Oktoberfest began in 1810, thrown as a grand celebration for the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The festivities featured food, plenty to drink, and a spirited horse race, with all of Munich invited to join. The fields where the revelry took place were later named Theresienwiese, honouring Princess Therese.
What started as a one-off bash turned out to be such a hit that Munich decided to do it again the next year. That decision sparked a festival that now welcomes millions every year and has earned its place as the world’s largest people’s festival.
Oktoberfest holds a special spot in Bavarian and German culture. It captures everything people love about the region—community spirit, folk costume, music, and hearty food. The beer is brewed according to age-old purity standards, while the menu keeps everyone well-fed with oversized pretzels, bratwurst, and more comfort food than you can shake a stick at. There’s as much fun for families as there is for beer lovers, thanks to the rides, games, and parades outside the tents.
Even though most folks know Oktoberfest for its beer, it’s deeply rooted in Bavarian tradition. The festival celebrates local pride and identity, all while drawing in a global crowd. On top of the fun, it also brings in around €1.2 billion a year for Munich, proving that good times can go hand in hand with economic success.
Planning Your Oktoberfest Visit
Choosing the Best Time to Visit
Late September, just as Oktoberfest begins, usually strikes the right balance for most visitors. The weather tends to be milder, making strolls between beer tents and funfair rides a lot more pleasant. Plus, if you arrive early, you’ll often dodge the surge of visitors that pour in during the later weeks.
If you’d rather avoid queues and squeeze yourself onto a bench without resorting to Olympic-level elbowing, try to stick to weekdays. Mondays to Thursdays are far quieter than the weekends, when Munich’s locals join the international crowd in full force. Early days of the festival, especially, feel more relaxed and give you space to actually soak up the atmosphere.
A little bit of clever planning goes a long way at Oktoberfest. By picking the quieter slots, you’ll not only enjoy easier access to the tents but also have more energy left to actually enjoy the festivities—rather than spending it all waiting in line or jostling through crowds.
What to Wear
Traditional Bavarian clothing is woven into the fun of Oktoberfest, giving everyone a sense of belonging and making for some excellent photos. For women, the classic pick is the Dirndl. It’s made up of a snug bodice, blouse, full skirt, and an apron. The way you tie your apron is more meaningful than you might expect—a bow on the left means you’re single, while a bow on the right says you’re spoken for. Handy, right?
Men opt for Lederhosen, which are leather shorts or knee-length trousers, often with suspenders. Team them with a checkered or crisp white shirt, and shoes or boots that can handle a long day out. True enthusiasts may want to round things off with a felt hat (a Tirolerhut) and high wool socks for that full Bavarian touch.
Picking up the right outfit is easy in Munich, with several trusted shops scattered through the city. Lodenfrey is known for first-rate Dirndls and Lederhosen, with both timeless and fresh styles on offer. Angermaier stands out for traditional, stylish options, while Hirmer offers a huge selection of men’s gear, all praised for quality and variety. These shops make it simple to dive into the Oktoberfest spirit and really look the part.
Navigating Oktoberfest
Getting Around the Festival
Theresienwiese, the setting for Oktoberfest, is laid out so visitors can easily find their way. The grounds are split into two main areas. Step through the main entrance and on your right, you’ll see Wirtsbudenstraße—this is where most of the big beer tents stand, busy with music and laughter and the clinking of steins.
On the left, Schaustellerstraße lines up the amusement rides, a proper treat for anyone keen to take a break from the tents or who fancies a good spin. Several pathways link these sides, with Matthias-Pschorr-Straße being the widest one, sitting just in front of the giant Bavaria statue keeping watch over the festival.
South of the Ferris Wheel, there’s Oide Wiesn—a quieter spot that feels like stepping back in time, complete with extra beer tents and traditional attractions. This area is much calmer, perfect if you want to experience a bit of old-school Oktoberfest or simply escape the big crowds for a while.
Getting to Theresienwiese is straightforward thanks to Munich’s excellent public transport. The U-Bahn lines U4 and U5 stop right at Theresienwiese station, making for the easiest route. Or, hop on the S-Bahn and get off at Hackerbrücke, then walk the short distance to the festival gates. Buses and trams also service the area, so you’ve got plenty of choices depending on where you’re starting. If you’re staying near the centre, walking isn’t a bad shout either—you’ll join others making their way in, which only adds to the excitement as you close in on the festivities.
Experiencing the Festivities
The Beer Tents
Oktoberfest’s beer tents are the heart of the festival, each with its own style and atmosphere. With fifteen main tents, visitors can choose their favourite or explore them all. The Schottenhamel-Festhalle is where the festival begins, with the mayor tapping the first keg. It’s a lively spot full of young energy and celebration.
Hofbräu-Festzelt is a favourite among tourists for its fun and friendly crowd, while Hacker-Festzelt stands out with its sky-painted ceiling and mix of locals and visitors. Augustiner-Festhalle has a warm, family feel and serves beer from wooden kegs that give it a special taste. Paulaner-Festzelt is easy to find thanks to its giant rotating mug and offers classic Bavarian food in a cozy setting.
For something fancy, Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke is known for its gourmet dishes and celebrity guests, while Weinzelt is perfect for those who prefer wine or champagne. Pschorr-Bräurosl features yodelling and brass bands, and tents like Armbrustschützenzelt and Schützen-Festzelt bring traditional sports and hearty food. Fischer Vroni is loved for its fish dishes, Ochsenbraterei for its roasted ox, and Marstall for its modern vibe. If you want a taste of the past, Oide Wiesn gives you a charming old-fashioned experience. Wherever you go, each tent offers something unique and makes Oktoberfest unforgettable.
Oktoberfest Activities
Beer tents get most of the hype, but Oktoberfest buzzes with all sorts of traditions that go well beyond raising a stein. One of the main attractions every year is the grand costume and riflemen parade. You’ll spot thousands in vibrant Bavarian dress, escorted by brass bands, with riflemen firing salutes along the route. It’s a joyful showcase of local pride that draws massive crowds for a reason.
The festival’s funfair rides aren’t just a kids’ affair—they’ve been delighting visitors for generations. The Teufelsrad is a classic, where everyone scrambles to stay on a slippery spinning disc while friends roar with laughter from the sidelines. Then there’s the Krinoline—think a gentle carousel, but with a live brass band providing the soundtrack. Don’t miss the Toboggan, either, where people bravely attempt a wobbly treadmill climb, usually with hilarious results.
Between all this excitement, there’s no shortage of iconic food to try. Giant pretzels, bratwurst, roast chicken, and the famous oxen dishes appear on every table, served in portions that make sharing almost a necessity. Every dish is an invitation to connect with Bavarian culture through your taste buds.
For a taste of Oktoberfest’s origins, take a stroll through the Oide Wiesn area. This part of the festival delivers gentler energy thanks to vintage rides, folk music, and traditional crafts. It’s a favourite for families and anyone craving a more authentic slice of festival life. Whether you’re sampling surprise delicacies or chatting with artisans, there’s always a new story waiting to be discovered.
Important Tips for First-Timers
Pacing yourself is the secret to making your Oktoberfest experience memorable for all the right reasons. This isn’t the weekend pub pint—the beer here is stronger, usually above six percent, and the atmosphere is exciting enough to tempt anyone into drinking a bit too quickly. Start with a single stein, take your time, and let yourself enjoy it before thinking about a refill. Knowing the specific things you should avoid at Oktoberfest in Munich can also make your experience safer and even more enjoyable.
Mixing in water between beers is more clever than it sounds. You’ll keep your head clear, prevent that dry-mouth feeling, and cut down the chances of waking up with a heavy head the next day.
Hydration really isn’t just a piece of nagging advice; it makes a true difference. There’s so much going on and so many drinks flowing that people often forget to keep up with water. Sipping some regularly helps you make the most of your day without flagging too early.
Don’t overlook the value of a breather, especially outside the packed tents. A quick escape gives you a moment to rest your feet, recharge, and enjoy the festival’s open-air fun and carnival rides. Even a short stroll or sitting somewhere quiet can make all the difference when you’re in for a long day of celebration.