Oktoberfest 2025: Ultimate Guide to Munich’s Legendary Beer Festival, Dates, Tips & Sustainability Steps

Published on August 5, 2025

The air in Munich is filled with excitement as the city gears up for Oktoberfest 2025, the world’s largest beer festival. Scheduled to run from September 20 to October 5, 2025, this iconic event attracts millions of visitors annually to the Theresienwiese fairgrounds. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned festival-goer, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Oktoberfest experience.

Festival Overview

Oktoberfest, or “Wiesn” as it’s locally known, is a 16-day celebration of Bavarian culture, featuring traditional music, food, and, of course, beer. The festival kicks off with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by the Mayor of Munich, a tradition that dates back to 1810. This year’s festivities promise to continue the legacy with a blend of time-honored customs and modern attractions.

Date Overview for 2025

• Official Kick-off: September 20, 2025, marks the official opening with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg, known as Anstich.
• Einzug der Wiesnwirte (Parade of the Landlords and Breweries): The festival’s grand opening is followed by a parade featuring Munich’s six major breweries and their hosts.
• Costume and Hunters’ Parade: On September 21, thousands of folklorists parade through the city center, showcasing traditional Bavarian costumes.
• Oktoberfest Church Service: The festival takes a spiritual turn on September 25 with an ecumenical mass at the Marstall Festzelt.
• Remembering the Victims: September 26 marks the 1980 Oktoberfest bombing anniversary, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the site.
• Musical Highlights: On September 28, the musical Oktoberfest highlight takes place on the steps of Bavaria.
• Traditional Gun Salutes: On the final day of the festival, October 5, gun salutes are held at the feet of the Bavaria statue to close the event.

Visitor Experience

In 2024, approximately 6.7 million people attended Oktoberfest, consuming around 7 million liters of beer. While attendance saw a slight decrease from the previous year, the atmosphere remained vibrant and festive. Visitors can look forward to a similar experience in 2025, with a variety of beer tents, amusement rides, and cultural performances to enjoy.

Beer Tents and Breweries

Oktoberfest features 14 large tents and 20 smaller ones, each offering unique experiences. The six major Munich breweries—Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, and Hofbräu—host their own tents, serving specially brewed Oktoberfest beer. Popular tents include the Hofbräu-Festzelt, known for its lively international crowd, and the Augustiner-Festhalle, which offers a more traditional Bavarian atmosphere.

Opening Hours of the Oktoberfest Site

• Oktoberfest Site:
  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Fridays and Thursday, October 2: 10:00 AM to Midnight
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM to Midnight
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM
• Oide Wiesn (Traditional Area):
  • Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 AM to Midnight
• Beer Tents:
  • Opening times on the first Saturday of Oktoberfest 2025 will begin at 9:00 AM, with non-alcoholic drinks available from 10:00 AM, and beer tapping starting at 12:00 PM.
  • From Monday to Friday, the tents will open at 10:00 AM and close at 11:30 PM.
  • On weekends and public holidays like October 3, beer tapping begins at 9:00 AM with festivities continuing until midnight.
  • In the large festival halls, the last beer and music are served at 10:30 PM, while in smaller tents, the last call is at 11:00 PM. Special exceptions exist for Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Kufflers Weinzelt, which stay open until 1:00 AM.

Rides and Showmen

The Oktoberfest rides and attractions, such as the Ferris wheel, Toboggan, Hau den Lukas, and Teufelsrad, are a must for thrill-seekers. The fun begins at 12:00 PM on opening day, and rides continue until midnight. From Monday to Thursday (except public holidays), the rides are open from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM. On weekends and public holidays, they operate from 9:00 AM to midnight.

Services for Oktoberfest Guests

• Getting to Oktoberfest: Easily accessible by tram, bus, or car. The Theresienwiese U-Bahn station is nearby for convenience.
• Lost and Found: The Wiesn-Fundbüro is available to hand in or recover lost property.
• Safe Space for Women: The “Safe Wiesn for girls and women” campaign provides a safe environment during the festival.
• Barrier-Free Wiesn: The festival is wheelchair accessible, with designated spaces for guests with disabilities.
• Admission: No tickets are required for entry, making it free to visit Oktoberfest. However, reservations are recommended for beer tents.
• Security: Strict security checks are in place to ensure the safety of all guests. Bags and strollers will be checked, and security staff are available for assistance.
• LGBTIQ+ Community: Oktoberfest offers special events and tips for the queer community to enjoy the festivities.
• Jobs at Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest is a great place for temporary work, with various opportunities available for those interested in joining the festival workforce.
• Cleaning Service: The city provides cleaning services around the Theresienwiese to maintain cleanliness during the event.

The Oktoberfest Barometer – How Busy It Is on Individual Days

Planning when to visit Oktoberfest can greatly affect your experience. The following guide helps you navigate when it’s best to go based on crowd levels.

• 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM:
  • Saturday, 20.09.2025: Busy
  • Sunday, 21.09.2025: Busy
  • Monday, 22.09.2025: Quiet
  • Tuesday, 23.09.2025: Quiet
  • Wednesday, 24.09.2025: Quiet
  • Thursday, 25.09.2025: Quiet
  • Friday, 26.09.2025: Quiet
  • Saturday, 27.09.2025: Busy
  • Sunday, 28.09.2025: Busy
  • Monday, 29.09.2025: Quiet
  • Tuesday, 30.09.2025: Quiet
  • Wednesday, 01.10.2025: Well attended
  • Thursday, 02.10.2025: Busy
  • Friday, 03.10.2025: Well attended
  • Saturday, 04.10.2025: Busy
  • Sunday, 05.10.2025: Busy
• 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM:
  • Saturday, 20.09.2025: Busy
  • Sunday, 21.09.2025: Busy
  • Monday, 22.09.2025: Quiet
  • Tuesday, 23.09.2025: Well attended
  • Wednesday, 24.09.2025: Quiet
  • Thursday, 25.09.2025: Well attended
  • Friday, 26.09.2025: Well attended
  • Saturday, 27.09.2025: Very busy
  • Sunday, 28.09.2025: Busy
  • Monday, 29.09.2025: Quiet
  • Tuesday, 30.09.2025: Well attended
  • Wednesday, 01.10.2025: Busy
  • Thursday, 02.10.2025: Very busy
  • Friday, 03.10.2025: Busy
  • Saturday, 04.10.2025: Very busy
  • Sunday, 05.10.2025: Busy
• From 6:00 PM Onwards:
  • Saturday, 20.09.2025: Very busy
  • Sunday, 21.09.2025: Well attended
  • Monday, 22.09.2025: Well attended
  • Tuesday, 23.09.2025: Well attended
  • Wednesday, 24.09.2025: Well attended
  • Thursday, 25.09.2025: Well attended
  • Friday, 26.09.2025: Busy
  • Saturday, 27.09.2025: Very busy
  • Sunday, 28.09.2025: Well attended
  • Monday, 29.09.2025: Well attended
  • Tuesday, 30.09.2025: Well attended
  • Wednesday, 01.10.2025: Busy
  • Thursday, 02.10.2025: Busy
  • Friday, 03.10.2025: Busy
  • Saturday, 04.10.2025: Very busy
  • Sunday, 05.10.2025: Busy

All Important Information and Tips for an Oktoberfest Visit with the Family

Families with children can have so much fun at Oktoberfest. Here are some essential tips and information for families planning their visit:

• Family Days: Tuesdays are especially family-friendly, with a more relaxed atmosphere, especially in the afternoons. These days also feature special offers and activities for children.
• Strollers and Pushchairs: Families are welcome to bring strollers and pushchairs to Oktoberfest, but it’s essential to be mindful of the crowd levels, especially during peak hours.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Aside from the beer tents, families can enjoy various rides, games, and attractions tailored to children. The family area has child-friendly activities, ensuring a fun day for the little ones.
• Family Dining: Many beer tents have kid-friendly menus, offering Bavarian delicacies that appeal to all ages. The relaxed vibe on family days allows for a comfortable family meal in the tents.

Measures for a Sustainable and Ecologically Compatible Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest has made significant strides towards sustainability and environmental responsibility since 1991. The event is considered a role model for other major festivals, thanks to the many steps taken to minimize its ecological footprint.

• Eco-Points at Oktoberfest: Since 1995, businesses applying for a spot at Oktoberfest have been assessed for “ecological compatibility.” Criteria include using biodegradable hydraulic oils, selling products from organic and regional sources, and employing energy-saving measures such as solar systems and electric vehicles. Many Oktoberfest businesses now adhere to these standards.
• ÖKOPROFIT Munich: The city’s environmental consultancy program, ÖKOPROFIT, has been a vital part of Oktoberfest’s sustainability efforts. Participating businesses implement measures to reduce waste, save energy and water, and offset CO2 emissions. For example, food waste is composted, and electric vehicles are used for street cleaning.
• Climate-Neutral Oktoberfest Businesses: The Ammer Hühner- und Entenbraterei, the first climate-neutral marquee at Oktoberfest, has set an example for others by offsetting their CO2 emissions through international climate protection projects. Other marquee businesses, like Kuffler’s wine tent and Marstall Festzelt, are also now climate-neutral.
• Energy Supply: All Oktoberfest businesses have been powered by renewable energy since 2012, receiving electricity from hydropower and offsetting emissions with certified green electricity.
• Water Conservation and Recycling: Oktoberfest has long embraced water-saving measures, including greywater recycling systems in festival tents. These systems reuse rinse water for toilets, saving a considerable amount of water during the festival.
• Waste Reduction: Oktoberfest has prohibited disposable crockery and cutlery since 1991. Only reusable items are used, and all waste is sorted for recycling. The use of returnable drink bottles has further reduced plastic waste.
• Organic and Vegan Offerings: Many Oktoberfest food vendors now offer organic options and sustainable products, such as CO2-neutral gingerbread hearts and vegan festival specialties.

Read Also: Fasching, Tollwood, Bachfest & More: Munich’s Hidden Festivals Driving Year-Round Tourism Beyond Oktoberfest

Contact Information

For more information and assistance during your visit to Oktoberfest, you can contact the following:

• Munich Tourism, Guest Service
• Tourist Information City Hall
  Marienplatz 8
• Phone: +49 89/233-96500 (Monday – Friday)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.einfach-muenchen.de

Final Words

Oktoberfest 2025 in Munich promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Bavarian culture, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re savoring beer, enjoying traditional music, or indulging in local delicacies, the festival offers something for everyone. With careful planning, attention to safety, and an adventurous spirit, you can make the most of this iconic event. Whether it’s enjoying a traditional Wiesn or taking part in the cultural festivities, Oktoberfest 2025 is sure to be a memorable experience!