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Message
Oktoberfest 2026
Posted on 1/17/26 at 9:29 am
Posted on 1/17/26 at 9:29 am
Going to Munich for a conference that overlaps the first weekend of Oktoberfest.
I read some old threads in here and good some good info.
Couple of questions:
Can you go without tent reservations (or maybe minimize them) and still be able to grab a seat at a smaller tent or outside? Likely to just be my wife and I, maybe another couple.
What are the laws/regs in Germany about open containers? I went in 2014 and can’t remember. I’m sure on the grounds it’s fine, but couldn’t recall about walking from bar to bar in the city, etc. I’m used to Louisiana laws on that which I realize is unique in the US.
I would be interested in hearing what tents people enjoyed and a general idea of what to expect.
I read some old threads in here and good some good info.
Couple of questions:
Can you go without tent reservations (or maybe minimize them) and still be able to grab a seat at a smaller tent or outside? Likely to just be my wife and I, maybe another couple.
What are the laws/regs in Germany about open containers? I went in 2014 and can’t remember. I’m sure on the grounds it’s fine, but couldn’t recall about walking from bar to bar in the city, etc. I’m used to Louisiana laws on that which I realize is unique in the US.
I would be interested in hearing what tents people enjoyed and a general idea of what to expect.
6
Posted on 1/17/26 at 12:27 pm to CaptainZappin
Posted on 1/17/26 at 6:47 pm to CaptainZappin
The first weekend will be a madhouse.
You will find something outside. Getting in a tent will involve getting there very early and waiting in a dense crowd.
Avoid Central Station. Major construction going on and it's chaos.
Watch your stuff and beware of pickpockets.
Check out the Flea Circus. It's real, and cheap, and pretty cool. It's near the main entrance.
Open containers: noone walks around Oktoberfest drinking beer, it's all done at the tent or biergarten. Security would almost certainly stop you, they don't want drunks walking around with glass containers (not calling you a drunk). In town around bars, no respectable people walk around drinking, People drink in or right outside bars.
Bring plenty of money! It's become rediculously expensive and a lot of locals don't bother anymore.
You will find something outside. Getting in a tent will involve getting there very early and waiting in a dense crowd.
Avoid Central Station. Major construction going on and it's chaos.
Watch your stuff and beware of pickpockets.
Check out the Flea Circus. It's real, and cheap, and pretty cool. It's near the main entrance.
Open containers: noone walks around Oktoberfest drinking beer, it's all done at the tent or biergarten. Security would almost certainly stop you, they don't want drunks walking around with glass containers (not calling you a drunk). In town around bars, no respectable people walk around drinking, People drink in or right outside bars.
Bring plenty of money! It's become rediculously expensive and a lot of locals don't bother anymore.
Posted on 1/18/26 at 7:41 am to CaptainZappin
The only time that I recall being able to walk around with a beer is during the International festival in Sindelfingen. Other than that, it's not usually allowed.
Posted on 1/18/26 at 7:49 am to CaptainZappin
I’ve been twice. At night on the weekends seats aren’t easy to get but can generally find one by waiting in a line, yes.
Afternoon, can get a seat inside anytime especially early.
Evening on weekends yes. The busy tents and weekends have bouncers they won’t let people in until there are seats. The week days you can enter the tents and walk around to find a seat.
It’s communal seating, so you just can’t be shy and if you see seats in a non reserved area just sit.
Also you can ask the waitress in the communal seating areas if they have a spot as they are paid on what they sell so they want butts in seats.
You can not walk around with beers. There is broken glass as people steal the mugs and drop them drunk, imagine the liter stein broken. It’s a lot of glass. Not all over, but my point is don’t wear open toed sandals as it’s a risk enough.
ETA: tents have themes and food specialties. Some tents are basically just for eating, not as much for partying. The tent that specializes in the duck is a more of a ‘dinner’ tent. So just go for dinner, and they have a line. They have a band but it’s a nice family atmosphere and I’m sure they don’t allow drunks or loud idiots.
ETA: don’t dress like an idiot Italian tourist and be friendly and you’ll have no problem. Most Germans there will speak English. We often sat next to Australians and Germans from outside Munich visiting as the locals will usually have reserved tables.
They kick you out at 10, firm. The waitress will lift the bench seat up to kick you out. There’s massive after parties on the weekends. I’ve never been to one of those. I’m sure they are nuts
Afternoon, can get a seat inside anytime especially early.
Evening on weekends yes. The busy tents and weekends have bouncers they won’t let people in until there are seats. The week days you can enter the tents and walk around to find a seat.
It’s communal seating, so you just can’t be shy and if you see seats in a non reserved area just sit.
Also you can ask the waitress in the communal seating areas if they have a spot as they are paid on what they sell so they want butts in seats.
You can not walk around with beers. There is broken glass as people steal the mugs and drop them drunk, imagine the liter stein broken. It’s a lot of glass. Not all over, but my point is don’t wear open toed sandals as it’s a risk enough.
ETA: tents have themes and food specialties. Some tents are basically just for eating, not as much for partying. The tent that specializes in the duck is a more of a ‘dinner’ tent. So just go for dinner, and they have a line. They have a band but it’s a nice family atmosphere and I’m sure they don’t allow drunks or loud idiots.
ETA: don’t dress like an idiot Italian tourist and be friendly and you’ll have no problem. Most Germans there will speak English. We often sat next to Australians and Germans from outside Munich visiting as the locals will usually have reserved tables.
They kick you out at 10, firm. The waitress will lift the bench seat up to kick you out. There’s massive after parties on the weekends. I’ve never been to one of those. I’m sure they are nuts
This post was edited on 1/18/26 at 7:56 am
Posted on 1/18/26 at 4:19 pm to CaptainZappin
Thanks for the advice.
We’re kinda locked in on being there over a weekend. May try to hit Sunday rather than Saturday.
We’re kinda locked in on being there over a weekend. May try to hit Sunday rather than Saturday.
Posted on 1/19/26 at 1:26 am to CaptainZappin
It's my experience (I live near Munich and worked there - used to go often before the crowds and prices got out of hand) that Sunday is the best time to go. Get there before they open the tents and enjoy a more relaxed Oktoberfest. You can get around better and more locals will there.
Check out the Oide Wiesen ("Old Meadows" Oktoberfest is called "Die Wiesen"). It's the historical Oktoberfest, where they play traditional Bavarian folkmusic and show how Oktoberfest was celebrated in the past. They set up in an adjoining area and have tents and old-fashioned rides and games. You pay a small entrance fee, and the prices there are much lower. Lots of locals go there, especially on Sunday.
To top off your Oktoberfest experience, go to the Bavaria statue on the Kotzhügel ("Puke Hill") before you leave. There you can observe humanity in its most disgusting form, performing unspeakable acts of debauchery and generally behaving like animals.
And if you're adventurous and really want to experience the "real thing", go to Munich Central Station and get on any train heading toward Füssen or Oberstdorf. It will be packed with those people described above, holding each other up - the seats will all be full - and trying, sometimes successfully, not to puke. There will be singing, and maybe some fights. That was my commute home every evening during Oktoberfest for 26 years. Try to stand near the doors, because you want to get off at the first stop in Munich Pasing and return downtown. You won't even need a ticket, because no conductors will fight their way through the train checking.
Enjoy your stay in Munich!
Check out the Oide Wiesen ("Old Meadows" Oktoberfest is called "Die Wiesen"). It's the historical Oktoberfest, where they play traditional Bavarian folkmusic and show how Oktoberfest was celebrated in the past. They set up in an adjoining area and have tents and old-fashioned rides and games. You pay a small entrance fee, and the prices there are much lower. Lots of locals go there, especially on Sunday.
To top off your Oktoberfest experience, go to the Bavaria statue on the Kotzhügel ("Puke Hill") before you leave. There you can observe humanity in its most disgusting form, performing unspeakable acts of debauchery and generally behaving like animals.
And if you're adventurous and really want to experience the "real thing", go to Munich Central Station and get on any train heading toward Füssen or Oberstdorf. It will be packed with those people described above, holding each other up - the seats will all be full - and trying, sometimes successfully, not to puke. There will be singing, and maybe some fights. That was my commute home every evening during Oktoberfest for 26 years. Try to stand near the doors, because you want to get off at the first stop in Munich Pasing and return downtown. You won't even need a ticket, because no conductors will fight their way through the train checking.
Enjoy your stay in Munich!
This post was edited on 1/19/26 at 1:36 am
Posted on 1/19/26 at 7:48 pm to CaptainZappin
quote:
We’re kinda locked in on being there over a weekend. May try to hit Sunday rather than Saturday.
Don’t stress. It’s going to be a blast. The fair grounds and rides are underrated, especially drunk.
Think of it like going to an SEC football game. Sat night is LSU-bama home game. Sunday will be much less, like LsU- miss st. Just plan appropriately.
Germany and germans are underrated in regards to being friendly and a great country to visit.
Posted on 1/19/26 at 8:04 pm to baldona
quote:
Germany and germans are underrated in regards to being friendly and a great country to visit.
This is true, but most of us are also not used to German cops asking us to bang their wives in Belgium. Which happened. It's a P!rnhub kind of friendly.
Posted on 1/19/26 at 9:25 pm to baldona
Agree. Went in 2014. Loved it.
I appreciate the info. It’ll all smooth out after 2-3 liters of beer
I appreciate the info. It’ll all smooth out after 2-3 liters of beer
Posted on 1/20/26 at 2:04 am to LemmyLives
When in Belgium...
Posted on 1/20/26 at 12:29 pm to CaptainZappin
I'll be there 9/21-9/24 
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