Oktoberfest 2026: A First-Timer's Guide to Dates, Tents and Tips

Every autumn, around six million people descend on a field in Munich to drink beer by the litre in enormous tents, dressed in lederhosen and dirndls. Oktoberfest is the biggest folk festival on earth, and it is far more welcoming to first-timers than its reputation suggests. Here is what you need to know before you go in 2026 - the dates, how the tents work, what to wear and how to actually get a seat.

When is Oktoberfest 2026?

Oktoberfest 2026 runs from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4 - sixteen days. It is the 191st Oktoberfest. Despite the name, most of it happens in September, when Munich's weather is warmer. The festival takes place on the Theresienwiese, a large open ground a short walk southwest of the city centre that locals simply call the Wiesn.

The opening is a ceremony in itself: at noon on the first Saturday, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg in the Schottenhammel tent and calls out "O'zapft is!" ("It's tapped!"). Only then does the beer start to flow.

How Oktoberfest works

The single most useful thing to know: entry to Oktoberfest is free. There is no ticket to get in. You pay only for what you eat, drink and ride. The grounds are a mix of huge beer tents, smaller ones, food stalls and a full funfair.

Beer is served by the litre, in a heavy glass mug called a Maß. Only beer brewed within Munich to the traditional standard is poured here - Paulaner, Spaten, Augustiner, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu and Hacker-Pschorr. It is stronger than it tastes, so pace yourself. Expect to pay a premium: a Maß has crept into the mid-teens of euros in recent years, and stalls often take cash more readily than card.

Tents open late morning and the beer stops flowing around 10.30pm, with the tents closing by 11.30pm. One rule that surprises people: you can only be served beer while seated at a table.

The beer tents

There are fourteen large tents and around twenty smaller ones, each with its own character. A few worth knowing:

• Schottenhammel - where the festival is officially opened; young, loud and packed.
• Hofbräu-Festzelt - the most international tent and the easiest place to find English speakers.
• Augustiner-Festhalle - many locals' favourite, serving beer from traditional wooden barrels; more relaxed and family-friendly.
• Hacker-Festzelt - the "Himmel der Bayern" (Heaven of the Bavarians), famous for its painted sky ceiling and huge evening singalongs.

You don't need a reservation to enter a tent, but they fill completely on evenings and weekends - and remember, you can only drink while seated. Table reservations are free but come with a minimum food-and-drink spend, and they book up months ahead.

What to wear

You don't have to dress up, but most people do, and it is far more fun if you join in. Traditional Bavarian dress - Tracht - means Lederhosen for men and a Dirndl for women. You'll find them all over Munich in the weeks before, from cheap versions to serious craftsmanship. One local code worth knowing: a dirndl apron bow tied on the left means single, on the right means taken.

What to eat

The food is half the point. The classics: Hendl (half a roast chicken), giant soft Brezn (pretzels), Weisswurst (white sausage with sweet mustard), Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle) and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick). None of it is light, and all of it is designed to keep you upright.

Beyond the beer

Oktoberfest is also one of Europe's biggest funfairs, with roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel and old-fashioned rides. For a quieter, more historical experience, head to the Oide Wiesn ("Old Wiesn") - a nostalgic section with vintage rides, traditional music and gentler prices. Tuesdays are family days, with reduced ride prices until early evening.

First-timer tips

• Go in the morning or on a weekday if you want a table without a reservation. By Friday evening the big tents are rammed.
• Bring cash. Many stalls and some tents still prefer it.
• Book accommodation months ahead. Munich hotels sell out and prices soar during the festival.
• Pace yourself. A Maß is a full litre of strong beer; drink water and eat between rounds.
• Take the U-Bahn. Don't drive - the nearest stops (Theresienwiese, Goetheplatz, Schwanthalerhöhe) put you right at the grounds.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Oktoberfest free?

Yes. There is no entry ticket and no charge to walk into the grounds or the tents. You pay only for food, drink and funfair rides.

Do I need a tent reservation?

Not to get in - but you can only be served while seated, and tables fill up on evenings and weekends. Reservations are free but require a minimum spend and book up months ahead. Arrive by late morning to find a seat without one.

How much does a beer cost?

A one-litre Maß is not cheap - in recent years it has climbed into the mid-teens of euros. Only full litres are sold; there are no half measures of beer at Oktoberfest.

Is Oktoberfest family-friendly?

Yes, during the day. Families are welcome, Tuesdays offer reduced ride prices, and the Oide Wiesn is calmer. After early evening the big tents get loud and crowded.

What should I wear?

Anything you like, but traditional Tracht - Lederhosen or a Dirndl - is worn by most and adds to the fun. Comfortable shoes matter more than you'd think.

When does Oktoberfest 2026 start and end?

It runs from September 19 to October 4, 2026, opening at noon on the first Saturday when the mayor taps the first keg.