Oktoberfest 2026 Dates & Schedule
Everything you need to know about Oktoberfest 2026 dates, opening hours, special days and key events - plan your perfect visit.
Key Dates
Opening Day
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Closing Day
Sunday, Oct 4, 2026
Duration
16 Days
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Weekdays (Mon-Fri) | 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Weekends & Holidays (Sat-Sun) | 9:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Last Beer Call (all days) | 10:30 PM |
Good to Know
Beer tents close at 11:30 PM, but the last beer is served at 10:30 PM. Outdoor areas and rides may have slightly different hours. On Opening Day, beer service begins after the official tapping ceremony around 12:00 PM.
Special Days & Events
Oktoberfest is more than just beer tents. Throughout the 16 days, several special events and themed days add unique character to the festival.
Sep 19, 2026
Opening Day & Tapping Ceremony
The Lord Mayor taps the first keg at noon in the Schottenhamel tent with the famous words 'O'zapft is!' (It's tapped!). The festival officially begins.
Sep 19-20, 2026
Italian Weekend
The first weekend traditionally attracts many visitors from Italy. Expect a lively Mediterranean atmosphere across the Wiesn.
Sep 20, 2026
Gay Sunday (Rosa Wiesn)
The first Sunday is celebrated as Gay Sunday. The LGBTQ+ community gathers especially at the Bräurosl tent for a vibrant and inclusive celebration.
Sep 20, 2026
Traditional Costume & Riflemen's Parade
One of Munich's most spectacular parades: around 9,000 participants in traditional costumes march through the city center to the Theresienwiese.
Sep 22 & 29, 2026
Family Days (Tuesdays)
Reduced prices on rides and attractions make Tuesdays the perfect day for families with children. Many rides offer special family discounts.
Sep 26, 2026
Open-Air Concert
All tent bands perform together on the steps of the Bavaria statue for a massive open-air concert. A truly unique Oktoberfest experience.
Oct 3, 2026
German Unity Day
A public holiday in Germany. Expect very large crowds as locals and visitors combine the long weekend with Oktoberfest.
Oct 4, 2026
Closing Day
The final day of Oktoberfest 2026. Tents are packed, emotions run high, and the festival ends with a traditional '12-gun salute' at midnight.
Festival Calendar at a Glance
Sat, Sep 19
Grand Opening
Tapping ceremony at noon in Schottenhamel. Parade of tent owners and breweries through the city. Festival grounds open.
Sun, Sep 20
Costume Parade & Gay Sunday
Traditional costume parade from Maximilianstraße to the Theresienwiese. Rosa Wiesn celebration at the Bräurosl tent.
Tue, Sep 22
First Family Day
Reduced prices on rides and attractions. Perfect for visiting with children.
Sat, Sep 26
Open-Air Concert
All Oktoberfest bands perform together at the Bavaria statue. Free admission.
Tue, Sep 29
Second Family Day
Another day of reduced prices for families. Usually less crowded than the first Family Day.
Sat, Oct 3
German Unity Day
National holiday. Very busy day - arrive early to secure seats in the beer tents.
Sun, Oct 4
Closing Day
Last chance to experience Oktoberfest 2026. Traditional closing ceremony with gun salute at midnight.
Insider Tip: Best Days to Visit
For the most relaxed experience, visit on a weekday during the first week (Sep 21-25). Arrive before noon to get a seat in a beer tent without reservations. Tuesday Family Days are excellent even without kids - the atmosphere is more relaxed and you can actually enjoy conversations. Avoid the second Saturday and German Unity Day (Oct 3) if you don't like massive crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oktoberfest 2026 Dates
When does Oktoberfest 2026 start and end?
Oktoberfest 2026 starts on Saturday, September 19 and ends on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The festival lasts 16 days.
What time does Oktoberfest open?
The beer tents open at 10:00 AM on weekdays and 9:00 AM on weekends. The festival grounds with rides and food stalls open at the same time. On Opening Day, beer is only served after the tapping ceremony around noon.
When is the last beer served at Oktoberfest?
Last call for beer is at 10:30 PM every day. The tents officially close at 11:30 PM. Plan accordingly - once last call hits, no more beer is served.
Which day is the least crowded at Oktoberfest?
Weekday afternoons (Monday to Thursday, before 4 PM) are typically the quietest. The first week is generally less crowded than the second. Rainy days can also be surprisingly pleasant with shorter wait times.
Is Oktoberfest free to enter?
Yes, entry to the Oktoberfest grounds is completely free. You only pay for food, drinks, and rides. A Maß (1 liter of beer) costs around 15-16 euros in 2026.
What happens on Opening Day?
On Opening Day (September 19, 2026), the Lord Mayor of Munich taps the first keg at noon in the Schottenhamel tent. Until the tapping is complete, no beer is served anywhere on the grounds. After the famous 'O'zapft is!' announcement, the celebration begins.
When is Family Day at Oktoberfest 2026?
Family Days are on Tuesdays - September 22 and September 29, 2026. Rides and attractions offer reduced prices, making it the ideal day for families with children.