What is Oktoberfest?
The first Oktoberfest was held in October 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, with a horse race on a meadow outside the city gates, named Theresienwiese after the bride.
Over the years the festival moved into September for the warmer weather. Only Munich's six traditional breweries may serve beer there, brewed to a special Oktoberfest recipe.
When is Oktoberfest? Dates for 2026 and 2027
2026
- 19 September – 4 October 2026Oktoberfest 2026
2027
- 18 September – 3 October 2027Oktoberfest 2027
The rule: Oktoberfest begins on the Saturday after 15 September and ends on the first Sunday of October; when that Sunday is 1 or 2 October, it carries on until 3 October, German Unity Day.
How people celebrate
- The opening: at noon on the first Saturday, Munich's mayor taps the first barrel with the words “O'zapft is!” (“It's tapped!”).
- The parade of the tent landlords and breweries on the first day, and the great costume parade on the first Sunday.
- Roast chicken, pretzels, white sausages and Obatzda, a spiced cheese spread.
Good to know
- Entry is free, but tent tables are reserved months ahead; come early on a weekday for a free seat.
- Many families come for the rides and the food: weekday afternoons are the calmest time.
- In most years the quieter Oide Wiesn, with old-fashioned rides and music, has its own corner of the grounds (small entry fee).