The world’s biggest folk and beer festival is here! If you’re looking to visit Munich anytime soon, this is perhaps the best time to go. Oktoberfest 2025 brings back the taste of traditional Bavarian culture with ample beer on tap, live music, parades, and delicious food. It spans the entire period from 20th September to 5th October.
Find all the deets about Oktoberfest locations, attire, tickets, and accommodation options. Sample the globally famous Oktoberfest beer from leading Munich breweries, indulge in traditional German food, and take exhilarating fairground rides. Here’s all you need to know about getting in on the action!
Oktoberfest 2025 Dates & Location
Oktoberfest is probably the king of all German beer festivals and you’ll see why! It will be held at Theresienwiese, Munich from September 20 to October 5, 2025. From the traditional Oktoberfest parades and massive Oktoberfest tents for beer to live music and fairground rides Munich, there’s a lot to enjoy here.
It’s important that you use the U-Bahn (subway) with the U6 and U3 lines serving the Poccistraße and Goetheplatz stations. You should aim to visit the beer tents on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds.
A Brief History of Oktoberfest
Before diving deeper into Oktoberfest tours and fun activities, it’s important to understand the festival’s history in more detail. It started in 1810 as a celebration of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, becoming the biggest beer and folk festival in the world. It started being held annually on Therese’s meadow.
Oktoberfest has now become a festival of global proportions, with beer tents, traditional Bavarian food, parades, carnival rides, and whatnot! The festival officially begins with the Mayor tapping the first Oktoberfest beer keg and declaring O’zapft is! Or It is tapped.
Oktoberfest Tents & Beer Experience
Some of the main tents include the Hofbrau Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Spaten Oktoberfest, and Augustiner. You’ll find the best Oktoberfest beer at any of these tents, including Hofbrau with its lively atmosphere and global crowd. Hacker-Pschorr has a unique Heaven of the Bavarians ceiling and special party bands. Spaten is more authentically Bavarian with signature Spaten beer from 1417 and traditional music. The same goes for Augustiner, which serves its namesake beer in exclusive Oktoberfest glasses too. You should check the Oktoberfest tent reservations guide for more details.
Reserve your table early or ask the locals about less-crowded tents. You can also join an all-inclusive tour in case you’re looking for Oktoberfest bookings.
Beer Details
You can book several Oktoberfest tours with food and beer include for a wonderful experience. The official Oktoberfest beer is often the Fest bier (lighter), although the Marzen beer style is the traditional one. They are usually served in 1-liter mugs and the 2025 prices may hover around €14.50-15.80. Usually Marzen varieties come with 5-6% ABV. Pace yourself as you go along. 1-liter mugs may go faster than you think!
What to Wear at Oktoberfest
Wondering what to wear at Oktoberfest 2025? There are usually two kinds of outfits, namely the Oktoberfest Lederhosen for men and Dirndl Oktoberfest for women. Women may use bows on their traditional Bavarian dresses to indicate their relationship status. You can tie it on the left if you’re single and on the right if you’re engaged, married, or taken! Wearing it in the center back means that you’re either widowed or a waitress.
When it comes to the traditional Oktoberfest colors, it’s usually deep green, burgundy, brown, cream, or navy blue. Lederhosen are mostly black or brown leather, while Dirndl’s may have earthy tones and colorful aprons. If you don’t want to buy an outfit, there’s always the option to rent them!
Food to Try at Oktoberfest
Here is a list of foods to try at Oktoberfest:
- Potato dumplings that are filling and tender.
- Potato pancakes made from flour, onions, and grilled potatoes.
- Pork knuckles or schweinshaxe, which are slow-roasted until the skin turns crispy and golden.
- Soft pretzels or brezn, which are classic Oktoberfest treats, sporting a signature golden brown color.
- Hendl- Hendl or roast chicken is another popular choice and is seasoned to perfection!
- White Sausage- Weißwurst or white sausages are another must-have delight, considered one of the most iconic dishes in Bavaria.
- Apple Strudel- It is a popular dessert with Austrian origins and is usually served with whipped cream.
- Gingerbread Hearts- These delightful Lebkuchenherzen or gingerbread hearts come with lovely icing and are a must-have at the festival.
If you’re visiting with friends, make sure you share plates. This will help you avoid over-eating and tackle the generous portions, while getting a taste of everything on offer. If you have to try only a few on a given day, go for the white sausage, gingerbread hearts, and roast chicken above all else!
Tickets & Booking Information
There are no Oktoberfest tickets for entry to the grounds. It is completely free and you have to pay for your food and drinks. There’s also a minimum consumption charge for reserved tables. You have to take this as the Oktoberfest ticket price on your part.
You can secure them through guided tours or official online booking platforms. So, if you were wondering how to get Oktoberfest tickets 2025, focus on the table reservations at tents or guided Oktoberfest tours. Bookings are also possible directly through the Oktoberfest website or tour operators.
Accommodation During Oktoberfest
Wondering where to stay during Oktoberfest 2025? You’ll find several Oktoberfest accommodation options near Theresienwiese. For the cheapest Oktoberfest accommodation near Theresienwiese, look for serviced apartments in the area. You can stay with your whole group for an extended period at lower rates, with utilities included, options to cook meals, and lesser costs/time on commutes.
In fact, booking in the right location will help you take day trips to several nearby Bavarian towns and cities, including Regensburg and others. Check proximity to the U-Bahn while booking your apartment for easier access, while booking as early as you can. The ideal timeframe is at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid the last-minute crowds.
Oktoberfest Music, Parades & Events
The first Saturday of Oktoberfest usually starts with the Parade of the Landlords and Breweries. You’ll find it in the Oktoberfest opening parade schedule 2025 and this is followed by the tapping of the first keg. There is also the Costume and Riflemen’s Parade along with other vibrant brass Oktoberfest bands in the tents.
You’ll love seeing the participants marching around in traditional costumes. Another attraction is the variety of music played at beer tents, including traditional Bavarian folk music and modern hits. An integral part of the festival is the funfair offering amusement rides for people of almost all ages.
Certain days are more family-friendly Oktoberfest days, with several special activities and lower rates on food and some rides. There is also the traditional gun salute at the foot of the Bavarian monument and the Oktoberfest Landlords’ Concert to look forward to.
Planning Ahead: Oktoberfest Tips for Every Year
There are several tips for visiting Oktoberfest 2025 for first-timers that you can use. Some of them include:
- Remember that the festival starts in mid-September in 2026. So, book your accommodation and tables early.
- Wear traditional attire like Dirndls and Lederhosen and enjoy family gatherings in the mornings.
- Create a checklist for your visit from now on and plan your meals and tent visits around the peak times.
- Book early for the tents through the Big Six breweries, since there is no central reservation system.
- Arrive early for walk-ins if you haven’t reserved a table.
- If you’re traveling with your kids, pick out tents that may have kid-friendly menus.
Travel & Visitor Tips
Here are some Oktoberfest family-friendly tips to help you navigate the festival with ease.
- Arrive early: Tents usually open from 10 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends. Early arrivals increase your chances of finding seats if you don’t have reservations.
- Bring cash: Many tents and vendors may prefer cash instead of cards. Hence, carry some along.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water between your beers to pace yourself and prevent dehydration.
- Eat heartily: Enjoy sumptuous Bavarian delicacies to balance out the strong beer.
- Dress authentically: Wear the traditional clothes to embrace the culture.
- Use public transport: The U-Bahn will ensure smoother commutes, with the U4 and U5 subway lines will take you to the Theresienwiese station directly.
- Museum visit: You can consider a visit to the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum for a deeper understanding of the festival.
- Carry a small backpack with essentials: These include cash, water, your phone charger, an umbrella, hat, sunscreen, etc.
FAQs Related to Oktoberfest
1. When is Oktoberfest 2025?
This year, Oktoberfest 2025 is from September 20 to October 5.
2. Do I need tickets for Oktoberfest?
Entry to the festival is free; reservation is recommended for tents.
3. How much does beer cost at Oktoberfest 2025?
The average cost is around €13–€15 per liter.
4. What should I wear?
You can consider traditional Bavarian outfits like Dirndl or Lederhosen.
5. Is Oktoberfest family-friendly?
Yes, it is family-friendly, particularly on designated family days and weekday afternoons.
Conclusion
Oktoberfest 2025 beckons with its exhilarating mix of delicious food, heady beer, and festive celebrations galore! It’s an amazing cultural experience where you embrace tradition and modernity in equal measure, while being part of a globally acclaimed festival.
Book your Accommodation in Munich early and plan ahead to enjoy the festival to the fullest. And of course, while you’re having the time of your life (albeit responsibly), don’t forget to take photographs too!
