Bavaria's Oktoberfest: Annual Festival Kickoff In September

Oktoberfest, the world's largest Volksfest, is held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The festival features a beer celebration and a travelling carnival, and takes place from mid- or late-September to the first Sunday in October. The festival lasts for at least 16 days, and sometimes up to 18 days. In 2025, the 190th Oktoberfest will take place from 20 September to 5 October.

The festival's history

The history of Oktoberfest can be traced back to a single wedding—that of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, who later became King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The inaugural Oktoberfest was first celebrated in Munich in 1810, commencing on 12 October and lasting for nearly a week until 17 October, ending with a horse race. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held outside the city gates, and the fields were subsequently named "Theresienwiese" ("Theresa's Meadow") in honour of the Crown Princess.

The happy couple decided that the festival should be continued annually, and so the following year, the horse races were combined with a state agricultural fair. In 1818, booths serving food and drink were introduced. By the late 20th century, these booths had developed into large beer halls made of plywood, with interior balconies and bandstands. Each of the Munich brewers erects one of these temporary structures, with seating capacities of about 6,000.

Over the years, Oktoberfest has grown into the largest Volksfest (folk festival) in the world, attracting more than six million international and national visitors annually. The festival has been held in Munich, Bavaria, since 1810, with some intermissions. It usually takes place from mid- or late September to the first Sunday in October, lasting for at least 16 days. The festival grounds, known as "Theresienwiese", cover 420,000 square feet and are easy to access from central Munich.

The opening weekend features the Costume and Riflemen's Parade, with around 7,000 costumed performers and musicians, thoroughbred horses, oxen, and other farmyard animals walking through the centre of Munich. If the weather holds, an open-air concert featuring 400 musicians also takes place. Other events include the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Official Tapping of the Keg on Opening Day, the Oktoberfest Mass, the Böllerschießen (handheld cannon salute), and the Open-Air Oktoberfest Music Concert Fest.

The festival is known for its large quantities of Oktoberfest Beer, with over seven million litres served in 2014. Visitors also enjoy amusement rides, side stalls, and games, and a wide variety of traditional foods. To maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, particularly for older people, the "quiet Oktoberfest" concept was introduced in 2005, where only traditional folk music is played until 6:00 PM.

The location

Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Bavaria, on a site known as Theresienwiese, or "Theresa's Meadow". The name was given in honour of Crown Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, who married Kronprinz Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) in 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal nuptials. The fields, once outside the city, were chosen for their natural suitability, and they have hosted the festival ever since.

Theresienwiese is located centrally in Munich, in the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district, not far from the Old Town. Covering about 100 acres, it is mostly an empty space for most of the year, serving as a public park. However, it also hosts other events, such as the Spring Festival and the Tollwood Festival in winter.

Key landmarks on Theresienwiese include the statue of Bavaria in front of the Ruhmeshalle in the west, and the neo-Gothic St Paul's Church, which stands at 320 feet tall, in the north. The Bavaria statue is a symbol of the Free State of Bavaria, designed by Munich artist Ludwig Schwanthaler in the mid-19th century. It offers a great view over Munich from the top, which can be reached via a spiral staircase.

The dates

In 2024, for example, Oktoberfest will take place from the 21st of September to the 6th of October. The following year, in 2025, the festival will run from the 20th of September to the 5th of October.

The length of the festival is usually 16 days, but it can be longer. In 2010, for instance, the festival lasted 17 days, and in 2013, 18 days.

Today, Oktoberfest is the largest Volksfest (folk festival) in the world, attracting more than seven million international and national visitors at its peak. It is an important part of Bavarian culture, with locals donning traditional attire and partaking in the festivities, which include beer drinking, amusement rides, and the consumption of traditional foods.

Beer and tents

Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival and a travelling carnival. It is held annually in Munich, Bavaria, from mid- or late-September to the first Sunday in October. The festival attracts more than seven million international and national visitors at its peak.

The Beer

Oktoberfest is, of course, famous for its beer. In 2014, 7.7 million litres were served to thirsty revellers. Beer served at the festival must conform to the Reinheitsgebot (purity law) and be brewed within the city limits of Munich. Only six breweries meet these criteria and can serve beer at the festival: Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu, Staatliches Hofbräu-München, Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu, Löwenbräu, Augustiner, and Paulaner.

The beer served is typically 13.5% Stammwürze, which is around 6% alcohol content. This is stronger than the average American beer, so it's important to pace yourself and eat plenty of food!

The Tents

There are 14 major tents at the festival, with a total capacity of 11,000 people. The tents are owned by independent families or the breweries themselves. They are constructed from wood and are not permanent structures. Each tent has its own unique personality, offerings, and vibe, and they are all worth a visit. Here are some of the most notable:

• Schottenhamel: The oldest and most important tent, where the Lord Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of the festival and shouts "O'zapft is!"
• Hofbräu-Festzelt: One of the largest tents, with a standing-room-only area, and decorated with hops and their mascot, Aloisius, hanging from the ceiling.
• Hacker-Festzelt: One of the most well-known tents, with a gorgeous interior designed by Oscar-winning set designer Rolf Zehetbauer. It has a revolving bandstand and hosts the official closing ceremony.
• Augustiner-Festzelt: The only tent to serve beer from traditional wooden kegs. Known as the "friendliest" tent and also the most "family-friendly", hosting "Kids Day" on both Tuesdays of the festival.
• Löwenbräu-Festhalle: A favourite among Italian visitors, with a giant lion mascot sitting above the crowd.
• Pschorr-Bräurosl: One of the most traditional tents, with its own yodeller and whip-crackers. It is also the location for "Gay Sunday", an annual favourite among the LGBTQ+ community.
• Armbrustschützenzelt: The "crossbow hunter's tent", where the annual crossbow shooting competition takes place.
• Ochsenbraterei: Started as an ox rotisserie in 1881 and still serves ox today. They cook around 90 oxen over the course of the festival.
• Schützen-Festzelt: Known for its great music and suckling pig, this tent also sells liquor and wine, which is unusual for Oktoberfest.
• Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke: One of the smaller and more exclusive tents, frequented by celebrities. It is open until 1 am, unlike most other tents, which close at 10:30 pm.
• Weinzelt: A special wine tent, serving over 15 varieties of wine and Weißbier.

Food and drink

Oktoberfest is a beer festival, so it goes without saying that beer is the main drink. However, there are also wine and champagne options available at most tents. Beer served at Oktoberfest is typically 13.5% Stammwürze, which is around 6% alcohol content. The beer is often stronger than that found at home, so it's important to pace yourself and eat plenty.

As for food, there is a wide variety of traditional dishes available, including:

• Spit-roasted chicken
• Schweinebraten (roast pork)
• Schweinshaxe (roasted ham hock)
• Würstl (Bavarian sausages)
• Pretzels
• Käsespätzle (cheese noodles)
• Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes)
• Sauerkraut
• Schnitzel
• Rouladen
• Beer brats
• Stuffed cabbage rolls
• Bacon, beef broth, and tomato paste
• Spaetzle (eggy, make-ahead noodles)
• Mashed potatoes
• Baked rice
• German potato salad
• Lebkuchen (gingerbread) hearts
• Roast chicken with potato salad

There are also vegetarian and vegan options available, and for those who fancy a break from the frothy brews, there is a special wine tent called Weinzelt.

Frequently asked questions