Experience the Oktoberfest in Munich

Activities at the beer festival

Drinking beer and dancing to the music is not the only thing you can do at Munich's beer festival. Behind these beer tents is a large fairground full of attractions for all ages. There are games and competitions, as well as performances by German folk dancers. Take part in a game of arm wrestling or listen in admiration to the participants of yodelling contests. Parades with traditional costumes and festive decorations are also part of the festivities.

When is the Oktoberfest?

The exact dates when Munich's Oktoberfest is held vary from year to year. Often, the festival starts in the second half of September and ends two weeks later in the month of October. Different parts of Oktoberfest have different opening hours.

Find all information on festival dates, opening day and opening hours here

Oktoberfest location

Does it cost money to go to the Oktoberfest?

The big, regular Wiesn costs nothing to enter; anyone can wander the grounds without a ticket. You also do not need a reservation to enter a hall in most cases - except when the tents are closed due to overcrowding. That can happen on weekends from early afternoon onwards. There are often enough tables free for visitors who drop by spontaneously. Starting April or May, it is possible to reserve a table in one of the big tents.

Book your table for Oktoberfest here

Entry Oide Wiesn

The 'Oide Wiesn', the traditional Oktoberfest on the south side of the venue, is separate from the big Wiesn and costs just a few euros entry. Children up to 14 years old can enter for free. Admission to fairground rides in the Oide Wiesn is charged per ride.

Other places of interest

Of course, you can travel to Munich purely for the Oktoberfest. Make your visit even more special with a visit to the Beer & Oktoberfest Museum or book a beer tour with a local beer expert. Visit the Hofbräuhaus and the Hofbräukeller to stay in the beer theme for a while longer. Of course, you can also seek out other sights in the city. Stroll between historic buildings along Marienplatz, visit the Deutsches Museum, one of the oldest and largest science and technology museums in the world, or admire the iconic Frauenkirche.