How Oktoberfest Reservations Work
The reservation system is unusual and often confusing for first-timers. Here is what you need to know:
No Central Booking
There is no Oktoberfest.com booking site. Each tent is run by a different family or brewery, and each has its own reservation process. You must contact each tent individually through their official website.
Minimum Spending Required
Reservations come with a mandatory minimum order - typically 2 Maß beer and a half chicken per person (roughly €50-€70 per person). This is not optional. Vouchers for the food and drink are issued with your table confirmation.
Table Sizes
Tables seat 8 or 10 people in most tents. You usually cannot reserve for fewer than 8. If your group is smaller, you will need to either fill the remaining seats or find a tent that allows smaller group bookings.
Time Slots
Reservations are split into daytime (11 AM - 3 PM) and evening (5 PM - 10 PM). Evening and weekend slots are the most sought-after and sell out first. Weekday lunch slots are the easiest to get.
Confirmation & Payment
After submitting your request, the tent will confirm availability (often via email). Payment for the food/drink vouchers is typically required in advance. Keep your confirmation email - you will need it at the door.
Cancellation Policies
Most tents have strict cancellation policies. Cancellations made less than 4-6 weeks before Oktoberfest usually forfeit the full voucher amount. Read the terms carefully before booking.
When to Book - The Reservation Timeline
Timing is everything. Here is the annual reservation timeline for Oktoberfest:
- Jan
Research & Prepare
Most tents have not opened reservations yet. Use this time to decide which tents you want, learn the requirements, and bookmark the reservation pages. Check our [beer tents guide](/en/beer-tents) for tent details.
- Feb
Early Bird Reservations Open
Some tents like Hofbräu and Hacker begin accepting reservations in February. These fill up within days for weekend slots. Set calendar reminders and check tent websites weekly.
- Mar
Main Booking Window
Most large tents open their reservation systems in March. This is the critical month - weekday slots go fast too. Submit your request as soon as the tent announces availability.
- Apr
Late Reservations & Smaller Tents
Smaller tents and some large tent weekday slots may still be available. Also watch for cancellations from other groups. The [Oide Wiesn](/en/oide-wiesn) tents are often easier to book.
- Jul
Cancellations & Last Chance
Some groups cancel their reservations by summer. Tents occasionally release these slots - contact your preferred tent directly and ask about availability.
- Sep
Walk-In Only
By September, all reservations are confirmed. If you do not have one, read our [without reservation guide](/en/without-reservation) for walk-in strategies.
Tips for Reservation Success
Book as Early as Possible
The moment a tent opens reservations, submit your request. Popular tents fill their weekend slots within hours. Have your group size, preferred dates, and contact details ready to go.
Be Flexible with Dates
Weekday lunch slots are the easiest to get. If you insist on Saturday evening only, you will be disappointed. Offer 2-3 alternative dates in your request - tents appreciate flexibility.
Go Direct - Avoid Resellers
Never pay third-party resellers for reservations. These are often scams or grossly overpriced. Always book through the tent's official website or email. Check our [beer tents pages](/en/beer-tents) for direct links.
Consider the Small Tents
The 21 small tents are cozier and much easier to book. [Ammer](/en/beer-tents/ammer), [Stiftl](/en/beer-tents/stiftl), and [Kalbskuchl](/en/beer-tents/kalbskuchl) offer a more local feel.
Try Guided Tours with Reserved Tables
Some official [Oktoberfest tours](/en/tours) include reserved tent seating as part of a package. This can be a good option for small groups or solo travelers who cannot fill a full table.
Check for Cancellations
Contact your preferred tent in July and August to ask about cancellations. Groups sometimes drop out, and tents need to fill the spots. Being polite and persistent can pay off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book an Oktoberfest reservation?
Start as early as January for research, and book the moment reservations open (typically February-March). Weekend evening slots at popular tents sell out within days of opening.Can individuals or small groups get a reservation?
Most large tents require a minimum of 8-10 people per table. For smaller groups, try the small tents (Ammer, Stiftl), book an Oktoberfest tour that includes tent access, or consider joining an open group booking.How much does an Oktoberfest reservation cost?
Reservations themselves are free, but you must pre-pay for mandatory food and drink vouchers - typically €50-€70 per person (2 Maß beer + half chicken). This amount is deducted from your bill at the tent.Is there an official Oktoberfest reservation website?
No. Each tent has its own booking system. Always go through the tent's official website. We link to all official reservation pages on our beer tent detail pages.What happens if I do not use my reservation?
If you do not show up and have not cancelled in time, you forfeit the pre-paid voucher amount. Most tents require cancellation 4-6 weeks before Oktoberfest. Read each tent's specific cancellation policy.