Oktoberfest in Munich 2023 – all you want to know

I joined the fantastic Oktoberfest in Munich on its re-opening day in September 2022, 2 years after it had been closed due to the Coronavirus. It was a wonderful experience. It was loud, fun, and crazy. Oktoberfest is a must-see if you’re going to Munich in September and October. If you plan to join, I am sharing my fantastic experience and some things you might want to know about Oktoberfest in Munich. For this year’s Oktoberfest, it will be on September 17- October 03, 2023.

Updated: 2023

Oktoberfest in Munich quick information

Location: Theresienwiese, Munich

Dates: Saturday, September 17 to Monday, October 3, 2023

What to wear: Traditional Drindl for women and Tracht for men

What to expect: Amazing rides for kids and adults, beer and food stalls, beer tents, high-spirited human beings

Oktoberfest in Munich quick history

The first Octoberfest was held on October 12, 1810.

• Oktoberfest was opened with a big horse race, and at the same time, it was also the wedding of Bavarian Kind Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. t was held at a pasture land on the city’s outskirts, and from this day forth, called “Theresienwiese” in honor of the bride. Since then, locals have joined Octoberfest and attracted millions of people worldwide. In 2010, Octoberfest held its 200th birthday.
• And in 2019, more than 6 million tourists joined Octoberfest. However, in 2020 and 2021, it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. On the other hand, it’s “Oktober,” as Germans spell that way in German, while it is “October” in English.
• The one and only Oktoberfest is held in Munich, Germany, although other cities try to copy it and have their version of Octoberfest.

Oktoberfest in Munich price tickets

As I’ve mentioned, Lisa bought the tickets for us. But if you’d like one, you can buy it online. However, if you’re planning to enjoy the drink without special tables in the tent, there’s no need for a ticket for that. Or, if you’re going on early mornings or weekdays, if you’re alone, small group, tickets are not necessary. You can just blend with the crowd. But also note, that that is not always the case, as Oktoberst is always the busiest, and trying your luck may not be successful enough. Just so you know.

Oktoberfest in Munich – my first-time experience in 2022

My first time experience at Oktoberfest in Munich as in 2022. Lisa made a reservation at 18:00 at Marstall Tent Munich. She is our good friend. We met them 30 minutes before the opening time of the tent. She handed us a paper bracelet to wrap around our wrists, confirming our reservation. Without this, it would be highly impossible to get in. We were all gathered in front of the beer tent while nearly freezing (it was 8 degrees) on this day, waiting for it to open. The place was packed. And I could feel the vibe from the outside that it was already getting hyped. People were excited.

Once inside, we were led to our table and started ordering drinks. Max (Lisa’s husband) was in-charged of the glasses, and of course, we’re happy about that. He was an expert in this department.

Then the party began!

There were performers on the stage, serenading us while catching up with one another. Eating and drinking were the top priority. And then the music and dancing never stopped.

Oktoberfest goers were alive, energetic, in a great mood, and most of all, drunk. But, as my friends said, that’s the purpose. And so, who cares?

My first time going to Oktoberfest didn’t end there. A couple of days later, my husband and I went back again. This time, to take pictures, try the carnival rides, and walk around. Clearly, there were more visitors at this time as the weather cooperated a bit. We grabbed the chance to really just enjoy ourselves and have a great time.

Oktoberfest in Munich Expectations vs. Reality

I’ve seen Oktoberfest in photos before. And, as my husband is German, I knew we would go to Oktoberfest together one day. y expectations were that people wear traditional costumes, go to tents, and order food and beers. And just like that, that was already an Octoberfest in my imagination.

But the reality is, it was way beyond that.

As soon as we entered the U-Bahn going to Theresientrase, I could already sense the excitement of Oktoberfest goers. And once we arrived at the central event place, my eyes were everywhere. Felt like a kid again. Young and adults in full Drindl costumes, souvenir shops, fantastic beer, foods and snacks, sweets stalls, grilled chickens, and exciting yet hair-raising rides.

I didn’t expect to see the fun and entertaining things like these. That being said, I was so amazed-I felt antsy and wanted to try all the rides.

Preparing for Oktoberfest in Munich 2022 – buying the traditional costume

If you’re a first-timer living in Munich like me, you’ll most likely need a Drindl costume to attend the festival. In the beginning, I was unsure if I’d get one myself because it was expensive, and I would not wear it daily. But the thing is, you’ll most likely need it every Octoberfest yearly. So, why not?

I bought mine at Allgäu, where my parents-in-law live. e found the shops there offering the best qualities of Drindl costume for women and Tracht for men. The inner top was 59 euro, and the drindl itself was 200. So be prepared to spare some euros for a better quality one that will last a long time.

As the day of Octoberfest in Munich 2022 is coming nearer, I also looked for a nice pair of shoes or sandals to match the outfit. But actually, what you probably have at home is the one you need. You don’t need to buy a new one, in my opinion. Didn’t. Found my black sandals perfectly matched with my Drindl on the first day. n the next time we went, I wore my brown boots.

Furthermore, I’ve also checked some ideas about how to dress my hair. I found pretty cool designs, but I just curled my hair the easiest way I could.

If you’re still unsatisfied, you can go to Octoberfest and purchase some pretty hair decorations there. Promise you, and you’ll find one you’ll love.

And make-up?

Well, wear whatever you like without being too less or too much. And as long as you feel confident and beautiful about it, you go!

How much to spend at Oktoberfest Munich? Well, Ready your pocket

Most importantly, prepare for some extra cash in the tash. Attending Oktoberfest in Munich meant spending much money without even realizing it. And that’s okay!

I can tell you, and it’s not cheap. n my first time at Oktoberfest, we spent a hundred to a thousand euros on food and drinks. But understandably, we were eight people, so I guess that’s fair.

I’m just saying that you don’t need to break your bank; my only point is to be prepared to shell out some pennies. And most of all, keep the beer flowing.

Don’t you drink beer? Neither do I.

No fret.

Beer tents also offer wines and champagne. I’m sure you’ll never run out of options.

However, it’s alright if you don’t feel like making your way to the beer tents. Grab a bottle of beer, buy snacks and simply, enjoy.

How to get to the Oktoberfest Munich location

You can take S bahn or U bahn services. If you take the S Bahn, get off at Hackerbrucke and follow the crowd to Thereseintrase. If you opt for U Bahn, take U4 and get off at Goetheplatz.

Good to know!

Octoberfest tents map here.

• The more giant tents’ serving of beer ends at 22:30- 23:00. While Käfer Wies’n-Schänke and Kufflers Weinzelt are at 0:30-1 am.
• Reservation for the table at beer tents is free of charge
• You can make the reservation at the tent operators
• Buy a voucher for a certain amount of beverages and food (in most cases 2 liters of beer and one chicken)
• Vouchers are valid should be paid in advance, and are only suitable for the current Octoberfest
• You may redeem the coupons inside the tent
• You can also get accessible seats at the beer tents; however, the chances are not too high.

List of beer tents and how to find them on Oktoberfest

Finding beer tents could be so challenging during this time. Beer tents can be reserved for a month or more to get a spot. And the thing is, most tables are for big groups, like ten people.

AUGUSTINER – FESTHALLE

Manfred und Thomas Vollmer OHG
Augustiner Großgaststätten
Neuhauser Str. 27
80331 München
Tel.: +49-89-23 18 32 66
Email: festhalle@augustiner-restaurant.com
Online reservation (German)

FESTZELT TRADITION (OLD OKTOBERFEST)

W&W Gastronomie- und Veranstaltungs GmbH
Marienplatz 8
80331 München
Tel.: +49-89-219989-77
Email: info@festzelttradition.de
Online (German)

ARMBRUSTSCHÜTZEN-FESTHALLE

Peter Inselkammer KG
“Platzl Hotel”
Sparkassenstraße 12
80331 München
Tel.: +49-89-23 70 37 03
Online reservation (German)

PAULANER WINZERER FÄHNDL

Winzerer Fähndl Pongratz GmbH
Paulaner Keller
Hochstr. 77
81541 München
Tel.: +49-89-62 17 19 10
Online reservations

SCHOTTENHAMEL-FESTHALLE

Festhalle Schottenhamel OHG
Nymphenburger Str. 139
80636 München
Tel.: +49-89-54 46 93 10
Email: festhalle@schottenhamel.de
Online reservations

OCHSENBRATEREI

Ochsenbraterei Haberl OHG
Hermann und Anneliese Haberl und Antje Schneider
Englischer Garten 3
80538 München
Tel.: +49-89-38 38 73 12
Email: info@ochsenbraterei.de
Online reservation (German)

MARSTALL FESTZELT

Able Gastronomie
Siegfried und Sabine Able
Lindberghstraße 4
80939 München
Telefon: +49-89-312055-0
Email: info@able-gastronomie.de
Online reservation

What else is there to do?

Besides drinking a liter of beer and munching on a tasty pretzel, you can buy souvenirs, walk around, buy varieties of sweet snacks like caramel peanuts, be with your friends, and enjoy the carnival rides ( with charge), too! However, you like it. t Octoberfest, there’s no right or wrong thing to do. Also, expect you’d see many drunk people peeing or running around. But as my German husband says,” it’s a natural scene” during Octoberfest.

On a personal note

I have often been asked how I liked my first time at Oktoberfest in Munich 2022. My answers are consistent- fascinating, and entertaining. Attending this world’s largest beer festival in the world is once in a lifetime experience. ( I plan to attend again next year, tho)

The vibe and atmosphere at Oktoberfest are a delight, a feast in the eye that one cannot resist joining.

But on the other hand, I also know some people like a colleague who didn’t really enjoy it. Make no mistake, Oktoberfest is really loud and crazy. So I must warn you to be prepared for all the noise and wildness.

Lastly, If you are joining the fun of Oktoberfest in Munich this year, highly recommend wearing your traditional Drindl and having a blast!

Have you been to Oktoberfest this year? Or before? How did you like it? Let me in the comment below! ✨

If you like my writing, why don’t you sign up for my newsletter? ✨

Where to stay in Munich city during the Oktoberfest

Check out Hostel World for affordable accommodations, if you’re solo or with a group of friends. Here are a few of my recommendations.

Check the best price at Hostel World

Check the best price at Hostel World

See the best price at Hostel World

or on Booking.com

[bdotcom_bm bannerid=”13424″]