Oktoberfest, Munich

Despite the name, Oktoberfest runs mainly in September. In 2026 the festival runs September 19 to October 4. It typically lasts 16-18 days, closes on the first Sunday in October (or October 3 if that falls later), and draws about 6 million people annually – which means at peak times it is genuinely difficult. The beer is served in one-litre steins called Mass. In 2026, a litre costs between 14.80 and 15.90 euros depending on the tent; tip the servers 1-2 euros on top or service will be slow. You will not carry more than two steins without training.

The Theresienwiese (Wies’n)

The Theresienwiese is the field that hosts the entire operation: 14 large tents, dozens of smaller ones, fairground rides, and food stalls. The large beer tents seat several thousand people each and are operated by Munich’s six traditional breweries – Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbrau, Lowenbrau, and Spaten. Each tent has its own character. Augustiner is the one serious beer people tend to prefer because it serves from wooden barrels rather than metal kegs, which changes the taste in ways worth noticing. Hofbrau is the most international crowd and the most chaotic.

Tent entry is free; there is no admission charge to the grounds or tents. Getting a table inside is straightforward at 10am on a weekday and genuinely difficult at 6pm on a Saturday. Reservations through the tent’s official website are possible for groups (the minimum reservation covers an entire 10-person table, with required minimum spend on food and drink tokens); reservations for popular evenings fill within days of opening in spring. The outside beer garden areas operate first-come, first-served and don’t require reservations – a perfectly good option if the weather is reasonable.

What to Wear

Traditional Bavarian dress is not required but genuinely improves the experience. By the second week, Lederhosen and Dirndl are the overwhelming majority inside the tents and you will feel conspicuous in street clothes rather than the reverse. Rental shops in Munich stock both; expect 50-80 euros for a reasonably decent set. If you’re attending more than one year, buying is better value. The practical note: wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of standing, dancing on benches, and cobblestone walking involved.

Food

The food at Oktoberfest is properly good and considerably underrated by people who focus entirely on the beer. Half-chicken (Hendl), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), pretzels the size of a small wheel, and Weisswurst served with sweet mustard. Weisswurst – the white veal sausage traditional in Munich, always eaten before noon by the local convention – is worth ordering if you haven’t had it before. Beyond the festival, Viktualienmarkt (Munich’s daily food market) is worth a morning visit for fresh produce, cheese, and local breakfast.

Where to Stay

Book months ahead – accommodation within easy U-Bahn distance of Theresienwiese fills first and charges peak prices. Hotel Bayerischer Hof is the historic luxury option in central Munich. For budget travel, hostels in Munich work but fill fast. Staying a few S-Bahn stops outside central Munich is often the practical compromise: lower price without significant additional transit time.

Getting There

The U4/U5 lines stop at Theresienwiese directly. Munich Hauptbahnhof is about a 15-minute walk. Don’t drive; parking near the site is minimal and the public transit connections are excellent. Cash remains important at many stalls and food stands, so carry some even if you usually rely on card.

Practical Notes

Bags larger than 3 litres are not permitted inside the tents – a strict and consistently enforced policy. Bring minimal bag or nothing. September in Munich is still warm enough for the outdoor beer gardens; a light layer for evening helps. The last trains home from the centre run late but get crowded; check the last departure time for your accommodation station before ordering that final Mass.