When Is Oktoberfest Held? (Hint: Mostly in September!)
Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest (locally called the Wiesn, held on the Theresienwiese grounds) runs for 16–18 days starting in mid-to-late September and ending on the first Sunday in October (or October 3, German Unity Day, whichever is later). Entry to the festival grounds and into all 14 large beer tents (such as Augustiner-Festhalle, Hofbräu-Festzelt, Schottenhamel, and Paulaner) is 100% free.
How to Get a Seat Inside an Oktoberfest Tent Without a Reservation
Every big tent keeps roughly 25–50% of its central wooden benches unreserved for walk-in visitors:
- Monday–Thursday before 14:30: Walk right in and find open seats at unreserved tables.
- Fridays, Saturdays & Evenings: Arrive by 09:00 on weekends or head to the historic Oide Wiesn (€4 admission, traditional brass bands and wooden barrels).
- Never Stand on the Tables: Standing on the wooden benches (Bänke) to sing is welcome, but standing on the table top (Tisch) will get you immediately escorted out by tent security.
- Cash & Beer Prices: A 1-liter Maß of festival beer (6.0% ABV) costs roughly €14.90–€15.80; bring cash and round up €1.50–€2.00 per liter for your server (Bedienung).
Traditional Munich Biergarten Rule: Bring Your Own Picnic Food!
Under King Maximilian I's 1812 Bavarian Beer Garden Decree, in the un-tablecloth self-service section of traditional Munich beer gardens (like Augustiner-Keller, Hirschgarten, and Chinesischer Turm), you are legally entitled to bring your own picnic food (pretzels, cheese, radishes) as long as you buy your beer on-site.