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Festival · Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest Munich

“The world's largest beer festival — 6 million visitors, 14 beer tents + 200-year tradition”

Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival — 6 million visitors + 7 million litres of beer over 16-18 days on Theresienwiese. 14 large beer tents (each seats 5,000-10,000). Traditional Bavarian brass bands + roast chicken + pretzels + lederhosen. Started 1810.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026
September 19-October 4 (16 days)
Saturday-Sunday
Following year
2027
September 18-October 3 (16 days)

Mid-September to first Sunday of October (fixed). Every 3rd year extends to include German Unity Day (Oct 3).

Duration
16-18 days
Crowd
6 million total
Budget/day
$200-500 (during Oktoberfest, 2-3× normal Munich rates)
Book ahead
8+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Beer festival fans + families (Sundays) + party groups
  • ✓Book hotel 8-12 months ahead — Munich hotels 3× normal price during Wiesn
  • ✓Book tent tables 8-12 months ahead (Käfer + Schottenhamel + Hofbräu are most touristy)
  • ✓Free entry (no ticket for the fairground) — pay per beer stein (~€15-16 each)
  • ✓Dress code: lederhosen for men, dirndl for women. Rent from ~€40 or buy from ~€100
  • ✓Family days are Tuesdays (kids under 6 free, discounted rides). Sundays are less rowdy than weekends

Book hotels for Oktoberfest Munich 2026

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 8+ months ahead.

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Frequently asked

When is Oktoberfest 2026?
September 19-October 4, 2026 (16 days). Opens noon Saturday with the traditional keg-tapping. Closes first Sunday of October.
How much does Oktoberfest cost?
Free entry to the fairground. Beer stein €15-16 (1L Maß). Meal ~€25-40. Hotel during Oktoberfest is 2-3× normal Munich rate.
Do I need a tent reservation?
Not required — you can walk in until tents fill (typically 15:00 weekends, 17:00 weekdays). But reservation guarantees a table + often includes food + drink deposit.
What is the best tent at Oktoberfest?
Schottenhamel (traditional, keg-tapping opening), Hofbräu-Festzelt (international party), Käfer (upscale, Prince Ludwig's), Augustiner-Festhalle (best beer, locals prefer).
How do I get to the Wiesn?
U-Bahn U4/U5 to Theresienwiese station — directly at the fairground entrance. From Munich Airport: S1 or S8 to Marienplatz (~40 min) + U4/U5.