You may have asked yourself why Oktoberfest is celebrated? The reason for the first Oktoberfest in 1810 was the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The first Oktoberfest took place on 12th October 1810 and ended five days later with a horse race. Because it was so beautiful, the festival was repeated in the following years. Even though there were no beer tents or fairground rides at the first Oktoberfest, the Munich Oktoberfest was born. Years later, the duration of the Oktoberfest had been extended and started then already in September. The weather certainly may have played a crucial role, as Munich offers by the end of September often a beautiful, mild Indian summer.
Best time to go to Munich Oktoberfest in Germany – O’zapft is
Each year in September until early October the Munich Oktoberfest, also called the “Wiesn” takes place on the largest fairground in Munich, at the Theresienwiese. In 2027 the Oktoberfest Munich takes place from 18th of September until 03rd of October 2027. The official Oktoberfest 2027 opening takes place on 18th of September at lunch time. The traditional “O’zapft is!” by the Lord Mayor of Munich is the official start of the Munich Oktoberfest – the largest folk festival in the world. For a total of 16 days the Oktoberfest Munich can be visited in 2024.
How to get to Munich Oktoberfest?
There are many ways to go to Munich Oktoberfest. If you are in or around Munich you can go by a well organised system of public transport, tram, bus, or taxi. A private transfer might be a comfortable and hassle-free option. Make sure you get your international flights to Munich Oktoberfest early to avoid any disappointment getting there.
What to do at the Oktoberfest in Munich? – Oktoberfest Activities
Today, Munich Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world and attracts around six million visitors every year. With beer tents, a variety of rides, amusements and stands on offer there are plenty of things to experience on and around the Munich Oktoberfest. Don’t miss a ride with the “Willenborgs Riesenrad”. This ferris wheel is a well-known symbol for Munich Oktoberfest and offers great view over Munich Oktoberfest from a bird’s eye view. Depending on the weather, you can see the Alps from the Ferris wheel. A visit to the „Oide Wiesn“, which showcases the historical section of the Munich Oktoberfest is worth seeing.
The “Oide Wiesn” – (Old Oktoberfest)
The „Oide Wiesn“ showcases the historical section of the Munich Oktoberfest. Here you can experience real Bavarian customs and see what Munich Oktoberfest used to be in the earlier days. Listen to traditional music and discover the historical fairground, which is full of rides & amusements from the early days of the Munich Oktoberfest. A visit to the „Oide Wiesn“ is an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience for young and old.
What to wear to Oktoberfest Munich in Germany?
The traditional Oktoberfest dress for men and women is called “Tracht”. Women wear “Dirndl” while men wear “Lederhosen”. Dirndl with blouses and festive aprons and fine lederhosen paired with shirt and jacket are a must have for a visit to the Oktoberfest in Munich. The costume dates back to the 19th century, when primarily farmers and workers wore lederhosen. Nowadays you even can see women wearing a Lederhosen. The traditional “Tracht” has become cult. Make sure you get a real traditional Bavarian Dirndl, or Lederhosen to be part of this cultural heritage.
Traditional Oktoberfest food and beer
A visit to the Munich Oktoberfest wouldn’t be complete with a visit to one of the many beer tents on offer. Here you can try traditional food and Oktoberfest beer. Beer is of course a central element of the Munich Oktoberfest. The iconic and traditional German beer stein which is called a “Maß” is the German word describing the amount of beer in a beer stein, which is one litre. How much does a beer at the Munich Oktoberfest cost? During Oktoberfest 2022 it was between EUR 12.60 and EUR 13.80. In 2025, it was between EUR 14.50 and EUR 15.80 for a one-litre Maß of beer. Next to Oktoberfest beer there is a variety of traditional dishes on offer, including pork roast, pretzels, white sausages or roast ox – just to name a few. Not only in beer tents you can immerse yourself in a culinary experience. There are also traditional Bavarian Beer gardens to enjoy local, traditional and authentic food and beer. The mood is cheerful and exuberant. Everybody is here to have a great time with authentic music and dance.
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Planning a Private, Tailor-Made Oktoberfest Tour in Germany from Australia?
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