Oktoberfest 2026

Oktoberfest returns to the Theresienwiese from 19 September to 4 October 2026, running much as it has since 1810: fourteen large beer tents and dozens of smaller ones, each with its own character, ringed by fairground rides and stalls. Entry to the grounds and the tents is free — you pay only for what you eat, drink, and ride.

The festival draws around six million people, and Munich's hotels feel it. Rooms within walking distance of the Wiesn sell out months ahead and prices rise sharply for the duration, so book early. Staying a few U-Bahn or S-Bahn stops out, around the Hauptbahnhof or in a district like Schwabing, keeps you close without the premium.

The big tents fill up fast, especially on weekends and after work. For a guaranteed table you'll need a reservation, made directly with each tent, though arriving early on a weekday morning is often enough to find a bench. The Theresienwiese has its own U-Bahn stop and is a short walk from the central station.

There's no entry ticket — the festival is free to walk into, and you only pay for food, drink, and rides. A table in one of the big beer tents, though, needs to be reserved in advance directly with each tent. The official Oktoberfest website has the tent contacts and the latest practical information.