You probably think you know what Oktoberfest is from the photos – pictures of beer halls filled with happy people in lederhosen holding giant steins of beer. But this world-famous German festival or Volksfest is a huge carnival and folk festival, rooted in a 200-year-old royal wedding. In this article we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this two-week festival that transforms Munich into a big Bavarian party with huge beers and even bigger pretzels. Let’s explore the Wiesn!
1. What is Oktoberfest?
It’s more than just a beer festival! In fact, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival. What started as a royal wedding celebration in 1810 has become a two-week event held annually in Munich, Germany. While the massive beer tents are world-famous, the festival grounds are also packed with carnival rides, traditional Bavarian food stalls and shopping, live music and folk dancing.
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2. Where in Germany is Oktoberfest celebrated?
Oktoberfest is celebrated in the city of Munich in the southern state of Bavaria. It’s held at a specific festival ground known as the Theresienwiese, a massive meadow originally named after Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, whose marriage to Crown Prince Ludwig in 1810 was the event that started the entire festival. Locals call it the wiesn. Other cities across Germany might also hold beer festivals at a similar time of year, but this is the only true Oktoberfest celebration.
Tour not found.3. When is Oktoberfest in Germany?
Contrary to the name, the festival actually begins in mid-September. The start is famously marked by the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by the mayor of Munich, followed by a grand parade.
How long does Oktoberfest last?
Oktoberfest typically runs for 16 to 18 days. The festival always begins on a Saturday in mid-September and concludes on the first Sunday of October. If the first Sunday falls on October 1st or 2nd, the festival is extended to include German Unity Day on October 3rd – extending it to an 18-day event.
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Why is Oktoberfest in September?
Great question! Oktoberfest was indeed moved to the month of September to take advantage of more favorable weather. In the late 19th century, the festival was extended and shifted earlier in the calendar to take advantage of the longer, warmer September days. A lot of the festival is outdoors.
How many people go to Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a massive event! It attracts around six to seven million visitors annually. While Germans flock there in huge numbers, the event has become famous across the globe attracting visitors from afar. These numbers make it the world’s largest folk festival.
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Do I need tickets to get into Oktoberfest?
No, it’s free to enter the general festival. It’s also free to enter the beer tents – however, finding table space can be a challenge and you must have a table to be served beer. For guaranteed entry and seating, especially for a group, a table reservation is highly recommended and should be made months in advance. If you manage to secure a table (especially important on weekends) then you must arrive of time or risk losing it!
The southern part of the festival holds the Oide Wiesn (“old Oktoberfest” in English), and for a small entry fee you can access this large area that celebrates the nostalgia and old Bavarian customs of the festival with traditional costumes, historical rides, brass bands and traditional music, and a children’s program.
Tour not found.What do women wear at Oktoberfest?
For women, the traditional Bavarian dress is the Dirndl. It’s a dress with a tight bodice and a full skirt. You wear a low-cut frilly white blouse underneeath and tie an apron at the waist. The key detail is the apron knot – tie it to the left if you’re single, or to the right if you’re in a relationship.
Don’t be the tourist in a polyester dirndl from Amazon – locals wear both traditional and modern knee-length dirndls. These can cost hundreds of euros, but you can often find them in thrift stores or second-hand shops in Munich.
What do men wear to Oktoberfest?
For men, the traditional attire is a pair of Lederhosen. These leather shorts and suspenders are worn with a traditional checkered shirt and long socks, with an optional felt hat. While not a strict requirement, wearing Lederhosen is a fun way to get into the spirit of the festival. Do you wash them? Never! That’s how they get a patina.
One highlight of Oktoberfest is the Trachten- und Schützenzug parade, with more than 9,000 in traditional tracht or costumes from across Germany. The parade stretches some 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the city to the festival grounds.
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Is Oktoberfest cash only, or can I use cards?
Oktoberfest is mostly a cash-only affair. While some of the larger beer tents have begun to accept card payments, cash is the main form of payment for beer, food, souvenirs and rides. You’ll want to cash to tip your server an extra €1-2 per beer – tips usually have to be in cash and if you skip the tip, expect to be ignored on the next round! Get cash out ahead of time to avoid long lines at ATMs within the grounds.
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Is Oktoberfest a family-friendly event?
While the beer tents get all the attention, Oktoberfest is a surprisingly family-friendly event – especially during the day and early evening. The festival grounds are packed with carnival rides for all ages. Kids (and adults) can enjoy a spin on the iconic giant ferris wheel, play classic carnival games, try the Teufelsrad or “Devil’s Wheel”, or ride the Krinoline with its live brass band. The first Tuesday of the festival is even designated as “Family Day,” with discounted prices on rides and attractions.
Tour not found.What food is served at Oktoberfest?
You will not go hungry at Oktoberfest – the festival grounds are a smorgasbord of traditional and hearty Bavarian dishes that pair perfectly with a Maß of beer. Try an enormous, salty Brezn (pretzels) or the juicy, spit-roasted Brathendl (chicken). You could also try Schweinebraten (roast pork), crispy pork knuckles, Bratwurst in a bun, comforting Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), and sides like sauerkraut and potato salad.
Finish off with a sweet treat – there’s always Apfelstrudel and Lebkuchenherzen (gingerbread hearts), which you’ll see hanging everywhere.
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What is in an Oktoberfest beer?
The beer at Oktoberfest is brewed specially for the festival. It’s different to a regular German lager and there are some rules. It must be brewed within Munich’s city limits and adhere to the strict 1516 German Purity Law. An Oktoberfest beer is an amber-colored Märzen-style lager made with only water, barley and hops. It’s a deceptively smooth beer that’s slightly stronger than a typical German pilsner – so take care as the beer is served by the liter!
How much does a beer cost at Oktoberfest?
A one-liter mug of beer (a Maß) at Oktoberfest 2025 will cost between €14.50 and €15.80, depending on which tent you’re in. Prices are set by the tent operators – and the cheapest is found at the Augustiner-Festhalle. The price will increase slightly each year.
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From beer tents and food to outfits and tips, that’s everything you need to know about Oktoberfest in Munich. Any questions? Leave us a comment….