Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is the world’s largest beer festival, held annually from late September to the first weekend in October. The event celebrates Bavarian culture, featuring over two weeks of beer tents, traditional music, folk dances, food, and carnival rides. Visitors from around the world gather to enjoy local brews, particularly those from Munich's six major breweries, along with classic Bavarian dishes like pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken. Oktoberfest is famous for its lively atmosphere, where participants often dress in traditional Bavarian clothing such as lederhosen and dirndls. The festival is a major cultural event, combining hospitality, heritage, and fun.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival dates: 20 September – 5 October 2025. Official dates
• Opening day (Sat 20 Sep): Keg tapping at 12:00 in Schottenhamel Festhalle — the Lord Mayor declares “O’zapft is!” Ceremony details
• Parades:
– Procession of the Wiesn landlords & breweries on Sat 20 Sep, ~10:35, into Theresienwiese. Info
– Traditional costume & marksmen’s parade on Sun 21 Sep, 10:00. Route & times · City listing
• Tents & grounds hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–23:30; Sat/Sun & Thu 3 Oct 09:00–23:30. Last beer & music 22:30 in large tents; Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Weinzelt may serve until 01:00. Opening times · Beer-tent hours
• Family Days: Tue 23 Sep and Tue 30 Sep with reduced prices until 19:00. Family Day info
LOCATION
• Theresienwiese, Munich — downloadable site plan & map with tents, ATMs, first aid, water taps, and services. Get the map
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Entry to Oktoberfest grounds: Free; no general admission ticket required. Details
• Oide Wiesn (nostalgic area): Separate section with €4 admission; kids under 14 free; rides typically €1.50; after 21:00 admission is free (re-entry via exits only). Oide Wiesn info · More on admission
• Table reservations: No central system—reserve directly with each tent (useful for groups/evenings). How to reserve
GOOD TO KNOW
• Bag policy & security: Bags must be max ~3 L or 20×15×10 cm; security checks at entrances. What you can bring
• Families: Facilities include stroller parking and baby-care rooms; Oide Wiesn is especially family-friendly. Tips for families
CAMPING (POPULAR OPTIONS)
• Oktoberfest-Camping (Munich-Riem): Munich’s largest Wiesn campsite for caravans and campers; open 17 Sep – 6 Oct 2025 with metro connection to the festival grounds. Official site · Reservation info
• Wies’n Camp (Riem): Seasonal campground offering own-tent pitches, pre-erected tents, and cabins/huts; typically ~20 minutes to the Wiesn by train. Camp overview · Opening hours 2025
• Campingplatz München-Thalkirchen: The nearest campsite to Theresienwiese (approx. 10 minutes by public transport). Official site · Travel time & details
• THE TENT (budget camp/hostel): Open 05 Jun – 06 Oct 2025; large dorm-style tents plus camping in parkland. Official site
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