One of the biggest festivals in Germany is Oktoberfest in Munich! People come from all over the world to drink beer, eat pretzels, sing, and enjoy the rides for three weeks. And if you’re an American living in Bavaria, Germany, it’s an easy day trip…relatively speaking.
If you don’t do your research, you may find yourself packed on the train at 9pm in the evening with a bunch of other drunk fest attendees trying to get home.
But if you follow these steps, you’ll have an Oktoberfest worth remembering!
Table of Contents
Oktoberfest in Munich Traditions / How to Get to Oktoberfest / What to Wear to Oktoberfest / What to Do at Oktoberfest / Which Tent to Choose / Munich or Local
Oktoberfest in Munich: Traditions
Oktoberfest is also known as “Theresienwiese” or just “Wiesn” for short. Local Bavarians have used this colloquial term since the first fest began in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
The celebration was so popular they decided to continue the volksfest, known today as “Oktoberfest.”
Today, you will find that many of the same traditions exist for the festival.
For example:
– Oktoberfest always takes place in late September to early October for about 16 days straight.
– On the first day (usually a Saturday), there’s always a parade welcoming the people, band, and of course, the beer. Plan accordingly because this will be the busiest day!
– At exactly noon, the Mayor will officially tap the beer at the Schottenhammel tent. 12 gunshots are then fired to signal the start for the other tents.
– You can only be served beer & food if sitting at a table. On the weekends, you MUST arrive early (especially if in a large group) if you want to get non-reserved seats.
– The first Sunday is “Gay Okotberfest” or “Rosa Wiesn” in the Bräurosl (Hacker-Pschorr) tent in support of the LGBT community. Keep in mind, bathroom lines will be A LOT shorter at this tent for women.
– Beers are served by the liter in a traditional beer stein or “Maß.” Each year, there’s an official collector’s mug designed by a German artist.
– BRING CASH. Like many parts of Germany, this is definitely a cash only event, but there’s ATMs everywhere for those who continue to forget.
These are just a few of many traditions you will see when visiting Oktoberfest in Munich. Below we will get into the traditional attire, as well as customs and courtesies, but first, let’s talk about how to actually get there.
How to Get to Oktoberfest
Ultimately, you don’t need to map directions from your starting point to the fest grounds. You need directions to the train station!
Let me explain…
Drive
If you have a designated driver, I do recommend taking a car, but avoid parking in the city center of Munich.
Driving a car means you’ll spend less time crowded on the trains with (potentially) very drunk people, and you have a bit more control over your schedule (especially if there’s train delays/cancellations).
Park at Allianz Arena (Bahnhof Fröttmaning) for just €1 per day. If your DD happens to get too drunk, you can leave your car overnight and pay €3 for every additional day your car is parked.
Hotels around this area are also a little cheaper than what you’ll find in the city center of Munich – but you’ll obviously want to plan that months in advance.
In fact, you’ll notice many of the Munich hotels will triple their prices during the September/October months.
Because it’s Oktoberfest and people will pay it.
Ok back to Allianz Arena Bahnhof. If you take the U6 from Fröttmaning train station going towards Klinikum Großhadern, and get off on Goetheplatz.
Once you arrive, just follow the crowd to the festplatz located here!
Train
The city is prepared for Oktoberfest in Munich: they have more trains than usual, and the staff is ready to help visitors make their way to the festival.
Pro tip: if you’re traveling to Munich from within Bavaria, get the Bayern ticket! It’s good for the whole day and offers a discounted price for a group of up to five people. Pssst… Here’s a FULL train tutorial for beginners!
Depending on which trains and station are most convenient for you, there are multiple ways to get to Oktoberfest. Theresienwiese is the most recommended station, but you can also walk from Goetheplatz, Poccistraße, Schwanthalerhöhe, or Munich Hauptbahnhof.
Unless you plan to stay the weekend in Munich, save some money and make it a day trip!
Map out your day before the festivities begin so you already know what train times will get you back to your car or final destination.
If riding the train stresses you out, get my free beginners guide to train travel in Germany.
Bus
There is a uniquely charming way to arrive at Oktoberfest without the usual headaches of driving, traffic, or trying to park near the fairgrounds.
Consider hopping on a bus with EuroTrip Adventures.
This clever choice means you get dropped off at the festival gates with no stress, no searching for elusive parking spots, and more time to soak in the festive atmosphere. Whether you are heading into Munich with family or friends, this option lets you focus on the frothy beers, hearty pretzels, and lively music without worrying about logistics.
EuroTrip Adventures goes the extra mile by offering two distinct experiences tailored to different groups of travelers.
Their Family Trip includes not just access to beer tents and carnival rides, but also a special area for kids so little ones can join in the fun while grown-ups enjoy the festivities.
They also offer an Adults Only Trip that caters exclusively to grown-ups looking to embrace Oktoberfest’s legendary charm without holding back.
It’s a smart and convenient approach that removes the most tedious parts of travel, especially when you’re balancing schedules, family dynamics, or simply want a carefree day at the fest. I have taken this bus myself, and it saved me from the headache of dealing with Munich traffic and parking. With affordable pricing and well-planned transportation, this trip makes it easy to say yes to Oktoberfest.
To make planning even easier, you can browse all their upcoming tours on the main EuroTrip Adventures page. This is especially helpful since the Oktoberfest trip only appears in detail during the months leading up to the festival.
Whether you’re planning far in advance or jumping on a last-minute opportunity, everything you need is organized in one convenient place.
What to Wear to Oktoberfest
You may feel out of place wearing tight leather pants, or a dress with an apron, but at Oktoberfest in Munich, you’ll fit right in!
If you’re headed to Oktoberfest or a local Volksfest, you’ll want to gear up in Trachten, Germany’s traditional folk clothing.
For women, that means the Dirndl (bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron).
For men, it’s the classic Lederhosen (leather shorts or pants with suspenders and embroidery).
Women may wear dirndl or lederhosen. But sometimes you’ll find a dude wearing a dirndl!
And the garment isn’t complete without some accessories.
Buttons, hats, necklaces, and bow ties are just the beginning of the flair!
In fact, you’ll see many of these accessories sold at the event, such as heart shaped pins or necklaces with Bavarian messages, and name engraved pegs aka “Wiesn Glupperl.”
Pro Tip: Many tourist are shocked at the sticker prices for these outfits in Munich, so look for a second hand store or buy a cheaper version near the fest grounds.
Where to Buy Trachten Near U.S. Military Bases in Germany
Before you head off base/post, always check your BX/PX first. Many US military installations rotate Trachten pop-up shops in the months leading up to Oktoberfest.
After that, the easiest way to find local stores is to open your map app and search for “Trachten.”
Here are some tried-and-true options near major U.S. military communities:
Grafenwöhr / Vilseck / Ansbach / Hohenfels
- Michael Ebnet GmbH – Rose Dirndl (Altenstadt)
- Moser Trachtenwelt (Weiden & Amberg)
- Trachtenhof Nübler (Amberg & Freudenberg)
- Pöllinger Leder & Tracht (Amberg & Hemau)
- MS-Trachten (Nuremberg)
- Wirkes Dirndl Trachten & Ledermoden GmbH (Nuremberg & Erlangen)
- Kerstins Landhausmode GmbH (Schwandorf)
- Trachten24, Edelnice Trachtenmode GmbH (Regensburg)
- Trachtenoutlet24 (Eslarn)
KMC (Kaiserslautern Military Community)
- Pia’s Dirndls & Lederhosen (inside the BX)
- VABO Pirmasens Vafiadis (every September)
- Herzel-Dirndl (Bad Bergzabern)
- House of Clocks (Weilerbach)
- Trachten Shop & Trachtenverleih Frankfurt Rhein-Main
- Deiters Frankfurt
Spangdahlem
- Deiters Trier
- Simsalabim Costumes & More (Luxembourg border)
- Karnevalcenter (seasonal costumes and Trachten)
Stuttgart
Wiesbaden
- Deiters Wiesbaden / Frankfurt / Mainz
- Dirndl Karin Kolb
- Trachten Shop & Trachtenverleih Frankfurt Rhein-Main
Garmisch
- Loisachtaler Second Hand Store (budget option) – See video
- Trachten- & Modehaus Grasegger GmbH & Co. KG
- Mode & Tracht Gudrun Grasegger GbR
Whether you buy new, rent, or even thrift your outfit, rocking Trachten at Oktoberfest is part of the fun, and it makes you feel like a local
What to Do at Oktoberfest
Lots of singing and dancing.
At any given time, there will be a band playing somewhere. They may march through your tent (especially on opening day), or they may just parade through the fest grounds!
Oktoberfest Songs: Chances are you won’t know all the German songs played by the band inside the tent.
However you may be surprised to know they play lots of American classic rock & pop music like “Sweet Caroline, Hey Jude, & YMCA.”
The one German song you MUST know is “Ein Prosit,” which is a toast to good times and good health.
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit
We like to get to Oktoberfest early (like 9am) and sit at an open table (without reservations) in one of the many fest tents.
Usually you can stay at one of these tables until about 3pm when afternoon reservations take over your area.
Then we continue the party outside.
There are tons of carnival rides and games outside of the fest tents. Enjoy the view of the festplatz from the ferris wheel, ride a roller coaster or two, and test the strength of your stomach on this ride…
On a nice day, if you want to get away from the crowds, I recommend a walking tour around the city of Munich.
You can check out the famous Munich surfers, stroll through Marienplatz, or hang out at the mini Hofbrauhaus in the English Garden.
Which Tent to Choose at Oktoberfest
This may seem like the most stressful decision to make about Oktoberfest in Munich.
No doubt you’ve heard how difficult it is to get a reservation for a table in a tent. And while this may be true, you don’t actually need a reservation to sit at a table.
A reservation just guarantees that you can sit at a table for a certain period of time.
You can’t really go wrong on the tent you choose, we like to go to Paulaner Festzelt, which has been around since the 19th century, but Löwenbräu Festzelt, Hofbräu Festzelt, and Pschorr Bräurosl are also some of our favorites.
Keep in mind the longer you wait to pick and choose the “right” tent, the harder it is to get in.
Pro tip: Whenever you think about going to the bathroom, go to the bathroom! The lines will be insanely long (for women, at least), and you’ll want to be pro-active about your bladder situation. But one at a time! If everyone leaves the table, you might not find your seat when you return!
If you don’t make a reservation, we highly recommend you arrive early (ESPECIALLY on the weekends).
And by early, we mean before 9 a.m. You may not think you’re ready to drink beer at 9 a.m., but after getting ready, seeing everyone else in their trachten, and smelling all the delicious food…you’ll be ready for a beer.
Speaking of drinking beer, you’ll notice the brave and bold like to try their luck chugging an entire liter of beer on top of a table (as seen in the picture below).
Here’s the rules: if you really have the courage (and skills), you can stand on top of a table (when everyone else is sitting down) and start chugging your beer.
Get your table to hype the crowd up and everyone else will soon cheer you on.
If you can actually chug it all, the whole tent will love you, but if you can’t… they WILL boo you and probably throw things at you. Good luck 🙂
When you arrive early, the tents aren’t packed yet, so the morning is a bit more relaxed. It’ll be easier to order beer and food, and you can prepare yourself for the shenanigans that will ensue.
Because shenanigans will ensue.
Oktoberfest in Munich or Go Local
While Oktoberfest is no doubt one of the best festivals to visit during September/October, there are other opportunities to “get your fest on” in Germany.
Before going to Oktoberfest, try visiting a smaller, local event to get you prepared for the big one in Munich.
The video below will show you what to expect for your first German beer festival at Gäubodenvolksfest.
I personally love these smaller events because they’re not as intimidating as Oktoberfest, they don’t have a bunch of crazy tourist who have no idea about customs/traditions, and they’re cheaper!
Other festivals to consider are the Starkbier fest (strong beer fest) and the Flosser Kirwa – Frühschoppen aka “Bavarian Breakfast Party.”
At the exact same location of the Munich Oktoberfest, you can also check out Frühlingsfest (Springfest) in April, or the Tollwood festival in the winter time.
With these simple tips, you’ll be prepared for all the German festivals and seasons of the year!
Viel Spaß!
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