Oktoberfest: The Festival You’ll Never Forget

Kerrin McMurdie
Oct 2, 2025
5 min read

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk and beer festival, celebrated each year in Munich, Germany, over two festive weeks from late September into early October. It began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration and has grown into a cultural icon, drawing more than six million visitors each year. Despite its size, the festival retains its Bavarian heart, music, food, and tradition woven into every tent and parade.

The Experience

Oktoberfest is famous for its 14 grand tents and 20+ smaller ones, each hosted by a Munich brewery or local group. Yes, there’s beer (and plenty of it), but every tent has its own personality; some are rowdy and international, others cozy and family-friendly. Tradition is part of the fun, with locals and visitors alike dressing in lederhosen and dirndls. And the food deserves a spotlight too: giant pretzels, golden roast chicken, wurst in every style, and crispy pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe).

Oktoberfest is much more than food and steins. It’s a full-on Bavarian fairground, complete with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, colorful parades, live brass bands, and even crossbow competitions. In other words, even if beer isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Beer: Star of the Show

As the heart of Oktoberfest, the beer is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition. All of it comes from just six Munich breweries, each with centuries of brewing history and their own loyal following. Six of the main tents are dedicated to showcasing these breweries, and each brings a distinct personality to the Wiesn:

Hofbräu Festzelt

The most famous and undeniably international. Expect a lively crowd, plenty of first-timers, and standing-room energy that keeps the party going late.

Augustiner Festhalle

A true local favorite. Known for its authentic, welcoming atmosphere and the pride of serving beer from traditional wooden barrels, the most Bavarian of experiences.

Hacker-Festzelt “Heaven of the Bavarians”

A tent that feels like sunshine even indoors, thanks to its painted sky ceiling. Its cheerful vibe draws both locals and visitors.

Löwenbräu Festzelt

Impossible to miss, with a giant roaring lion outside. Inside, it’s loud, bold, and buzzing with international groups.

Paulaner Festzelt (Winzerer Fähndl)

Grand and festive, topped with a rotating beer stein on the roof. It’s where celebrities and sports stars are spotted, yet it remains approachable for everyone.

Spaten (Schottenhamel Festhalle)

Where it all begins each year when the mayor taps the first keg with a shout of “O’zapft is!”. It blends tradition with a youthful crowd, making it a favorite among German students.

At Oktoberfest, the beer isn’t just a beverage; it’s a celebration of Munich’s proud brewing heritage.

Oktoberfest for the Whole Family

While Oktoberfest may be famous for its beer tents, it’s also a festival that offers plenty of fun for all ages. The Theresienwiese grounds (in English, Therese's meadow, named after the bride who started it all) transform into a Bavarian fairground, with carnival rides ranging from classic Ferris wheels to roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, and funhouses. The “Oide Wiesn” (Old Oktoberfest) section brings history to life with traditional rides, folk dancing, and vintage-style performances; charming, slower-paced, perfect for kids.

Food is another delight for families. Beyond the beer hall fare, you’ll find stalls with roasted nuts, candy apples, gingerbread hearts, and sweet Bavarian pastries, treats that make little faces light up just as much as the rides. Live brass bands provide the soundtrack, keeping the atmosphere cheerful and festive without being overwhelming.

Remember: it’s a beer festival, yes, but it’s also a Bavarian folk festival steeped in culture and history. Costumes, parades, music, and traditions are as central to the experience as the beer itself.

For families, the best time to experience Oktoberfest is during the daytime, when the atmosphere is friendlier, the crowds more relaxed, and many tents host family specials or kid-focused events. By evening, the festival shifts to a more adult pace, but during the day, it’s welcoming, cultural, and full of laughter for all ages. If you’re traveling with children, spend most of your time outdoors among the rides and food stalls, then dip into a tent in the afternoon to enjoy the music and Bavarian spirit in a lighter, family-friendly way.

Ways to Experience the Beer Tents

Getting a seat in a beer tent is part of the Oktoberfest magic, but it helps to know your options:

Reserve a Table in Advance - Tables seat 8–10 people and must be booked as a whole. Reservations open months ahead and are the surest way to secure a spot, especially for evenings and weekends.

Join a Guided Tour with Table Access - Not traveling with a big group? No problem. We can arrange a tour provider who purchases full tables and then sells tours per person, which include a seat at the table. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of a reserved table, while also getting a guided introduction to the fairgrounds.

Walk In During the Day - Not every table is reserved, and many tents keep sections open for walk-ins. Your best chance is before 6 p.m., when the atmosphere is lively but more relaxed.

Head to the Beer Gardens - Each tent has its own outdoor beer garden, where seating is generally first-come, first-served. These spaces are great for mingling with fellow festival-goers, though they depend on good weather and are usually shared tables.

What will your Oktoberfest experience look like—reserved table, guided tour, daytime walk-in, or a lively beer garden shared with new friends?

Insider Tips

Reservations - Evening tables book months ahead; weekdays and mid-day are easiest for drop-ins.

Currency - Bring cash, many tents and vendors still don’t accept cards.

Transportation - Take public transit; Munich has a great system, and driving is neither practical nor safe after a Maß (liter stein).

Pacing - The beer is stronger than you think. Balance it with food and water, and plan to enjoy the festival at a relaxed pace.

Want to go - Contact Sprout and Goose Today to plan your trip next year!

Oktoberfest Big Tent Comparison Guide

Tent	Vibe	Signature Highlight
Armbrustschützenzelt (Paulaner)	Traditional, hearty, family-friendly	Hosts crossbow competitions
Augustiner Festhalle	Authentic, local favorite	Beer served from wooden barrels
Bräurosl (Hacker-Pschorr)	Cheerful, music-focused	Famous for yodeling + strong LGBTQ+ following
Fischer Vroni	Calm, unique	Grilled fish on a stick
Hacker-Festzelt	Bright, classic Bavarian	Painted sky ceiling (“Heaven of the Bavarians”)
Hofbräu Festzelt	Rowdy, international, party vibe	Standing-room, youthful energy
Käfer Wiesn-Schänke	Chic, rustic, celebrity-favorite	Gourmet food, cozy atmosphere
Löwenbräu Festzelt	Boisterous, bold	Giant roaring lion greets you
Marstall (Spaten)	Stylish, modern, chic	Elegant décor, fashionable crowd
Ochsenbraterei (Spaten)	Hearty, traditional	Famous for roasted ox dishes
Paulaner Festzelt (Winzerer Fähndl)	Grand, festive	Rotating beer stein on the roof, celebrity sightings
Pschorr-Bräurosl (Hacker-Pschorr)	Traditional yet lively	Excellent brass bands
Schottenhamel (Spaten)	Historic + student energy	Mayor taps the first keg here
Weinzelt (Kufflers)	Elegant, refined	Wine, champagne & sparkling drinks

More Than Oktoberfest: Discover Munich

Munich is Bavaria’s capital and one of Europe’s most livable cities, a place where baroque palaces, cutting-edge art, and sprawling beer gardens blend seamlessly. Munich feels like a city and a village all at once. Public transit is excellent, and day trips to castles, lakes, and the Alps are effortless. Slow down, order a Maß of beer, and embrace “Gemütlichkeit”, that untranslatable Bavarian sense of cozy contentment.

Can’t-Miss Experiences

Marienplatz & Glockenspiel: The city’s central square, perfect for people-watching and the clock
Residenz Palace: Step into Bavarian royal history
English Garden: Bigger than Central Park, with leafy trails and riverside beer gardens
BMW Welt & Museum: A showcase of German engineering, design, and culture
Viktualienmarkt: An open-air market filled with Bavarian specialties
Beer Halls & Gardens: Hofbräuhaus is the icon, but locals favor Augustiner for authenticity