Oktoberfest in Munich

Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the largest and most renowned festivals in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. It takes place in Munich’s Theresienwiese, a 100-acre ground to the west of the city center.

When you step into the lively atmosphere of this iconic event, you’re immediately greeted by colorful beer tents, food stands, and people dressed in lederhosen and dirndls. Oktoberfest is all about celebration, and you can also enjoy fairground rides, games, parades, and performances.

The festival takes place from late September to the first Sunday in October, always including German Unity Day on 3rd October. You might want to visit for a few days to fully explore everything on offer, and to relish some quieter times after busy party weekends. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or looking for a fun cultural experience, visit Oktoberfest in Munich to delight in Bavarian charm and festivities.

What are the highlights of Oktoberfest in Munich?

When you visit Oktoberfest in Munich, you could start by exploring the beer tents. You’ll find several major beer tents run by breweries or private owners as well as plenty of additional smaller tents and food outlets with different specialities, like dumplings, seafood, poultry, and cheese. While each has its own unique ambience, all of the tents and stands offer warm Bavarian hospitality.

Music is central to Oktoberfest, and there’s something truly special about the sight and sound of brass bands coming together for a huge concert in front of the Bavaria statue. Watch out for themed events, like Italian Weekend and Gay Sunday, that bring even more buzz and excitement to the festival.

You can also enjoy wonderful parades and ceremonies at Oktoberfest in Munich. The opening parade on the first day showcases the famous horse-drawn beer carriages. Later in the festival, you can admire the traditional costume parade, with over 10,000 participants. On the last day, catch the beautiful atmosphere of the closing ceremonies, with traditional singing and sparklers lighting up the night sky.

A brief history of Oktoberfest in Munich

Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig, later King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join in with the festivities, which included horse races held on the ground now known as Theresienwiese, named after Princess Therese.

The event evolved as the years went by, with beer stands introduced in the late 19th century. The famous gingerbread hearts decorated with messages of love that can be purchased from colorful vendor stalls are a beloved tradition going back over 35 years. Over time, Oktoberfest in Munich grew into the world famous Bavarian festival you can enjoy today.

What else is good to know about Oktoberfest in Munich?

The Oktoberfest festival field is free to enter, and there’s no admission fee for most of the beer tents. If you’re planning to go with a group or visit a popular tent, it’s a good idea to reserve in advance.

An area which has a small entry fee before 9 pm is Oide Wiesn, meaning ‘old Oktoberfest’, which is like a separate festival with a focus on historical traditions. There are also charges for many of the rides, games, and other attractions. For some of these, like the Teufelsrad spinning disc competition, you can pay once and stay as long as you like.

If you’re travelling with kids, Family Days offer discounts on rides and performances and the museum tent at Oide Wiesn has face painting and other activities. Also, don’t forget to join in with the dressing-up fun for all ages: rent lederhosen or dirndls for the full Bavarian experience at Oktoberfest in Munich.