebration in Germany!
📆 When Exactly is Oktoberfest in Germany?
Oktoberfest is celebrated for two weeks at the end of September, going into the first week of October. It always starts the Saturday after the 15th, and goes until the first Sunday of October.
In 2025, Oktoberfest will begin September 20th, and go until October 5th.
📍 Where Exactly is Oktoberfest in Munich?
Oktoberfest is held on a 100-acre piece of land called Theresienwiese, just 2 km away from the heart of Munich.
🗺 Map of Oktoberfest
If you're wondering what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich as far as the set up goes, this map will give you a good idea of what to expect!
What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich: Prices & Hours
Now you know some of the important details for visiting Germany's iconic beer festival, but now we're going to share a bit about what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich when it comes to planning your budget and schedule.
🤑 Is Oktoberfest in Munich Free?
The main festival of Oktoberfest is completely free for everyone of all ages! While rides, games, drinks, and food are not included, the entrance isn't something you'll have to worry about for your budget.
🎟 Can You Just Walk Into Oktoberfest?
The main festival grounds are open to enter daily from the morning til night. There is security to check everyone before going in, but everyone is free to enter.
🕘 Hours of Oktoberfest
The hours of Oktoberfest vary about depending on the tents, food, and rides. Here's what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich for the different time tables.r
🎡 Hours of the Oktoberfest Festival Grounds
- Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 11.30 pm
- Fridays and Wednesday, October 1st: 10 a.m. to midnight
- Saturday: 9 am to midnight
- Sunday: 9 am to 11.30 pm
🎪 Hours of the Beer Tents at Oktoberfest
- On the first Saturday of Oktoberfest the tents open at 9 AM. non-alcoholic beverages (no beer) will be available from 10 AM., and at noon they'll tap the kegs, officially starting Oktoberfest
- Monday - Friday tents open at 10 AM. and close at 11:30 PM.
- On Saturdays, Sundays the public holiday on October 3rd, beer is served from 9 AM - 11:30 pm.
- In the big tents the last beer and music stops at 10:30 PM
- In the small tents, such as chicken fryers, snack and café tents, the last beer and music finishes at 11 pm.
💸 Is Oktoberfest Expensive?
The prices of beer and food at Oktoberfest are definitely more expensive than what you'd find in most Munich restaurants, but it's also not astronomically expensive (although it gets a bit more expensive each year).
A beer stein costs 13-15 euros, and most dishes cost 15-25 euros. The cheaper options are typically outside the tents, and you can find more simple options like sausages and sandwiches for under 10 euros.
The most expensive part of Oktoberfest is definitely the accommodation, as prices tend to skyrocket at this time. We'd recommend to book your accommodation in Munich early, so you can secure more affordable properties and lower rates.
💶 Is Oktoberfest Cash Only?
Each year there are more and more stalls accepting credit card at Oktoberfest. What to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich though is that even some stalls that have credit card machines might not work due to the signal being blocked from so many people in one place at one time.
We'd recommend taking out plenty of cash, as it makes things a lot easier. There are ATMS inside Oktoberfest, but it's cheaper to withdraw outside.
🎫 Can You Go to Oktoberfest Without a Reservation?
The first time I went to Oktoberfest people had me super stressed out that I wouldn't be able to enter the tents without a reservation.
While reservations can certainly help, they aren't actually necessary. If you go early, you'll easily be able to snag a table, and if you go during peak times you may just need to wait in line for certain tents.
One thing that is super helpful is the Oktoberfest Barometer which shows in real-time how busy each tent is.
What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich
Now you know the basics for what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich when it comes to getting there, hours, and prices. But now, it's time for the fun part! Here's what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich for the celebration itself.
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Oktoberfest is Germany's biggest celebration, and is so much more than just drinking beer. It is full of activities and food that all ages can enjoy.
There is a main entrance to the festival that is an iconic photo spot. This is where your bags will get checked, and you'll enter into 100 acres of fun.
Inside you'll find 17 big tents, 7 small tents, rides, games, and an array of stalls selling snacks, souvenirs, and traditional treats.
Oktoberfest is more than just drinking beer.
🎪 What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich: The Beer Tents
The heart of Oktoberfest is comprised of the massive beer tents, which are each run by a different Munich brewery. These tents are enormous, with some seating up to 10,000 people at a time! Inside, the air is filled with the sound of live oompah bands playing traditional Bavarian music, while visitors clink massive beer steins and sing along.
Waitresses dressed in traditional attire skillfully carry several liters of beer at once to keep the drinks flowing, while also serving traditional dishes.
The waitresses at Oktoberfest are skilled at holding large and heavy trays.
Early in the day you'll find long tables full of people sitting while eating, drinking, and cheerfully listening to the live music. Then as the hours go by people will start standing on the benches, dancing, and the entire tent getting much rowdier.
Days start more relaxed, and then get wilder as the night goes on.
🎡 What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich: The Festival
Outside the beer tents, there is just as much going. You can experience lively parades that feature horse-drawn beer wagons, musicians, and people dancing in traditional clothing, showcasing Bavarian culture in full swing.
Aside from the beer and food, Oktoberfest also offers a carnival-like atmosphere with a variety of amusement rides, games, and stalls selling souvenirs. From roller coasters and Ferris wheels to traditional Bavarian games such as shooting galleries, there are plenty of activities to entertain visitors of all ages.
Oktoberfest also has a lot of games and rides to enjoy.
Whether you’re sipping beer in a tent or enjoying a ride at the fair, what you can expect at Oktoberfest in Munich is an unforgettable celebration of Bavarian culture.
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What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich: Amenities
Wondering what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich for amenities? We're here to go over the food you'll find, lockers, and what the bathroom situation looks like.
🍗 What Kind of Food is Served at Oktoberfest?
The food served at Oktoberfest is a mix of German street snacks and traditional dishes. There are a lot of hearty foods like meats in thick sauces, sausages, and carbs like spaetzle and pretzels.
The tents typically have full dishes served at the table, while the stalls are where you can find more street-food style eats and carnival food.
You can also find people walking around the tents selling massive pretzels and the traditional Oktoberfest cookies, or selling them at counters on the sides of the tents.
There is a wide variety of food at Oktoberfest in Munich.
Here are some sample menus for the food you'll find inside the tents:
🧋 Should I Go to Oktoberfest if I Don't Drink?
Even if you don't drink, Oktoberfest is such a fun festival to experience! The fairgrounds include tons of rides and games, which is where you'll find a lot of the families spending most of their time.
One thing you can anticipate for what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich is that at some point the tents do get a bit wild, and if you aren't drinking it won't be as enjoyable.
If you don't drink and still want to experience the live music and atmosphere of the big tents, we'd recommend going earlier in the day.
Oktoberfest in Munich is able to be enjoyed by both drinkers and non-drinkers.
🚽 What are the Toilets Like at Oktoberfest?
There are plenty of toilets at Oktoberfest, and in true German fashion you can expect the bathrooms to be clean, efficient, and well-maintained.
Lines can definitely get long inside the tents for the bathrooms, especially for the women, so we'd recommend going as soon as you get the urge and not waiting for the beer to destroy your bladder.
🛌 What Area is Best to Stay for Oktoberfest?
If you're wondering what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich for accommodation, then you can assume it will be pretty similar to most big events around the world.
The best area to stay for Oktoberfest is as close to the fair grounds as possible, so that you can easily walk there. However, you'll have to reserve early if you want decently priced accommodation.
You can check for accommodation for Oktoberfest on the map below:
Another thing to note is that Munich is a small city, so the good thing is that you can also find plenty of accommodation closer to the city center, which is just a half hour walk from Oktoberfest.
⛺️ Where to Stay for Oktoberfest on a Budget
If you're on a really tight budget, there are campgrounds outside of Munich that have buses into the city. Here you'll find a lot of young backpackers, and a fun crowd to attend Oktoberfest.
This is ideal for those just visiting Munich for Oktoberfest, and not for those that want to spend a lot of time in the city itself.
🛍 Shopping at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is full of fun souvenirs, accessories, snacks, and toys! Whether it's getting on the big cookies, a giant balloon, or a large flower crown, the shops are not just for the children to enjoy. Oktoberfest is a great time to bring out the inner child in you, and give yourself a little treat!
🅿️ Where to Park for Oktoberfest in Munich
If you're wondering what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich when it comes to having your car, then this will hopefully help you a lot!
Ideally, we'd recommend not having a car with you. However, if you find yourself in a situation like ours where you will need your car, then finding parking that won't break the bank is essential.
In order to avoid ridiculous street parking fees, we'd recommend parking in a garage of a Park & Ride. There are several on the outskirts of the city, and then you can get an alternate mode of transportation into the city. This will save you a ton of time and money!
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What to Wear at Oktoberfest in Munich
If you're wondering what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich in terms of dress code, then listen up!
One of the best parts of experiencing Oktoberfest is dressing the part, and although it's an extra expense that can add up quickly, you won't regret dressing like the locals.
💃🏻 What Do Ladies Wear at Oktoberfest?
Most ladies choose to wear traditional Bavarian outfit known as the Dirndl. The Dirndl consists of a fitted bodice, a blouse, a full skirt, and an apron. The blouse is typically white, with short puffed sleeves or sometimes long lace sleeves, while the bodice and skirt are usually made from colorful, patterned fabrics.
The length of the skirt can vary, from traditional knee-length to more modern, shorter styles. Accessories like floral crowns or ribbons in the hair are also common, adding a festive touch, and braids are also a popular hairstyle.
Women often complete their look with comfortable shoes, such as flats or boots, as Oktoberfest involves lots of walking and dancing!
👯♀️ How Do You Know if a Girl is Single at Oktoberfest?
Men, listen up! An interesting tradition tied to the Dirndl is how the apron is tied, as it is a symbol of relationship status. If the bow is tied on the right, it means the woman is in a relationship, while a bow on the left indicates that she’s single.
🕺 What Do Men Wear at Oktoberfest?
At Oktoberfest men typically wear the traditional Bavarian outfit which is called a Lederhosen. The name “Lederhosen” literally translates to "leather pants" in German. These durable, knee-length shorts were historically worn by farmers and workers in the Alpine region because leather is long-lasting and resistant to wear.
The Lederhosen usually features intricate embroidery and is often accompanied by suspenders with a chest strap on the front for added detail.
Lederhosen are typically paired with a checkered or plain button-up shirt, wool socks, and sturdy leather shoes. Some men also wear a traditional wool or felt hat called a Tirolerhut, which is often decorated with feathers or pins.
It's super easy to find accessories such as flowers, headbands, ribbons, hats, or pins at the different shops inside Oktoberfest!
🤑 How to Find Affordable Dirndls and Lederhosen
Traditional Bavarian wear is easy to find in Germany, especially during (and right before) Oktoberfest. However, it certainly isn't cheap!
We'd recommend shopping online in advance if you can. If not, you're next best shot is to rent something. If you are on a time crunch, we also found a shop that isn't too far away from the Oktoberfest grounds which is just behind the church, and has pretty affordable prices. I found my dirndl for just 50 euros!
👗 Can You Wear Normal Clothes to Oktoberfest?
You can absolutely wear normal clothes to Oktoberfest! Would we recommend it though? Definitely not! Part of the fun of this epic German festival is playing the part, and we'd highly recommend getting traditional clothes to really dive into the cultural aspect of the festival.
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What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich: Tips & Rules
Now you know what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich for the festival itself, but it's also important to go over the different rules, as well as tips for having a fun and safe experience.
🙅🏻♀️ Rules for Oktoberfest
- Strollers are allowed only at certain times.
- Only small bags are permitted to enter the grounds.
- There are restrictions on bringing beverages inside.
- Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals.
- Luggage storage is available for items not permitted, for a charge of 5 euros for small items, and 7 euros for larger bags or luggage.
👜 Bag Allowances for Oktoberfest
At the front of the gate of Oktoberfest are security guards who will check your bags and make sure they are compliant, and if not, they will send you to check your belongings.
Bags cannot exceed 3 liters in volume or be bigger than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (approx. 8 in x 6 in x 4 in).
👶🏻 Stroller Allowances for Oktoberfest
Strollers are allowed before 6 pm, and cannot enter at all on Saturdays or October 3rd, which is a German holiday.
To check a stroller at the locaker facility, it is 3 euros.
🍾 Beverage Allowances for Oktoberfest
Drinks are permitted on the Oktoberfest grounds, but are not allowed inside the tents. Glass is also prohibited.
👮🏻 Is it Safe to Go to Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is super safe! There are around 600 officers patrolling the area, and people can be removed if they are being beligerent or harmful to those around them.
💁🏻♀️ Tips for Visiting Oktoberfest
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Other Things to Keep in Mind & What to Expect at Oktoberfest in Munich
Now you know what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich (well- almost everything that is). But here are a few final things you'll want to keep in mind.
🌤 Weather in Munich During Oktoberfest
Germany experiences 4 seasons, and definitely gets colder faster than some of its neighboring countries to the south. As Oktoberfest is in fall, the weather can be really unpredictable, with some warm and sunny days, and others that are gloomy and rainy.
🥶 Is Munich Cold During Oktoberfest?
During the day temperatures are typically pretty pleasant, but at night the temperatures can dip pretty low and it can get quite cold.
🌧 What Happens if it Rains at Oktoberfest?
The tents are completely safe from the rain, so even if it rains the tents will run as normal. There are certain activities on the fair grounds such as some rides that won't be able to run, but Oktoberfest is definitely worth visiting, even when it rains!
You can enjoy the tents at Oktoberfest, even when it rains.
📆 What is the Best Day to Go to Oktoberfest?
The best time to experience Oktoberfest is in the first week, when everything is new and exciting. Being there for the first day is super special, and the 3rd of October is also a holiday, making it one of the best days to experience Oktoberfest.
We also recommend visiting in the beginning of Oktoberfest, as this is when the weather will be best, and you'll have the highest chances of sunny days.
Go earlier in the festival to enjoy the best weather.
🧳 What to Bring to Oktoberfest in Munich
When you attend Oktoberfest, you'll want to keep thing simple since you can't enter with and big bags. We'd recommend investing in traditional German clothing, and potentially having two dryndls or leiderhosens to wear in case they get wet from beer or just get gross from partying for hours on end.
🎒 Packing List for Oktoberfest in Munich
- Drndyl or Lederhosn
- Comfortable shoes
- Small bag like a fanny pack or over-the-shoulder purse
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Pack of tissues
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🤔 Should I Visit Oktoberfest in Munich?
Oktoberfest in Munich is truly a bucket list experience, and one that we highly recommend, especially for those that like to party a bit!
If you want to experience some less touristy celebrations, you can also enjoy Oktoberfest all over Germany! We'd recommend doing Oktoberfest in Munich, but also in a smaller city to experience both types of celebrations.
⏳ Is 2 Days Enough for Oktoberfest?
2 days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Oktoberfest in Munich if you want to simply experience the festival. We'd recommend 3-4 days in Munich though so that you can also see the city, and have time to relax between the heavy partying.
We'd recommend a few days to enjoy all that Oktoberfest has to offer, as well as Munich!
The Last Part of What to Expect at Munich During Carnival: Final Tips
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Now you know exactly what to expect at Oktoberfest in Munich! We hope this guide helps you plan the most epic Oktoberfest celebrations and inspires you to experience this special festival.
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