Duration
Visitors/Year
Beer Tents
What to Expect
Massive Beer Tents
14 large and 21 small beer tents holding up to 10,000 people each. Every tent has its own character - from the traditional Augustiner to the party-vibes of Hofbräu. See our best beer tents ranking if you are unsure where to start.
Bavarian Cuisine
Hendl, Schweinshaxe, Brezen, Obatzda - the full Bavarian program. Plus the famous Maß of beer (1 liter) from the six München breweries.
Live Music & Atmosphere
Every tent has its own brass band. From traditional folk music to pop hits - by the time 'Ein Prosit' starts, everyone is singing along.
Rides & Attractions
Roller coasters, Ferris wheel, bumper cars and more - Oktoberfest is also a massive fairground with over 200 showmen and attractions.
Tracht Everywhere
About 80% of visitors wear Dirndl or Lederhosen. Check our what to wear guide for tips on buying or renting Tracht - it is simply part of the tradition.
International Guests
Oktoberfest draws people from around the world - a good chance to make new friends.
Insider Tips
The 10 AM Trick (Weekends)
Arrive at the tents before 10 AM on weekends and you will almost always get a seat. By 11 AM, most tents stop letting people in. The Schottenhamel fills up first (it is the tapping tent), so try Augustiner or Ochsenbraterei if you are running late. Check our getting there guide for the best routes to the grounds.
Weekday Afternoons
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the sweet spot. The crowds thin out and you actually get the relaxed Wiesn atmosphere that the weekend visitors never see. First-timers should seriously consider a midweek visit - you can walk between tents, change seats, and take your time without the pressure.
Augustiner = Locals' Choice
Most tourists overlook this: Augustiner-Festhalle is where most Munich locals prefer to drink. The beer is served from traditional wooden casks (Holzfässer), which genuinely makes a difference in taste - and it is one of the cheapest beer options on the grounds. But it is not a secret anymore - the tent fills up fast, especially on weekends. If it is packed, try Zum Stiftl instead. Smaller, cheaper, and the crowd is almost entirely locals.
Käferschänke for the Late Crowd
Käferschänke stays open until 1:00 AM - every other tent closes at 11:30 PM. Getting a seat there is extremely difficult, though. It is a small tent and the late-night crowd knows about it. Your best shot is going before 9 PM and just staying put.
Beer Garden Alternative
When the main tents are full (and they will be by noon on weekends): check the outdoor Biergärten attached to the tents. Same beer, same prices, just outdoors. The Augustiner beer garden is particularly large and usually has seats available longer than the indoor area. Downside: no cover if it rains, and Munich weather in late September is unpredictable.
Share a Reservation
Insider tip: table reservations typically accommodate 8-10 people, but you don't need to know that many folks personally. Join online forums or Facebook groups where visitors coordinate to share reservations and split the minimum food costs - it's become a smart Oktoberfest tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oktoberfest
When does Oktoberfest 2026 take place?
Oktoberfest 2026 is expected to run from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4, 2026 (16 days). The exact dates are confirmed by the City of München.Do I need a reservation?
Not necessarily. On weekdays and in the mornings you can often find a seat without a reservation. On weekends and evenings a reservation is highly recommended. More details in our Reservations guide.What should I wear?
Tracht (Dirndl or Lederhosen) is the best choice - about 80% of visitors wear it. But it is not required. Alternatively: jeans and a nice shirt. Avoid costumes or fancy dress - they are frowned upon.How much alcohol is in a Maß?
A Maß is 1 liter of beer with about 6% alcohol. That is equivalent to about 2.5 regular bottles of beer (330 ml). Do not underestimate it - the Festbier tastes smooth and easy but packs a punch.Can I bring children to Oktoberfest?
Yes. Oktoberfest is family-friendly, especially in the mornings and on weekdays. Children under 6 may stay in the tents until 8 PM, children aged 6 to 15 until 8 PM only when accompanied by an adult. The Oide Wiesn is especially family-friendly.How long is a typical visit?
Most visitors spend 4 to 8 hours at Oktoberfest. For a full day: 10 AM to 11 PM (13 hours). For a first visit, we recommend 5 to 6 hours - that is enough for a full Wiesn day.What happens at the tapping ceremony?
On the opening Saturday at 12 PM, the mayor taps the first keg at the Schottenhamel tent and shouts 'O'zapft is!' (It's tapped!) - officially opening Oktoberfest. Only after this can beer be served in all tents.Is there Wi-Fi at Oktoberfest?
There is no widespread Wi-Fi coverage. Some tents offer limited Wi-Fi, but the connection is usually poor due to the crowds. Tip: Download maps and essential information beforehand.