Inside Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is the world’s second-largest temporary event after Rio’s Carnival, drawing millions of visitors to Munich every year. It’s a place where the celebration reaches unmatched intensity — yet tradition, Bavarian attire, and culinary excellence are just as important as the beer. Here, generations meet at long tables, international guests mingle with locals, and the Wiesn becomes a true melting pot of cultures.
But Oktoberfest also has its hidden sides: details you only notice on a second look, original characters, and a unique microcosm that exists only for these two weeks. For Munich, it’s more than a festival — it’s the “fifth season,” a way of life that’s impossible to describe until you’ve experienced it yourself.
The History of Oktoberfest - How it All Began
It all started not with beer, but with love. In 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. To celebrate the royal wedding, Munich decided that a party in the city square simply wouldn’t do. Instead, they organized a massive horse race on a meadow just outside the city walls. That meadow was soon named after the bride: Theresienwiese — today lovingly called the Wiesn.
- 1810: First Oktoberfest, marked by horse races and royal pomp — no beer tents yet!
- 1811: The second edition already added an agricultural fair, because why not show off Bavarian cows alongside Bavarian brides?
- 1818: The first small beer stands popped up — finally, Oktoberfest began to taste like Oktoberfest.
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As the years rolled by, the small beer stalls grew into proper beer halls, and Munich’s brewers realized they were sitting on a gold mine. By the late 19th century, Oktoberfest had already begun to resemble the giant beer extravaganza we know today.
- 1885: Roasted chicken (Hendl) became a staple, proving that beer always tastes better with crispy poultry.
- 1892: The first mass-produced one-liter glass beer mug (Maßkrug) was introduced — Bavarians never looked back.
- 1901: The first electrified fairground rides appeared, adding thrills (and perhaps some regrets after too many steins).
Oktoberfest survived wars, inflation, and even prohibition attempts. It was canceled multiple times in the 19th and 20th centuries due to cholera epidemics and world wars — but each time, it came back stronger. Munich without Oktoberfest? Unthinkable.
- 1910: The 100th anniversary saw 12,000 hectoliters of beer consumed — impressive even by Bavarian standards.
- 1950: The now-iconic opening ceremony began, when Munich’s mayor tapped the first keg and proclaimed “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”). That tradition continues every year, with the whole world watching.
- 1960s: Oktoberfest went truly global — visitors from across Europe, America, and Asia began making Munich a regular pilgrimage, turning the Wiesn into an international phenomenon.
From royal beginnings to a people’s festival, Oktoberfest grew through triumphs and setbacks into a tradition that defines Munich itself. What started as a horse race for a wedding day has become a celebration recognized around the world — a story of resilience, revelry, and Bavarian spirit that set the stage for what Oktoberfest is today.
Oktoberfest today
Today, Oktoberfest is no longer just a Bavarian tradition — it’s a global phenomenon. More than six million visitors from every corner of the world stream into Munich each year, turning the Theresienwiese into the biggest temporary party ground on Earth (well, after Rio’s Carnival, but with a lot more beer). For two weeks, Munich becomes the epicenter of celebration, tradition, and international flair.
- Beer: Around 7 million liters are served, all brewed strictly within Munich’s city limits. Every Maßkrug (one-liter mug) is filled with beer made specially for Oktoberfest — slightly stronger, just to keep the brass bands in good spirits.
- Tents: There are 14 large beer halls and about 20 smaller tents, each with its own personality — from massive party atmospheres to elegant hideaways.
- Food: Guests devour roughly half a million roast chickens, 120,000 sausages, and dozens of oxen roasted on spits. Yes, Oktoberfest is also a food festival.
- Guests: The crowd is a true melting pot — Bavarians in traditional Tracht, international visitors in freshly bought Lederhosen, families, business groups, students, and celebrities.
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But Oktoberfest is more than just numbers. It’s a living tradition where Dirndl and Lederhosen meet smartphones and selfies, where age doesn’t matter, and where strangers become friends over a shared table. The Wiesn is at once wildly extravagant and deeply rooted in Bavarian culture.
Beyond the beer halls, Oktoberfest is a universe of its own: fairground rides that light up the night, hidden corners with local originals, and small traditions that only reveal themselves to those who look closely. For Munich residents, it’s more than just a festival — it’s their “fifth season”, a time when the city collectively shifts into celebration mode.
For companies, Oktoberfest has become a stage for hospitality, networking, and unforgettable experiences. Deals are toasted with beer steins instead of champagne flutes, and international teams bond over Bavarian brass music instead of PowerPoint slides.
At its core, Oktoberfest today is exactly what it was in 1810: a reason to celebrate life together. Only now, it happens on a scale Ludwig and Therese could have never imagined — with millions of people, oceans of beer, and a spirit that has made Munich’s Wiesn world-famous.
Opening Hours
Wondering when the beer starts flowing and the rides light up? Oktoberfest has different schedules for tents, rides, and the festival grounds — here’s your guide to knowing exactly when (and where) the party begins.
| Area | Weekday Opening | Sat/Sun/Holiday Opening | Last Drinks / Music stops | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Festival Grounds / Fairground Rides |
10:00 AM |
9:00 AM |
|
11:30 PM
12:00 AM fri/ sat |
|
Large Beer Tents |
10:00 AM |
9:00 AM |
10:30 PM |
11:00 PM |
|
Smaller Tents |
10:00 AM |
9:00 AM |
11:00 PM |
11:30 PM |
|
VIP Tents (Kuffler’s wine tent/ Käfer) |
10:00 AM |
9:00 AM |
12:30 AM |
1:00 AM |
The Mighty Maßkrug - the Oktoberfest Survival Tool
At Oktoberfest, beer isn’t served in pints or bottles. No, no, no.
Here in Munich, it comes in a Maßkrug (say it like: Mahss-kroog) — or simply a Maß (Mass) — a one-liter glass mug that’s basically a Bavarian dumbbell.
Each weighs about three pounds empty — and that’s before you fill it with golden Oktoberfest beer, brewed only by Munich’s six traditional breweries. Stronger than your average lager and made just for the Wiesn, this beer was designed to fuel brass bands, dancing on benches, and questionable decisions on carnival rides.
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Why the big mugs? Simple: Bavarians don’t waste time with refills. One liter at a time keeps the party efficient — and gives your arm a workout in the process. By the end of the night, you’ll either be stronger or just very, very happy. Probably both.
And then there’s the soundtrack to it all: “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit.” Translation? A toast to coziness, cheer, and good times.
This short song blasts through the tents every 15 minutes or so, forcing everyone — locals, tourists, CEOs, and your Uncle Bob — to stand up, raise their Maß, and toast with total strangers. It goes like this:
“Eiiiinn Proooosit, ein Proooosit, der Gemüüütlichkeit!”
Don’t worry about the German — just shout it loud, clink your giant glass, and drink. Congratulations, you’re officially part of the world’s biggest beer choir.
What's on the Menu at the Oktoberfest?
Sure, everyone knows Oktoberfest is about beer — but the food is just as legendary. From rustic Bavarian classics to gourmet surprises, the Wiesn is basically one giant open-air restaurant with world-class quality. Everything served in the tents is fresh, carefully prepared, and way beyond “festival food.”
Let’s start with the undisputed king: the Hendl (roast chicken). Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside — it’s a must with your first Mass of beer. Then there’s Schweinshaxn (roast pork knuckle), slow-cooked until the skin crackles, and Würstel of every kind, served with tangy mustard and a side of sauerkraut.
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For a snack between steins, nothing beats Obatzda — a creamy Bavarian cheese spread with onions and paprika, scooped up with a giant pretzel. Perfect for sharing… or not.
But Oktoberfest isn’t just hearty Bavarian fare. Some tents serve fresh fish, from grilled trout to the famous Steckerlfisch (fish on a stick). Others go all out with gourmet touches like surf & turf or multi-course menus paired with fine wines. Yes, you read that right — Oktoberfest isn’t only about beer. More and more guests enjoy wine, champagne, and sparkling wines, especially in the exclusive tents, where the party comes with a touch of elegance.
The best part? Quality is king. Whether you’re biting into roast chicken or sipping champagne, everything is prepared with top ingredients and strict standards — because Munich takes its Oktoberfest food very seriously.
So come hungry, come thirsty, and don’t be shy about mixing it up: a Maß of beer here, a glass of Riesling there, and a plate of roast duck or lobster in between. Oktoberfest is as much a feast as it is a festival. Prost und guten Appetit!
Corporate Events at Oktoberfest
Few experiences strengthen business relationships like an evening at Oktoberfest. In an atmosphere that’s equal parts extravagant and authentic, barriers fall quickly — clients, colleagues, and partners connect over shared tables, music, and steins of beer (or wine and champagne, if that’s more their style). Deals are toasted, laughter flows, and conversations move far beyond boardrooms and business lunches. The result? Relationships that don’t just continue — they thrive on a whole new level.
For companies, Oktoberfest offers a stage unlike any other: it’s festive, unforgettable, and carries a prestige that resonates long after the last toast. Hosting guests here shows appreciation, hospitality, and a willingness to celebrate success together in true Bavarian fashion.
And when it comes to planning, that’s where we come in. With decades of experience, we are the professionals for corporate events at Oktoberfest. From guaranteed reservations to seamless on-site hosting, our team ensures that everything runs flawlessly. Our dedicated hosts accompany your group inside the tents and take care of every detail — a service few others can match.
Uncountable satisfied clients already speak for themselves (just take a look at our Reviews page). Whether it’s entertaining key accounts, celebrating milestones, or rewarding your team, we make sure your corporate event at Oktoberfest becomes a night your guests will never forget.