The Ultimate Oktoberfest First-Timer Guide
Your first time at Oktoberfest? You are in the right place. Everything you need to know - from A to Z.
First time at Oktoberfest? Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays to get a seat without a reservation. Wear traditional Bavarian clothing (Dirndl or Lederhosen) to blend in, bring cash for food and rides, and pace yourself - a Maß holds a full liter of 6% beer.
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 experience.
International Guests
Oktoberfest is a truly global event. You will meet people from all over the world - perfect for making new friends.
When Should You Go?
The right timing makes a huge difference. Here is when it is worth visiting:
Monday - Thursday
Best ChoiceCrowds: Low to moderateWeekdays are the best time to visit. The atmosphere is more relaxed, you can find seats without a reservation, and the waitstaff actually has time to chat. Wednesday is particularly good - far enough from the weekend that even popular tents like Augustiner have room.
Friday
GoodCrowds: HighFine in the morning, chaos by 3 PM.
Saturday
DifficultCrowds: Very highSaturday is a different beast entirely. Without a reservation, you need to be at the gates by 9 AM - and even that is cutting it close for the popular tents. By noon, security starts turning people away at tent entrances. If you do get in, expect standing room only in many areas. That said, the energy on a Saturday evening is unlike anything else at Oktoberfest. The bands are louder, the crowd is bigger, and when the whole tent sings 'Country Roads' at 9 PM, you forget how sore your feet are. Just be warned: getting a taxi home after 11 PM is nearly impossible. Budget an extra hour for the U-Bahn crowds.
Sunday
MediumCrowds: HighMornings are family-friendly with reduced ride prices. After 2 PM it starts to feel like Saturday-lite.
Opening Day
Experts OnlyCrowds: Extremely highThe first Saturday is legendary - 'O'zapft is!' at 12 PM. But: only go with a reservation or arrive very early (before 8 AM).
Italian Weekend
CautionCrowds: Extremely highThe second weekend is traditionally the 'Italian Weekend'. Very crowded, but with a special atmosphere.
Gay Sunday
SpecialCrowds: HighThe first Sunday is the unofficial 'Gay Sunday', especially at the Bräurosl and Fischer-Vroni. Colorful, exuberant atmosphere!
The Perfect Oktoberfest Day - Hour by Hour
Here is what your ideal first day at Oktoberfest could look like:
Breakfast at Your Hotel
Eat a proper breakfast before heading out. Going to Oktoberfest on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Drink plenty of water too.
Head to the Wiesn
Take the U-Bahn to Goetheplatz or Schwanthaler Höhe - less crowded than Theresienwiese. On weekends, make sure you arrive before 9:30 AM!
Entrance & Orientation
Tents open between 9:00 AM (weekends) and 10:00 AM (weekdays). Take a moment to get your bearings and pick your tent.
Secure a Seat
Get to your chosen tent early and grab a seat. Without a reservation, it is first come, first served. Sit down with other visitors - that is part of the experience!
Weißwurst Breakfast
Start the traditional way with Weißwürste (white sausages), sweet mustard and a pretzel. Pair it with your first Maß or a non-alcoholic wheat beer.
First Maß & Lunch
Time for your first proper Maß and a Hendl or Schweinshaxe. The atmosphere is slowly building - savor the moment!
Explore the Grounds & Rides
Take a beer break and explore the fairground. Ferris wheel, roller coasters, shooting galleries - there is plenty to discover.
Back to the Tent
From 4 PM the atmosphere in the tents really heats up. The brass band plays hit after hit, everyone sings along. This is the highlight!
Peak Atmosphere
Now the atmosphere is at its best: 'Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit' echoes through the tent, everyone stands on the benches. Unforgettable!
Dinner
Order another meal - it slows down the alcohol and gives you energy. Kaiserschmarrn or another Hendl are great choices.
Last Round
Last call is at 10:30 PM - no more beer is served after that. Place your final order in time! The tents close at 11:30 PM.
Head Home
Off to the U-Bahn or into a taxi. During Oktoberfest, U-Bahn trains run all night on weekends. Or: continue the party at an Afterwiesn club!
Dos & Don'ts
Do This
- +Wear Tracht - Dirndl or Lederhosen are part of the experience and increase your chances of getting a seat
- +Arrive early - especially on weekends, be at the tent before 10 AM
- +Wait for your server - only the official waitstaff (Bedienung) takes orders, do not go to the bar yourself
- +Tip generously - 1 to 2 EUR per Maß, 5 to 10% on food
- +Drink water - order water in between beers to prevent a hangover
- +Accept a toast (Prost!) - when someone raises their glass, always make eye contact!
- +Squeeze together - making room and sharing tables is part of Wiesn culture
- +Keep your valuables secure - wear your bag in front, split cash across different pockets
Avoid This
- -Do NOT stand on benches when security tells you not to - you risk being kicked out!
- -Do NOT bring a backpack larger than 3 liters - you will be turned away at the entrance
- -Do NOT drink too much too fast - a Maß is 1 liter at 6% alcohol, take it slow!
- -Do NOT call it 'Oktoberfest' loudly - locals call it 'the Wiesn'
- -Do NOT steal beer glasses (Maßkrüge) - it is theft and you face fines up to 500 EUR
- -Do NOT drink without eating - always order food alongside your beer
- -Do NOT wander the grounds alone at night - stay with your group
- -Do NOT bring glass bottles or cans - glass is banned from the grounds
- -Do NOT touch or yell at the waitstaff - respect is a given
- -Do NOT block a seat if you are not ordering - others are waiting for a spot
- -Do NOT wear high heels - the grounds are uneven gravel and you will regret it within an hour
- -Do NOT try to reserve seats by leaving a jacket - it will be moved and no one will feel bad about it
- -Do NOT assume you can pay with card everywhere - many stalls and some tents are still cash-only
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 the complete Wiesn experience.
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.