Beer prices at Oktoberfest are always a hot topic, and 2026 is no exception. A Maß - one full liter of specially brewed festival beer - costs between 15.50 and 16.90 euros this year, depending on the tent. Understanding the pricing landscape helps you budget wisely and avoid surprises.
The six Munich breweries that supply Oktoberfest beer - each pouring in their own beer tents - - Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten - each brew a special Märzen-style beer exclusively for the festival. These beers are stronger than regular brews (5.8-6.3% ABV) and have a rich, malty flavor profile that's become synonymous with Oktoberfest.
Augustiner consistently ranks as the most affordable option, with a Maß priced at 15.50 euros in 2026. The Augustiner-Festhalle is also widely considered to serve the best beer at the festival - a rare case where the cheapest option is also the most popular among locals and connoisseurs.
At the higher end, tents like the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and the Weinzelt (which primarily serves wine but also offers beer) charge closer to 16.90 euros per Maß. These tents cater to a more upscale clientele and offer premium food and service to match.
Beyond the beer itself, keep in mind the tipping culture. While not strictly mandatory, rounding up or leaving 1-2 euros per Maß for your server is customary and appreciated. Waitstaff in beer tents carry enormous loads - sometimes 10 or more full Maß at once - and their work is physically demanding.
Non-alcoholic options are worth noting too. Non-alcoholic beer (alkoholfreies Bier) is available at every tent and costs slightly less than regular beer. Soft drinks like Spezi, Apfelschorle, and water range from 8 to 12 euros per liter, which surprises many first-time visitors but reflects the festival's pricing structure.
To stretch your budget, consider eating outside the beer tents - our food and drinks guide has more tips - at the festival's many food stalls, where prices for snacks and smaller meals are generally lower. A Breze (pretzel) for 5-6 euros and a Bratwurst for 6-7 euros make a satisfying and affordable meal that leaves more in your wallet for beer.
Finally, beware of the Maß trap: because you're drinking from a large glass at a communal table with lively music, it's easy to lose track of consumption. A single Maß contains roughly the equivalent of two and a half standard drinks. Pace yourself, drink water between rounds - our budget guide can help you plan ahead -, and remember that Oktoberfest is a marathon, not a sprint.
