Oktoberfest Munich
Every year in September and October, Munich fills up with more than six million visitors coming to the Oktoberfest. This is no ordinary beer festival — it is a two-week celebration where tradition, Bavarian culture and worldwide fun come together on the Theresienwiese. Lederhosen, dirndl, festive prices and of course countless litres of beer make this the biggest and most famous folk festival in the world.
✅ Free entry — the festival grounds are free to enter. You pay for food, drinks and any rides.
- • ✅ Date 2026: 19 September – 4 October
- • 📍 Location: Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany
- • 💰 Entry: Free admission; beer tent reservations recommended
The History
The Oktoberfest began in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. To celebrate, Munich citizens organised a grand folk festival on the meadow still known today as the Theresienwiese. With horse racing, music and beer, it was such a success that it was decided to repeat it every year. It has since grown into an international event that draws visitors from over 90 countries.
What to Expect
The festival terrain is enormous — 42 hectares filled with large and small beer tents, fairground attractions, rollercoasters and food stalls. The major tents such as Hofbräu, Augustiner and Paulaner each hold thousands of visitors and are often fully booked weeks in advance. Outside the tents you will find traditional Bavarian snacks: Brezn (pretzels), Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork) and Obatzda (a Bavarian cheese spread).
Practical info
- • Date 2026: 19 September – 4 October
- • Entry: free access to the Theresienwiese grounds; you only pay for food and drink (beer approx. €14–15.50 per litre, meals €12–35)
- • Accommodation: hotels around the Theresienwiese fill up fast — book well in advance, ideally a year ahead; alternatives include the Wiesn Camp or an Oktoberfest campsite
- • Programme: oktoberfest.de
Tips for Your Visit
- Book a beer tent table well in advance — especially for evenings and weekends
- Dress in traditional Bavarian style: dirndl or lederhosen is appreciated and gets you into the spirit
- Arrive early in the morning to get a table without a reservation
- The last weekend is quieter than the opening weekend
- Keep a close eye on your belongings — it gets very busy
The Oktoberfest is an experience unlike any other in Europe. Chaotic, loud, delicious and actually nothing like what you expect. And yes, you will drink a lot of beer. But the real story is not the amount of beer — it is the reason why millions of people return to the same meadow in Munich every year. That is tradition with an accent.