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Oktoberfest 2024

The ultimate Oktoberfest guide

Cheers! The world has flocked to Munich, and the smell of beer and pretzels fills the streets – it can only mean one thing: it’s Oktoberfest again! After an incredible summer of concerts in the city and football fever all over the country, the time has now come for yet another party. The Oktoberfest is where tradition and tourism meet, and where seasoned regulars and newbies come together to take part in the festivities – and for many it is THE highlight of the year. Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about the world’s biggest folk festival.

Oktoberfest: what, where, when?

Let’s start with the key facts:
When will Oktoberfest take place? This year, Oktoberfest, or ‘Wiesn’ as it’s also affectionately known, will take place from 21 September to 6 October 2024 on the Theresienwiese in Munich.
How old is Oktoberfest? This year, Oktoberfest celebrates its 189th anniversary. 
How did Oktoberfest begin? To celebrate the wedding of Ludwig, Prince Regent of Bavaria, later crowned King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, a horse race was held on the Theresienwiese. Basically, the people loved it so much that they agreed that the celebration had to be repeated even when no wedding was taking place. Today, Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. 
What does ‘Wiesn’ mean? ‘Wiesn’ means ‘meadow’ in the local Bavarian dialect (singular!).


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Opening hours at Oktoberfest

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! The good news is that 3rd October is also a national holiday in Germany (German Reunification Day), so there will be special extended opening hours on this day as well as the day before!

Grounds:
Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 11:30 pm
Friday and Wednesday 2 October: 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 
Saturday, Sunday and public holiday 03/10/2024: 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. 


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Dos and don’ts at Oktoberfest Munich

  • Do: Tie your bow the right way

    To spare you from making a faux pas if you meet someone at Oktoberfest, we’ve prepared for you a quick dirndl bow guide:
    On the right = Taken
    On the left = single
    On the back = widowed
    On the front = virgin

  • Don’t: Take your beer mugs off the premises

    Warning: this is banned! Tempting as it is to take your beer mug with you as a souvenir, unfortunately it is not allowed. Taking a mug home with you will be treated as theft, so it’s best to leave it behind. If you’re an avid collector or just want something to remember your experience by, grab an official Oktoberfest mug 2024.

  • Don’t: Dance on the tables

    As you can imagine, as the evening draws on, the mood gets jollier. With all the amazing music playing in the festival tents, it’s easy to get carried away. Later on in the evening, people start standing on the beer benches – which is fine, but make sure you stay off the tables! Sadly, standing or dancing on the tables is not allowed. No exception.

  • Do: Try out the rides

    A swing carousel, giant ship swing, bumper cars, a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel… the possibilities are endless. One of the best things about Oktoberfest is that it’s the perfect opportunity to be a kid again and try out as many rides as you can. Plus: the beer tastes even better after!

  • Don’t: Bring your own food

    If you need a bite to eat, the festival tents and beer gardens offer plenty of choice, so unlike with your average beer garden, you’re not allowed to bring your own food. And it’s not worth trying to smuggle any food in as there’s usually a bag check at the entrance.

  • Do: Only bring the essentials

    Large bags and backpacks are not allowed onto the festival grounds, so it’s best to take only the essentials with you and leave sharp items like glass bottles and pocket knives at home. Bikes, scooters, skateboards and animals (except assistance dogs) are also not allowed – all you need for a great day at Oktoberfest are your phone, money and keys!

Enjoy the festivities in comfort and style at Motel One

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Oktoberfest dates

…plus (not so) secret insider tips

During the two weeks from the end of September to the start of October, Oktoberfest always means a wonderful day out for everyone – families, locals and party-goers from far-flung countries alike. With carousel rides, gingerbread hearts and catchy Oktoberfest songs – at Oktoberfest, every day is a celebration. Below, we’ve put together for you some of the most popular and exciting highlights of Oktoberfest 2024.

Saturday 21 September 2024: Traditionally, Oktoberfest begins with the arrival of the ‘Wiesnwirte’ (innkeepers), followed by the first tapping in the Schottenhamel tent. 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 Dieter Reiter 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 22 September 2024: The frenzy of festivities continues with the traditional costume and riflemen procession. Almost 9,000 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. Entrance to the tent is, as everywhere else, free, although spaces are limited.  

Tuesday 24 September 2024: 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 28 September 2024: 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. 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 29 September 2024: 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 30 September 2024: 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 1 October 2024: 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 will even be offering vegan currywurst.
 

Wednesday 2 October 2024: The 3rd of October is a public holiday... which means that the party goes on for longer! 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 6 October 2024: 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! 

More top tips for a perfect Oktoberfest

  • Visit the smaller festival tents

    Bigger isn’t always better. Away from the big tents, there are loads of hidden gems. How about a visit to the Wiesn Guglhupf, a spinning tent that makes you feel like you’re on a slow carousel? Or why not drop into the Munich Knödelei, which serves traditional dumplings plus some more unusual variations? If you’d prefer something sweeter, Café Kaiserschmarrn is the place to be: a highlight of this tent is the daily cutting of a wedding cake at 2 pm, which harks back to the origins of Oktoberfest. Psst: The first slices are given to guests free of charge!

  • Souvenirs

    The range of souvenirs is large – and so is the range of quality. The classic souvenir is a gingerbread heart, which come with a variety of icing inscriptions. Our favourite souvenir is the ‘glupperl’ – a clothes peg that can usually be personalised and worn on a dirndl or shirt. As well as the usual beer mugs, wooden boards and magnets, there are also some somewhat more unusual items on offer – how about a hat in the shape of a dancing chicken?!

  • Kuffler’s wine tent

    Is the first week of Oktoberfest over and you’ve had enough of beer? Then it’s time for a little change. Kuffler’s wine tent (Kufflers Weinzelt) will be 40 years old this year, and will be celebrating by supporting the association brotZeit e.V. So, you’ll get the opportunity to do good while enjoying a delicious glass of wine at the same time! You can find out more on their website. And if you’re a night owl, great news: the wine tent stays open until after midnight!

  • Enjoy the Wiesn balconies

    Probably the most beautiful tent balcony is found in the ‘Schützen-Festzelt’, a festival tent, which is located slightly away from the main crowds. It’s not an insider tip as such, but is worth a visit.
    And for all fresh air lovers: new this year is the covered outdoor balcony at the ‘Hacker-Festzelt’, a festival tent, also known as the Bavarians’ Heaven, which has space for 560 guests. When the weather’s good, there’s no better place to be!

  • New this year

    There will now be 10 drinking water fountains at Oktoberfest this year, as well as music in the Marstall every day from 11 am. There are also new rides like the Laser Pix and a brand-new whitewater ride. The two-level Grand Carousel is the biggest multi-level carousel in the world, and the ‘Hupferl’ is set to return in 2024 after a break of several years. And if all that wasn’t enough, the new food stand Corn in a Cup will be open to try this year along with AuerOX & Suppenküche, which will be offering traditional dishes and vegetarian options.

  • Oide Wiesn

    Been in all the festival tents and tried all the rides? Then a trip to the Oide Wiesn is well worth the detour. The Oide Wiesn, or ‘old Octoberfest’ in English, has been part and parcel of Oktoberfest since 2011. For just EUR 4 admission, you get less hustle and bustle and more tradition and space. This year, it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary with four tents and free admission after 9 pm. Two more recommendations: the Holzpfosten-Scooter (a classic bumper car ride) and the new tent, the Boandlkramerei.

The perfect Oktoberfest weekend starts with the right accommodation:

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