Oktoberfest 2026 in Munich takes place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, at the Theresienwiese – marking its 191st edition. When Munich enters its yearly state of exception, you know it right away: the Wiesn has begun, the largest folk festival in the world. Waiting for you: beer tents, fairground rides, Bavarian specialties, and plenty of atmosphere. It's the place where tradition meets tourism, where regulars and Oktoberfest first-timers celebrate side by side, making it THE highlight of the year for many. In our guide, you'll find everything important about the program, highlights, and tips for Oktoberfest 2026.

When does Oktoberfest take place? This year, Oktoberfest, also affectionately known as ‘Wiesn’, will take place from 19 September to 4 October 2026 at Theresienwiese in Munich.

How old is Oktoberfest? This year marks the 191st Oktoberfest, also known as “Wiesn.”

How did Oktoberfest come about? On the occasion of the wedding of Ludwig, Prince Regent of Bavaria, later King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, a horse race was held on the Theresienwiese. People were so enthusiastic that they agreed to repeat the festival even without a wedding. Today, Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year.

What does ‘Wiesn’ mean? “Wiesn” means ‘meadow’ (singular!) in the Bavarian dialect.

Alas, Oktoberfest isn’t open 24 hours a day, so make sure you check the opening times and more importantly, when the last tapping is!

Grounds:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 11:30 pm
Friday: 10 am to midnight
Saturday: 9 am to midnight
Sunday: 9 am to 11:30 pm

Oide Wiesn:
Sunday to Thursday: 10 am to 11:30 pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 10 am to midnight

Oktoberfeset tents:
On the first Saturday of Oktoberfest: Open at 9 am, non-alcoholic drinks are served from 10 am, then you can finally get your hands on a beer from midday
Monday to Friday: 10 am to 11:30 pm
Saturdaya and Sundays : from 9 am to 11:30 pm

Last orders are at 10:30 pm in the big festival halls and at 11 pm in the small tents. There are two other exceptions: the wine tent and the Käfer Wiesn taverns are open until 1 am; last orders at 12:30 am.

Saturday 19 September 2026: Traditionally, Oktoberfest begins with the arrival of the ‘Wiesnwirte’ (innkeepers), followed by the first tapping in the Schottenhamel tent, the most traditional tent of the Wiesn, where the first keg has been tapped every year since 1950. The ‘Münchner Kindl’ leads the procession of innkeepers, waiters and waitresses, and fairground staff as they make their way to the festival tents. At midday exactly, Mayor Dominik Krause taps the first beer barrel with as few hits as possible. Beer is available after the first tapping, beforehand only alcohol-free drinks are served.

Sunday 20 September 2026: The frenzy of festivities continues with the traditional costume and riflemen procession. Almost 1,000 participants from shooting clubs, bands and trade groups from Germany and the whole world form a long procession from the city centre to the Theresienwiese. The first traditional costume and riflemen parade took place in 1835. They originally only took place on very special occasions, but since 1948 they have been an annual event. Another highlight on this Sunday is the ‘Gay Sunday’, an incredible party that takes place in the Bräurosl, one of the largest festival tents with room for around 8,500 guests. Entrance to the tent is, as everywhere else, free, although spaces are limited.

Tuesday 22 September 2026: Tuesday is Family Day at Oktoberfest. With discounted prices for young and old alike, on this day the festival attracts visitors to the Theresienwiese in their droves. Children can take their pick from the great-value kids’ menu or enjoy a puppet show on the Oide Wiesn. The fun goes on until 7 pm – and those who missed it can come back the next week.

Saturday 26 September 2026: Munich often also gets called “the most northerly city of Italy”, as over the middle weekend of Oktoberfest, it definitely feels that way – during this time, you’ll be able to hear Italian being spoken in hotels all over the city, as well as in campsites like the Oktoberfest campsite in Riem, the official campsite for Oktoberfest visitors in eastern Munich. Just why the “festa della birra” is so popular with Italians in particular is a slight mystery, but they definitely help make the atmosphere even more lively!

Sunday 27 September 2026: Half time on the Wiesn: if you’d like to find out some facts and stats, keep an eye out for updates from the ‘half-time report’ press conference. Every year on the second Sunday of Oktoberfest, around 300 musicians from the festival tent bands take part in the ‘Platzkonzert’. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather in front of the Bavaria statue this year to hear the musical spectacle.

Monday 28 September 2026: Today the ‘Prosecco-Wiesn’, an event for the gay community, is on the agenda. This traditional event has been taking place in the Fischer-Vroni tent for several years now – it’s worth getting there early, as the tent usually fills up by early afternoon.

Tuesday 29 September 2026: Today is family day again, with discounted prices from midday. If you can’t face another rich meaty dish, there are lots of vegetarian alternatives on offer. The bigger tents usually offer meals without meat or fish, and the Hofbräu festival tent, one of the best-known and most-visited large tents, will even be offering vegan currywurst.

Friday 2 October 2026: Perfect for a visit to the ‘Wiesnclub’ right behind the Bavaria. This is where one of the biggest After Wiesn parties takes place. The club is open every day during the two weeks from 10 pm. Other great places to party include 089, Drella, Pacha and the Milchbar.

Sunday 4 October 2026: Oktoberfest never fails to end in style with the traditional gunfire, in which around 60 Bavarian shooters take part. Spectators enjoy some music from a brass band, and like with the first tapping, the gunfire ceremony takes place at midday. After that, Oktoberfest remains open into the evening until it finally closes its doors… until it all starts again next year!