Oktoberfest, the world's largest Volksfest, is an annual event that draws millions of visitors from around the globe. Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, Germany. The festival is held on a large open area called the Theresienwiese, which locals affectionately refer to as "Wiesn." This 4.5 million square feet space is located in the heart of Munich, just southwest of the city center.
The Theresienwiese is transformed into a bustling fairground for the duration of the festival, with massive beer tents, amusement rides, food stalls, and other attractions. The location has been the home of Oktoberfest since its inception. On the first day of Oktoberfest, the opening ceremony begins at 11:00 AM in the Schottenhamel tent. At noon, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer, declaring "O'zapft is!" (It's tapped!), officially opening the festival. After this, beer can be served in all tents. Despite its name, Oktoberfest actually begins in September and ends in early October. The festival typically lasts for 16 to 18 days, depending on the calendar year. The specific dates vary slightly each year. Beer tents open at 10:00 AM and close at 10:30 PM on weekdays and open at 9:00 am on holidays and weekends. The last call for drinks is at 10:15 PM.
Oktoberfest has a history spanning over two centuries, with its origins dating back to 1810. The festival began as a celebration of the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The royal wedding took place on October 12, 1810, and the citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates, which were named Theresienwiese (Therese's Meadow) in honor of the bride.
The inaugural celebration was such a success that it was decided to repeat the horse races and festivities the following year, marking the beginning of the Oktoberfest tradition. Over time, the event evolved and expanded, incorporating more elements that we associate with the modern festival. In 1816, the organizers added small beer stands, and in 1818 food booths and a carousel were introduced. It wasn’t until 1892, however that beer was first served in glass mugs.
Throughout its history, Oktoberfest has been canceled or altered due to various circumstances, including wars, cholera epidemics, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the festival has always bounced back. The event attracts a diverse crowd of both locals and international visitors. The attendees, known as "Wiesnbesucher" (Wiesn visitors), come from all walks of life and age groups, although you must be at least 16 years old to drink beer at the festival. On average, the festival welcomes around 6 million visitors each year, with approximately 70% of attendees coming from Bavaria, while the remaining 30% are tourists from other parts of Germany and abroad.
While Oktoberfest is often associated primarily with beer, its theme is much broader, encompassing a celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions. Many attendees wear traditional Bavarian clothing. Men often don Lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders), while women wear Dirndls (traditional dresses with a bodice, blouse, full skirt, and apron). The famous Oktoberfest beer, brewed specially for the event by Munich's six major breweries, is a central feature. Traditional Bavarian cuisine, including pretzels, sausages, roast chicken, and various hearty dishes, is also a significant part of the experience.
Each beer tent has its own band playing a mix of traditional Bavarian music and popular hits. Outside the beer tents, the fairground offers a variety of rides and attractions, creating a festive carnival environment. Parades, crossbow competitions, and other traditional events add to the cultural richness of the festival.
Given Oktoberfest's immense popularity, early preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Typically, visitors book accommodations 6-12 months in advance. Hotels fill up quickly, and prices surge during the festival. If you're planning to visit with a large group, consider reserving tables in beer tents, though this can be challenging for international visitors. Oktoberfest 2025 begins on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and ends on Sunday, October 5th, 2025.