Frequently Asked Questions
On the first Saturday the grounds open at 8am (people are queuing well before that), with beer being served from midday. At all other times the tents open and are serve beer from 10am (9am on weekends and the 3rd Oct, which is a public holiday in Germany).
Most tents play their last song just before 10:30pm and start asking people to leave shortly after that. Top tip: Don't order a new beer after 10pm, as you may end up having to leave most of it!
Some are open longer (the two wine tents for example, are open until 1am), and you can also get a Bier in the Käfer beer garden until 11:30pm.
Although not compulsory, Tracht (traditional attire) has become even more popular over the past 10-15 years, with an ever increasing number of visitors donning their Dirndl or Lederhosen.
Conditions can differ greatly in Munich at this time of year. For example, the first post-Covid Wiesn of 2022 the opening day saw temperatures between 7-10°C (45-50°F) with drizzle on and off throughout. In fact, during the two weeks it never got above 20°C (68°F)
Compare that to a year later where the first six days saw no rain, mostly clear skies and sunshine, and highs of between 21-27°C (70-80°F). The 2023 Wiesn only had one day of real rain, with sunshine most days.
Remember though, whatever the weather outside it will be warm inside the tents. Top tip: Bring an old jumper/jacket and stash it under the table for the cool evening when you leave.
2025 beer prices have now been published. A litre of Munich's finest will set you back between 14.50 Euro & 15.80 Euro, depending on the tent.
Yes, well in the large tents at least. The two wine tents and some of the smaller tents do serve Weissbier (0.5l).
Unfortunately, not at the Oktoberfest. Some tents offer wine/spirits though, and most have GF food options.
There are two dedicated wine tents: Kuffler's Weinzelt & Käfer Wiesnschänke, which also serve champagne, prosecco, as well as beer.
Of the "beer tents", Armbrustschützenzelt, Marstall, Schützenfestzelt, Schottenhamel and Fischer-Vroni do offer wine and some even have other drinks like Aperol-spritz.
All tents serve Sprite (Limo) and most will offer it mixed with beer to make shandy (Radler). Hacker and Bräurosl will not serve Radler (you have to buy a Maß and half a litre of Sprite and mix it yourself).
Alcohol free beer is also available.
There are several smaller bars where you can buy beers, for example the Weissbier Karussell (A popular wheat beer carousel)
Top tip: Usually at these bars you will be given a plastic token, which is a deposit for the glass, so make sure you return both to get the deposit back (unless you want to keep the glass).
Even though you may have a voucher for half a chicken, you can use it to order alternatives, including vegetarian delicacies, such as Käsespätzle (similar to mac and cheese), Obazda (Soft Camembert Bavarian style), or for dessert Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes).
Vegan options are also available and are becoming more varied, for example, organic sauerkraut strudel or pan-fried vegetables.
Yes. Tap water in Germany is totally fine to drink (in fact, Munich gets its water from the Alps!) and behind many of the tents (Löwenbräu, Bräurosl) or close to the toilets you will find water stations.
Top tip: You are not allowed to bring bottled drinks onto the grounds, but there is free tap water available behind some tents, so flatten a 0.5l bottle and hide it upon your person until inside the grounds, where you can fill it with tap water.
Generally, cash is still king. Most tents only accept payment in Euros, and many have an ATM machine. Be aware of the fees charged to use them (it would be better to get Euros in advance).
This year the Münchner Stubn (smaller tent next to Löwenbräu) has gone 100% cash free and will only accept card payment.
Because of a wedding over 200 years ago!
In October 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig & Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen were wed and a large celebration was held just outside the gates of the city.
During the festivities, a horse race was held with such success that it was decided to make this a yearly event. From these humble beginnings the Oktoberfest we know and love today was born.
The Theresienwiese.
In honour of Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen, the site of the horse race (see above) was named Theresienwiese (Therese's Meadow) and from this we get the slang term "Wiesn"; often used instead of Oktoberfest.
During the day, each tent will have their own Oompah (brass) band with the occasional "Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit" thrown in to ensure guests drink their beer.
The Oktobefest turns into a different beast at night. From about 6pm each tent (except at the Oide Wiesn) will have one or two pop/rock bands performing a mix of German and English songs, including:
I Will Survive
Angels
Hey Baby
Don't Stop Believin'
Sweet Caroline
99 Luftballons
Skandal im Sperrbezirk
Fürstenfeld
So ein schöner Tag (Fliegerlied)
That's easy. The cheers drinking song ("Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit") is played several times an hour as it encourages guests to raise their Maßkrüge (glasses) toasting peace and happiness.
The song only has 4 different words, with the same line repeated twice...
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit.
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit.
However, if you really want to fit in, you need to learn a little Bavarian too, which is added on to the end of the song (and - more importantly - before you drink)...
Oans, zwoa, drei gsuffa!
This is Bavarian for one (eins), two (zwei), three (drei), drink (saufen).
There are two parades and both are on the opening weekend:
Einzug der Wiesnwirte, or entrance of the Oktoberfest landlords (10:45am, Saturday) is the shorter of the two parades. It begins at Sendlinger Tor and takes the most direct route to the Theresienwiese.
Schützenzug & Trachtenzug, or traditional costume and riflemen parade (10:00am, Sunday) is longer and larger than the opening day parade, starting close to the river Isar, passing through Schwabing and the city centre, before entering the Theresienwiese at the east entrance (close to Goetheplatz).
Vouchers are valid anytime during the Oktoberfest (at that specific tent) and the tent owners must also offer the option of redeeming vouchers in their restaurants, and/or refunding the voucher amount.
Each tent has different deadlines for redeeming vouchers, from a few weeks to the end of the year.
You are not allowed to take large items of luggage into the grounds. Bags/rucksacks, etc. may have a maximum volume of 3 litres and be no larger than 20x15x10 centimetres. To the left of the main entrance there is a luggage storage facility where you can stow larger items for a fee.
It is strictly forbidden to just take a litre Maßkrug/Stein with you; however, you can purchase them from the tents. When you buy one, the tent will tie bow around it to show the security personnel that you have paid for the Maßkrug/Stein, thus allowing you to leave their premises with it.
Indoor smoking in a public place was banned in Bavaria in 2010.
Most tents have balconies or designated smoking areas. Smoking is still allowed on the festival grounds and in the beer gardens, however, consumption of cannabis products (now legal in Germany) is prohibited anywhere on the festival site.
If you have a question which is not answered here, why not drop us a line and we will not only reply to you, but we will also add it above.
