Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Oktoberfest 2024! In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need for your perfect Oktoberfest experience. We cover every detail - from the various festival tents and their culinary offerings to the exciting events and attractions and practical tips for accommodation in Munich. We also provide you with information on costs and the best way to get to the festival grounds. Whether you're an Oktoberfest veteran or visiting the world's biggest folk festival for the first time, this guide will ensure that you fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and enjoy your time at the Oktoberfest to the fullest.

Your guide to the Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich

1. Oktoberfest program and Oktoberfest tent plan 2024
2. Costs for a visit to the Oktoberfest
3. Oktoberfest rides 2024
4. The right outfit
5. Oktoberfest hotels in Munich
6. Travel to Munich

When will the Oktoberfest 2024 take place?

Oktoberfest 2024 promises to be another festival full of joy and tradition. This year, Oktoberfest will take place from Saturday, September 21, 2024 to Sunday, October 6, 2024. During these 16 days, Munich will be transformed into a vibrant showcase of Bavarian culture, attracting visitors from all over the world. Look forward to the cozy atmosphere of the festival tents, the delicious Bavarian specialties and, of course, the famous Oktoberfest beer. Immerse yourself with us in the folk festival, which has been celebrated for over 200 years, and experience unforgettable moments together.

Where will the Oktoberfest 2024 take place?

The Oktoberfest takes place on the Theresienwiese in Munich (Theresienwiese, 80336 Munich). This large open space in the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district is named after Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, whose marriage to Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria gave rise to the first Oktoberfest in 1810, but more on that in a moment.

The Theresienwiese is easy to reach by public transport. The subway lines U4 and U5 stop directly at Theresienwiese station. The S-Bahn stations Hackerbrücke (for lines S1 to S8) and München Hauptbahnhof are also just a short walk away. These S-Bahn connections are particularly convenient for visitors coming from the surrounding area. There are also several streetcar and bus lines that stop near Oktoberfest. During the Oktoberfest, public transport is often increased to cope with the large crowds.

What is celebrated at the Oktoberfest and why

The Oktoberfest originally celebrates the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in 1810. What began as a festive horse race in honor of this joyous occasion has evolved into a world-famous folk festival where we enjoy Bavarian culture to the fullest, from traditional costumes to brass band music. Every year, people from all over the world come together to enjoy Bavarian beer, traditional food and the unique festival tent atmosphere. In 2023 alone, 7.2 million people visited Oktoberfest.

What was there for the first time at the Oktoberfest in 1986?

1986 was a special year for the folk festival, which traditionally stands for beer, as an official “Kufflers Weinzelt” was set up for the first time. The wine tent offered an alternative for visitors who might prefer wine to beer. This step expanded the gastronomic offerings of the festival and contributed to the diversity that characterizes the Oktoberfest today.
But now let's dive into the Wiesn site map and discover which festival tents are available in 2024 and which are the best.

Oktoberfest program and Oktoberfest tent plan

We've done the research for you and put together all the important information about the Oktoberfest program and a detailed tent plan to help you plan your Oktoberfest experience. Find out here which festival tents will be at the Wiesn this year and all the dates of the most important events.

Which tents are there at Oktoberfest 2024 and where do you reserve a table?

This year there are 16 large and 21 small tents at Oktoberfest. However, the small festival tents consist of small and medium-sized businesses, some of which have stalls attached. Whether you prefer to visit one of the small and cozy festival tents or one of the famous tents like the Paulaner Festzelt depends of course on your preferences.

Tip: Check out the map of the Theresienwiese for Oktoberfest here.

If you're thinking of visiting Oktoberfest, you're probably also thinking that you'll need a table reservation in one of the festival tents to have a good time. And although it can definitely be worth reserving a table in advance, especially with larger groups, you can also enjoy Oktoberfest without a reservation. In most tents, a portion of the tables (usually a quarter) is kept free for visitors without a reservation, and reservations are often not necessary for the many outdoor bars. However, if you are in a large group or are looking for a free table in the evening, it can be difficult. On weekends and public holidays, half of all seats in the large tents are excluded from reservations until 3 pm. We have listed all the tents at Oktoberfest with a link to the reservation page.

An overview of the reservation links for the 16 large tents:

1. Augustiner Festhalle
2. Armbrustschützenzelt
3. Tradition marquee
4. Fischer Vroni
5. Hacker-Festzelt
6. Hofbräu-Festzelt
7. Käfer Wiesn-Schänke
8. Knuffler's wine tent
9. Löwenbräu festival tent
10. Marstall festival tent
11. Ochsenbraterei
12. Paulaner Festzelt
13. Pschorr-Festzelt Bräurosl
14. Festhalle Schottenhamel
15. Schützen-Festzelt
16. Volkssängerzelt Schützenlisl

Links to the reservation of the 21 small tents at a glance:

1. Ammer Hühner- und Entenbraterei
2. Bodo's Cafézelt & Cocktailbar
3. Rischart's Café Kaiserschmarrn
4. Café Theres'
5. Feisinger Kas- und Weinstubn
6. Fisch-Bäda
7. Glöckle Wirt
8. Goldener Hahn
9. Golden Rooster Duck and Chicken Roastery
10. Heinz Wurst- und Hühnerbraterei
11. Hochreiters Haxnbraterei
12. Calf roasting
13. Münchner Knödelei
14. Münchner Stubn
15. Hühnerbraterei Poschner
16. Schiebl's Kaffeehaferl
17. Vinzenzmurr Metzger Stubn
18. Wiesn Guglhupf
19. Wildstuben
20. Writshaus im Schichtl
21. Hochreiter's zur Bratwurst

The most important information about table reservations at Oktoberfest for you:

• Is there a minimum consumption? In most tents, a minimum consumption of 2 masses of beer and half a roast chicken applies when making a reservation. Of course, special rules apply for tents that offer wine.
• When can you make a reservation for Oktoberfest 2024? For most festival tents, you can reserve a table from April or May at the latest, you can find out more on the respective website and often make your reservation directly there. All websites are linked above.
• What does a table reservation cost? You don't actually pay anything for the reservation itself, but you do have to buy vouchers in advance to make a reservation. You then simply redeem these in the tent for the Mass Bier, so you have no additional costs for the reservation itself. These vouchers cost around 350 euros for 8-10 people, but the price can vary depending on the tent.
• Is there a minimum number of people? You can't reserve a table for two people at Oktoberfest. Most tables in the large, but also smaller tents have space for eight to ten people.
• How does a reservation work? As soon as the reservation portal is activated on the respective marquee website, you should be quick, as table reservations at the Oktoberfest are often booked up quickly. You then send a request in the portal and after a few days or weeks you will be informed whether the reservation has been confirmed. If this is the case, you transfer the amount, collect your tokens and, if required, an admission wristband or have everything sent to you.
• Can you specify a preferred date? In principle, you can of course specify a preferred date, but it is more difficult to get a table reservation on a few dates, in the evening or at weekends. So it's best to be a little flexible when it comes to the date.

Tip: If you have any further questions, you can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about table reservations on the official Oktoberfest website.

Which is the best Oktoberfest tent?

The Festhalle Schottenhamel is undoubtedly one of the most prominent and historic tents at Oktoberfest. In this tent, the festival is officially opened every year with the traditional “O'zapft is!” when the mayor of Munich taps the first barrel of beer. This tent attracts both locals and tourists looking for the authentic Oktoberfest experience. In 2022, visitors spent an average of 148 minutes here. The lively atmosphere, paired with traditional brass band music and a younger, energetic crowd, makes the Schottenhamel a great place to stay all day and enjoy the exuberant atmosphere.
But it's best to find out for yourself which Oktoberfest tent you like best.

What are the opening times for the festival tents?

The Oktoberfest starts at 12:00 on the first Saturday, but the festival tents open at 09:00 and you can buy non-alcoholic drinks from 10:00.
The large tents are open from Monday to Friday from 10:00-23:30, with the last drinks being served at 22:30. The music also runs until 22:30. The Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and the Kufflers Weinzelt are allowed to open until 01:00 am. The last drink is served 30 minutes before closing time. Most small tents are also open from 10:00-23:30, but the last serving time is at 23:00.

Oktoberfest calendar with all important dates for Oktoberfest in 2024

In addition to the dates below, the Oktoberfest fireworks take place every Friday at 9:45 pm.

How much does a visit to Oktoberfest 2024 cost?

How much money you end up spending depends of course on how much beer you want to drink and how much you want to spend in general. But how much money should you budget for Oktoberfest?

• How much will a pint of beer cost at Oktoberfest 2024? In 2024, a pint of beer is expected to cost between 15 euros, although this can of course vary slightly depending on the tent.
• What does food cost at the Oktoberfest? A meal in one of the tents can cost between 10 and 20 euros, depending on the selection. Or you can go to one of the countless stalls on the Theresienwiese grounds, where you can get snacks for around 5 euros.
• What other costs are there? Depending on what you fancy, you may have to pay for rides, souvenirs and other activities.

To enjoy Oktoberfest to the full, plan to spend at least 50 to 100 euros per day, depending on your personal consumption and planned activities. If you want to attend special events or make a reservation in one of the more exclusive tents, you can expect to pay more. It is also advisable to have a small budget for unexpected expenses such as extra snacks or souvenirs. This way you are well prepared and can enjoy your Wiesn experience without financial worries.

Fairground rides at the Munich Oktoberfest

There are more than 20 rides at Oktoberfest so there will be something for everyone. Whether it's a Ferris wheel, chain carousel or a real roller coaster, you'll find everything here.

We have put together our highlights for you:

• Calypso: Now called Break Dancer, this ride was called Calypso in the 1960s and you can find the last original version here. It brings back nostalgia. You sit in a gondola that rotates around two axes and is located on an inclined disk. Is that not enough for you? Then dare to ride the Break Dancer.
• The Wave Flight: The chain carousel is a classic and therefore a must on the meadows. What makes the Wave Flight so special are the uphill and downhill rides simulated by an undulating rotary motion.
• The Olympia Looping: This roller coaster has a five-person loop
• The Krinoline: Another classic is the Krinoline, a carousel with a brass band from the 1920s. It is the last original of its kind and can only be found at the Munich Oktoberfest.

Take a look at the list of all rides here.

The right outfit

You've probably already guessed it, but to have a real, unique Oktoberfest experience, you have to come in traditional costume. For men, this is usually lederhosen and a white or checked shirt. For women, it's the dirndl, a traditional costume dress that is still worn a lot in typical Bavarian regions today. Stores such as Krüger Dirndl have a great selection of both modern and traditional dirndls.

When wearing a dirndl, there are a few rules you should follow as a woman. The place where you tie the bow of your apron has a meaning:

• Left: You are single.
• Center front: You are a virgin.
• Right: You are taken.
• Center back: You are widowed.

There are now lots of options for upgrading your traditional costume and making it more modern. Be creative and find your very own look in a traditional outfit.

Oktoberfest hotels in Munich

Munich has countless hotels, but why not stay close to the Oktoberfest? We recommend booking one of these hotels for Oktoberfest:

• Cocoon Sendlinger Tor (3 stars): Just a 12-minute walk from the Oktoberfest on the Theresienwiese, the Cocoon Sendlinger Tor is perfectly located. Apart from that, the hotel is right next to Goetheplatz subway station, from where you can easily reach all the other sights of the city. The 3-star hotel has modern furnishings and an in-house restaurant and bar, what more could you want?
• Boutique Hotel Atrium (4 stars): From this chic boutique hotel, you can reach the Theresienwiese on foot in just 13 minutes. The rooms are modern and furnished with a touch of color. Here you can round off the evening after your visit to the Oktoberfest in the hotel's own bar.</li
• Schwan Locke (4 stars): Just a 12-minute walk from the Theresienwiese, it offers an ideal location not only during the Oktoberfest. The stylish interior combines modern elements with cozy accents, perfect for travelers who want to feel at home. Enjoy the benefits of the in-house café-bar and be inspired by the hotel's creative atmosphere.</li
• Hotel Brack (3 stars): This friendly 3-star hotel is just an 8-minute walk from the Theresienwiese and boasts personal service and a warm atmosphere that immediately welcomes guests. Start your day with a freshly prepared breakfast, which is included in the room rate. The Hotel Brack is an excellent choice for travelers who value comfort and convenience.
• Bavaria Boutique Hotel (3 stars): This modern 3-star hotel offers an elegant ambience and excellent service and you can reach the Theresienwiese in around 10 minutes on foot. Each room is individually designed and offers a combination of comfort and modern design. After an eventful day, you can relax in the hotel's cozy bar and round off the evening. Ideal for those who want to stay in a central yet stylish location.</li

How to get to the Oktoberfest in Munich

Munich is easy to reach by plane, train or car and is perfectly connected.

You land at Munich Airport by plane:

• Berlin - Munich: 1 hour and 10 minutes by direct flight
• Cologne - Munich: 1 hour and 5 minutes by direct flight
• Hamburg - Munich: 1 hour and 15 minutes by direct flight.
• Düsseldorf - Munich: 1 hour and 10 minutes by direct flight.
• Frankfurt - Munich: 55 minutes by direct flight

Would you rather travel environmentally friendly and take the train?

• Berlin - Munich: From 4 hours and 40 minutes
• Cologne - Munich: From 4 hours and 20 minutes.
• Hamburg - Munich: From 6 hours and 20 minutes.
• Düsseldorf - Munich: From 4 hours and 45 minutes.
• Frankfurt - Munich: From 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• Stuttgart - Munich: From 2 hours.

Or you can take the car to drive to Munich:

• Berlin - Munich: From 6 hours and 15 minutes via the A9
• Cologne - Munich: From 6 hours and 5 minutes via the A3 and A9.
• Hamburg - Munich: From 8 hours and 20 minutes via the A9.
• Düsseldorf - Munich: From 6 hours and 30 minutes via the A3 and A9.
• Frankfurt - Munich: From 4 hours and 10 minutes via the A3 and A9.
• Stuttgart - Munich: From 2 hours and 20 minutes via the A8.

What else you should know

• The drink of the Wiesn is beer - so be aware that a lot of alcohol is consumed at the Oktoberfest, so it can get a little louder and more chaotic. However, everyone is there to have fun, which is why the atmosphere is usually very exuberant.
• Swaying is the order of the day in the tent. You won't be alone for long here, you'll quickly strike up a conversation with the people sitting next to you and you'll be swaying and singing along to the next hit.
• Don't forget to eat something in between. Snacks such as pretzels are available in most tents.
• On some days, a few of the tents may be closed due to overcrowding. Don't worry, they open again, this usually only happens on public holidays or weekends or when it rains. However, almost all tents are never closed.

Give your loved ones a trip to Munich for Oktoberfesr 2024

Want to give someone a truly unforgettable gift? How about a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest 2024? A flight voucher from Flightgift is the perfect surprise for beer lovers and fans of Bavarian culture, as this voucher gives the recipient the flexibility to book a flight to Munich. To round off the gift, or for those who don't like flying, a Hotelgift voucher allows the recipient to choose a hotel of their choice in Munich. This combination is not only practical, but also well thought-out and offers the freedom to organize the trip according to your own wishes. Whether for a long weekend or the entire duration of the Oktoberfest - with Flightgift and Hotelgift you are sure to make someone special happy.