Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest — a folk festival held in Munich, Bavaria, that draws more than six million international and national visitors to a single open meadow in the middle of the city. It has been part of Munich life since 1810, when it began as a royal wedding celebration and never really stopped.
The festival is built around its beer tents: enormous timber-and-canvas halls, each run by a Munich brewery, each with its own band, menu and personality. Beer is served by the Maß, the one-litre stein, and the food is unapologetically Bavarian — roast chicken, Schweinshaxe, sausages, oversized pretzels and Kaiserschmarrn.
Beyond the tents, the Theresienwiese becomes a full fairground of roller coasters, ferris wheels, shooting galleries and market stalls. Traditional costume — lederhosen and dirndl — is worn by locals and visitors alike, and the opening ceremonies, brewery parades and folk-costume procession are as much a part of the event as the beer. Everything official, from tent details to accessibility services, is published on the organiser's website.
14 large and 21 small tents serving Munich's finest brews from the official Oktoberfest breweries, each with its own atmosphere.
Thrilling rides and carnival attractions for all ages, including roller coasters, ferris wheels and classic fairground games.
Authentic German food including roast chicken, pretzels, Schweinshaxe, sausages and traditional pastries.
Traditional Bavarian bands playing folk music, oompah and festive standards from midday until closing time.