But Allie, Oktoberfest is in September! 🗓️
That's like 7 months from now. 👀
Why should I start planning now? 🤔
If you live in or near Germany, sure, no big deal. You can probably make a day trip out of it. Show up earlier on a weekday (after opening weekend) and find your way into a tent or two. 🎪
However, if you're traveling from far away, I would start planning around a year or so beforehand. 💯
Overall, the further ahead you book, the better prices you'll find for lodging, etc.! You can even use platforms like Booking.com, which offer no money down and free cancellation. This way, you can make tentative plans without the full commitment. 👌
Remember that tours and activities will sell out fast as September nears. If there are specific activities you would like to do, I would also book those ahead of time! This includes restaurant reservations. 🍽️
Main Oktoberfest Website:
Munich Oktoberfest Facebook:
My Comprehensive Guide to Oktoberfest:
I attended the Stuttgarter Cannstatter Volksfest in 2022 (Stuttgart's version of Oktoberfest) and both the Volksfest and Munich's Oktoberfest in 2023. I have also attended Oktoberfest celebrations in Mannheim and a smaller, more local one near my home. 🍺
So far, Stuttgart still wins in my book for my favorite "Oktoberfest" festival. It is less commercial, less crowded overall, and cheaper, too! You should head to Munich at least ONCE, but after that, I'd explore celebrations in other cities.
I put Oktoberfest in quotes because some Germans will argue that it's not an Oktoberfest. Sure, I guess TECHNICALLY it's not... but... it's in September... and has the same things as Munich... parade and all... Really? 😂
This past year (2023), I attended Munich's Oktoberfest on opening weekend to watch a parade 🎊! We hopped on the metro from our hotel and made our way over to the Theresienwiese area, where the celebrations are held.
I expected things to be ridiculously crowded. However, that was not my experience at all. Public transportation was busy, but we were able to find seats, and there were lots of officials everywhere helping to direct the crowds. It was nowhere near as hectic as I expected (much to my relief). 😍
For the parade, I found that we could book grandstand tickets beforehand for somewhere to sit and watch the parade! You can find the link to the website I used last year to book here.
All I have to say is, book your grandstand tickets on the side of the street where the buildings are. Not on the "green." We were literally the only grandstand in full, glaring sunlight. Everyone else was in the cool shade! I was so mad. ☀️😭
I had to fight the entire time to get decent photos. I was literally holding my hand over my lens to block out the sunlight. 📸
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There are two main parades (from what I understand). The traditional tapping of the keg accompanies the opening parade (seen above), followed by a "costume" (tracht) and rifle parade the following day. 🍻🎶
After the parade, we headed over to the festival grounds.
As you can see above, we were efficiently funneled to the nearest entrance.
There was no chance of getting lost! 😅
Because of opening weekend, Munich was quite crowded. However, it was never to the point where I felt overwhelmed. The most important thing to remember about opening weekend is that you'll likely want to purchase a table reservation to ensure you can enter a tent. If you attend during this time or on a Friday/Saturday night, I would do so to ensure the best experience. They close the tents when they are at capacity. 🙅♂️
The best time to avoid purchasing table reservations is earlier in the day and on weekdays. When it's less busy, you can simply enter the tents and find any open spot! 🙌
Smaller parties of 4 or fewer are also recommended to avoid reservations.
Some tents have already opened up reservations, but most will be available starting in March/April.
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Above, you'll see what some of the "tents" look like from the outside! 🎪
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They can be quite expansive and colorful!
And yes, these structures are actually taken down and put back up every year. 🤯
Also, don't be like me and forget to go inside to see them all. I want to kick myself for only going inside two! I completely forgot, and I'm a little sad about it. For example, Hacker has a beautiful blue-sky ceiling and decor inside that I really wanted a photo of! 🤦♀️
Pro Tip: If the weather has not turned cold yet, bring small portable fans with extra batteries. This was literally a lifesaver this past year! The insides of these tents can be like little furnaces. It would have been miserable for me without my fan! 🌡️
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Don't forget to try all the delicious food!!
I'm hungry just thinking about it! 🤤
Each tent will often have a specific beer they feature. 🍺
And no... those straw glasses did not work at all. 🥤
I spilled that beer everywhere, trying to use them! 😂
Standing on the benches is permitted, but do not stand on the tables! 🚫
When making your table reservation, I would personally suggest avoiding filling your table up all the way. For example, if I reserve a table for 8, I would only invite 6. I find that they will pack you into the tables like sardines, and it can be uncomfortable. I'm more than willing to pay a little extra to avoid overcrowding. 👌
The photo above, from the Cannstatter Volksfest, shows two separate table reservations in the same row. Friends of mine paid for the table connected to ours.
As you can see, you will be in close quarters with people from around the world. 🌎
Embrace it!
Oktoberfest is a wonderful time to make new friends and acquaintances! 👫
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You will find all kinds of entertainment during the festival. When choosing your tent, you'll want to check to see what is being offered during your visit! 🎤🎶
Sometimes, they will even have famous bands come to play. Those reservations tend to sell out fast, so don't hesitate!
Check out this TikTok! 👈
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Don't forget the rides! 🎢
I always try to hop on one or two.
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