Oktoberfest 2025 will take place in Munich from Saturday, September 20, to Sunday, October 5, 2025, spanning 16 full days of Bavarian celebration at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds. The festival officially begins at noon on September 20 with the traditional “O’zapft is!” ceremony, where the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg in the Schottenhamel tent. Entrance to the festival grounds and all beer tents is free, though visitors should expect beer prices to range between €14.50 and €15.80 per liter (Maß). As the 190th iteration of the event, 2025 features iconic parades, 14 large beer tents, and the return of the nostalgic Oide Wiesn section for those seeking a more traditional and relaxed atmosphere.
2025 Official Dates and Opening Hours
Oktoberfest 2025 adheres to the traditional schedule, starting on the first Saturday after September 15. The festival begins on September 20 and concludes on the first Sunday of October, which is October 5. While the grounds are open from early morning, beer service follows strict operating hours that vary slightly between weekdays and weekends.
On the opening Saturday, tents open at 9:00 AM, but only non-alcoholic beverages are served until the official tapping at noon. On regular weekdays, beer service runs from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM, while on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, service starts at 9:00 AM. Small tents and specific attractions like “Käfer’s Wiesn-Schänke” and the “Weinzelt” (Wine Tent) stay open until 1:00 AM, providing a later option for night owls.
Beer Prices and Tent Breakdown
For 2025, the City of Munich has confirmed that beer prices have increased by an average of 3.52% compared to the previous year. The cheapest liter of beer can be found at the Augustiner-Festhalle for €14.50, while the most expensive is served at the Münchner Stubn for €15.80. These prices do not include the standard “Bedienungsgeld” (service tip), which most visitors round up to the nearest euro.
2025 Beer Price Highlights:
Augustiner-Festhalle: €14.50 (Cheapest, traditional wooden barrels)
Hacker-Festzelt: €15.40 (The “Heaven of the Bavarians”)
Hofbräu-Festzelt: €15.40 (Most popular with international tourists)
Schottenhamel-Festhalle: €15.40 (Where the first keg is tapped)
Paulaner Festzelt: €15.40 (Features the iconic rotating beer tower)
Each tent offers a unique personality. The Augustiner is often cited as the local favorite due to its commitment to wooden barrels, while Fischer-Vroni is famous for its “Steckerlfisch” (fish on a stick) and the LGBTQ+ “Prosecco Wiesn” held on the second Monday.
The Parades and Ceremonial Events
The 2025 schedule is anchored by centuries-old traditions that start the moment the festival begins. On Saturday, September 20, the Parade of the Landlords and Breweries features flower-adorned horse carriages and brass bands winding through the streets toward Theresienwiese at 10:35 AM.
The second day, Sunday, September 21, hosts the Traditional Costume and Hunters’ Parade, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Over 9,000 participants march in historical attire, showcasing the diverse regional cultures of Bavaria and Europe. Another highlight for 2025 is the Landlord’s Open-Air Concert on September 28, where all the tent bands perform together at the feet of the giant Bavaria statue.
New 2025 Attractions and Rides
Beyond the beer tents, the “Wiesn” functions as a massive amusement park with over 80 rides. New for the 2025 season is the “Sky Lift,” a 71-meter tall tower featuring gondolas with glass floors, providing a bird’s-eye view of the festival madness.
Returning favorites include the Olympia Looping, the world’s largest portable roller coaster with five loops, and the historic Toboggan, a wooden slide where the fun is watching participants try to navigate the moving walkway to the top. For a quieter experience, the Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest) on the southern part of the grounds offers vintage carousels from the early 20th century for a small €4 entry fee.
Tent Reservations and Seating Tips
Securing a table reservation for Oktoberfest 2025 is a task that typically begins in March or April. Reservations are handled directly by the individual tent landlords, usually requiring a minimum booking for a table of 10 people and the purchase of vouchers for two liters of beer and one roast chicken per person.
If you do not have a reservation, your best strategy is to arrive at the grounds before 10:00 AM on weekdays or 8:00 AM on weekends. Large sections of every tent are legally required to remain unreserved for “walk-ins.” Once you find a seat, do not leave it; as long as you have a seat at a table, you are entitled to be served beer, but standing in the aisles is not permitted.
Practical Information and Planning
Navigating a crowd of 6 million people requires careful logistical preparation. Below is the essential 2025 practical guide.
Transport: Take the U-Bahn lines U4 or U5 to “Theresienwiese” or the S-Bahn to “Hackerbrücke.” Avoid driving, as there is zero public parking near the site.
Bag Policy: Only bags with a volume of less than 3 liters and dimensions no larger than 20cm x 15cm x 10cm are allowed. Large items can be stored at luggage lockers near the entrances for €5.
Cash is King: While some tents accept cards, many food stalls and smaller rides are cash only. ATMs are available but often have long lines and high fees.
Dress Code: Tracht (Lederhosen for men, Dirndl for women) is not required but highly encouraged. Most locals wear it, and it significantly enhances the festive experience.
Family Days: Tuesdays (Sept 23 and Sept 30) feature reduced prices on rides and food between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Late September in Munich can fluctuate between warm “Indian Summer” days and chilly, rainy autumn nights. Since many of the beer gardens and walkways are outdoors, it is advisable to wear layers. Inside the tents, the body heat of thousands of people makes it very warm, but you will need a jacket for the walk back to the train station.
2025 Seasonal Highlights:
The “Italian Weekend”: The second weekend (Sept 26-28) is traditionally when thousands of Italian visitors arrive, making it one of the busiest and rowdiest times.
Closing Night: The final evening (Oct 5) is famous for the “sparkler” moment, where thousands of people light candles or phone lights as the bands play “Sierra Madre” to signal the end of the festival.
FAQs
What are the official dates for Oktoberfest 2025?
Oktoberfest 2025 runs from Saturday, September 20, to Sunday, October 5.
Is there an entry fee for Oktoberfest?
No, entrance to the Theresienwiese and all beer tents is completely free. The only exception is the Oide Wiesn section, which costs €4.
How much is a beer at Oktoberfest 2025?
Beer prices for 2025 range from €14.50 to €15.80 per liter, depending on the tent.
Can I wear jeans to Oktoberfest?
Yes, you can wear normal clothes. However, about 80% of attendees wear traditional Bavarian Tracht, and you may feel slightly out of place without it.
Do I need a reservation to get into a tent?
No, you can enter any tent without a reservation if there is space. Arriving early on weekdays is the best way to find an unreserved seat.
Are children allowed in the beer tents?
Yes, but children under 6 must leave the tents by 8:00 PM, even if they are accompanied by an adult.
What is the “Oide Wiesn”?
The “Old Oktoberfest” is a separate area with historic rides, traditional music, and beer served in stone mugs, offering a slower pace than the main festival.
Is smoking allowed in the tents?
No, smoking is strictly prohibited inside all beer tents. There are designated outdoor smoking areas adjacent to most tents.
Where can I buy authentic Lederhosen?
Munich has many specialized shops like Lodenfrey or Angermaier, but you can also find more affordable options at department stores like C&A or specialized “pop-up” shops during the festival season.
Can I take a beer mug home as a souvenir?
No, taking a mug is considered a criminal offense and security checks are frequent at the exits. You can purchase official souvenir mugs at stalls throughout the grounds.
Is there a “Safe Space” at the festival?
Yes, the “Security Point” located behind the Schottenhamel tent provides a safe space for women and anyone who feels threatened or lost.
What is the “O’zapft is!”?
It is the traditional Bavarian phrase meaning “It is tapped!” shouted by the Mayor after successfully driving the tap into the first keg.
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