Attending Germany’s Oktoberfest: A First Timer’s Survival Guide (2026)
Attending Oktoberfest in Germany was truly one of my favorite events and experiences I’ve ever had. It was on my bucket list FOR YEARS and I have got to admit, I was worried it would not live up to its hype but I was dead wrong. It was SO much fun, I would go back every year if I could. It’s a shame I don’t live closer.
You’re probably thinking…
Do I need tickets? Do I need reservations? What do I wear? Is it cool to wear the classic German attire? What shoes should I wear?
The good news is that you can find all those answers here! And if you don’t want to spend hours researching, I put it all in a pretty guide for you that you can DOWNLOAD HERE :)
WHAT IS OKTOBERFEST?
Besides an iconic event, Oktoberfest is an annual festival that takes place in Munich, Germany. Known for its lively atmosphere, Bavarian culture, and, of course, copious amounts of beer! It all started in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration, but it has evolved into the world's largest Volksfest (a traditional German festival that celebrates community, music, friendship and culture), attracting millions of visitors from literally all over the world.
The festival has everything from Bavarian music, food, and attire, and many iconic beer tents. You will have the time of your life tasting from different breweries, eating hearty German cuisine like pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken, and singing songs like the classic Sweet Caroline.
WHEN IS IT?
Shockingly enough, Oktoberfest does not start in October. This year, it commences at noon on Saturday, September 19th and ends on Sunday, October 4th 2026.
DO YOU NEED TICKETS?
No!
It’s free - I know, that feels crazy right? But it’s completely free to enter!
DO YOU NEED A RESERVATION?
Short answer: No
Long answer: If you want to absolutely guarantee a seat and not have to worry about getting there early, then yes I would make a reservation well in advanced.
No reservation? Go early!! Especially on the weekends, it will be crowded. The first beer tap is at Noon so you will want to go 2 hours before to secure a table.
THE BEST TENTS FOR FIRST TIMERS
I did not understand the full extent to which the tents are decorated and differentiated. Each tent has their own theme and vibe, it’s truly incredible!! Again, I go through all the various tents in my complete Oktoberfest guide and exactly how to make reservations at each one.
Hofbräu-Festzelt — Known as the “American tent”. One of the most internationally famous tents and popular with tourists. I recommend starting here.
Schottenhamel — One of the most historically important tents because this is where Munich’s mayor taps the first keg and officially kicks off Oktoberfest.
Augustiner-Festhalle — A great option if you’re looking for a more traditional Bavarian experience.
Hacker-Festzelt — Known for its beautiful blue-and-white heavenly ceiling and a really fun atmosphere. This is the party tent at night!
Käfer Wiesn-Schänke — Smaller, more upscale and known for its late-night scene. Must have a reservation to enter the inside, the outside is free reign.
Don’t feel like you have to pick just one. Tent hopping was one of my favorite parts of the experience.
Here is this year’s map of all the tents - download and save it because you’re going to need it!!
WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?
A drindl OFC!!
Seriously, dress up. It’s cool, fun, and a once in a lifetime experience. Do not buy your Drindl there though unless you want to spend a fortune.
I do feel like with all things fashion, there are trends each year. This year, the trend is focusing on rich, earthy colors. Think brown, burgundy, navy, deep green.
I pulled together some outfit options below!
WHAT TO EAT AT OKTOBERFEST
Something has to soak up all that beer. And you’ll work out an appetite from all the dancing on the tables.
First of all, Oktoberfest beer is strong.
Second, the FOOD is part of the experience.
Some Bavarian foods to look for include:
Hendl — roasted chicken and an Oktoberfest classic
Pretzels — obviously
Käsespätzle — basically German cheesy noodles and one of my absolute favorites
Weisswurst — traditional Bavarian white sausage
Schnitzel — another classic
Bratwurst — because Germany
Kaiserschmarrn — fluffy shredded pancakes, usually served with powdered sugar and fruit
My strategy: eat before you start drinking, eat again while drinking, and then somehow find another pretzel.
WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY FOR OKTOBERFEST?
Book your hotel EARLY. I booked mine last minute so it was slim pickings.
This is one of the things I would not procrastinate on. Hotels in Munich can become extremely expensive during Oktoberfest, so the earlier you book, the better your options will be.
You don’t necessarily need to stay directly beside Theresienwiese. Instead, look for somewhere with easy access to Munich’s public transportation system. But Munich is pretty walkable so I just walked the 20 minutes from my hotel to the fest.
Here are some hotel recommendations!
Hostel: MEININGER Hotel München Zentrum
Mid-Range: Hotel GIO
Boutique: Boutique Hotel Atrium München
HOW TO GET TO OKTOBERFEST?
Oktoberfest takes place at Theresienwiese, just southwest of Munich’s city center.
You do not need to rent a car. Munich is extremely walkable and their public transportation is some of the best and cleanest in Europe. They are always on time! So just walk or use the train.
And trust me — you will know when you’re getting close.
Just follow the sea of people.
MY QUICK TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS:
Go early if you don’t have reservations. Popular tents can reach full capacity (we almost didn’t get a seat), particularly on weekends and evenings.
Don’t spend your entire trip in one tent. Part of the fun is experiencing how different each tent feels and it’s something you don’t want to miss!
Eat before you start drinking. Remember, it’s a full liter of beer!!!! And stronger than the beer in the US.
Bring cash. Card acceptance is few and far between, cash is the quickest to get your drink.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk. You will stand. You will dance.
Go with the flow & meet people. Don’t try to stick to a schedule. Just go with the flow and bop around with different people.
And most importantly - have a lot of freaking fun!!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest is one of those experiences that is about community and one you will never forget.
If Oktoberfest has been sitting on your bucket list, GO.
And if you want the planning part done for you, grab my Complete Oktoberfest Travel Guide before your trip.
Prost!
