Munich OktoberfestMünchner Oktoberfest
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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🎟 Free entry
FestivalAtlas
The Munich Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival, a 16- to 18-day beer and carnival celebration held annually at Theresienwiese in Munich. It originated in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration and has become a defining Bavarian tradition. Attendees experience traditional food, music, Bavarian costumes, giant beer tents and carnival rides. Despite huge tourist attendance, it remains a cultural touchstone for locals 1 2.
Founded in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig I, the Oktoberfest reflects Bavaria’s beer-brewing heritage and festive social culture. It is deeply embedded in Munich’s identity, with local breweries and residents actively participating in the rituals of tapping the first keg, costume parades and church blessings for the festival 1.
Venues and routes
Theresienwiese · Munich
The dates that shape the visit.
Opening day · Sat, Sep 19
Festively decorated beer wagons and bands march from the old city gate (Sendlinger Tor) to the festival grounds to herald the opening.
Find a spot along the route early. The procession is colorful and marks the celebratory opening of the festival.
The Munich Mayor taps the first keg at the Schottenhamel tent. Traditionally at noon on the first day, shouted announcement 'O'zapft is!' follows.
Arrive early at Schottenhamel to witness the mayor’s keg tap. This moment draws large crowds and marks the official start.
Day 2 · Sun, Sep 20
Participants in traditional Bavarian attire parade through Munich city center (starting at Max-Joseph-Platz) toward the Oktoberfest grounds.
Watch along the parade route from Max-Joseph-Platz onward. The display of colorful traditional garments and marching bands is very photogenic.