Oktoberfest 2026 in Munich Opens on 19 September

The Oktoberfest in Munich opens on Saturday, 19 September 2026, and runs until Sunday, 4 October; the 190th edition once again takes place on the Theresienwiese fairground.

The world's largest folk festival traditionally opens at noon, when Munich's mayor taps the first keg at the Schottenhamel tent and declares "O'zapft is!". Held every year since 1810, the festival draws around six million visitors from around the world.

What to expect at Oktoberfest

Entry to the Theresienwiese grounds and all beer tents is completely free; no general admission ticket is required. Visitors pay only for food, drinks and fairground rides. Table reservations in the large tents are not mandatory, though finding a seat without one can be difficult on weekends and evenings; weekday mornings offer the best chance of a spot without booking ahead. A one litre stein of beer (a "Maß") cost between 14.50 and 15.80 euros in 2025 depending on the tent; official 2026 prices are set by the individual tent operators and reviewed by the City of Munich.

Oide Wiesn and practical tips

Beyond the main tents, the Oide Wiesn on the southern side of the grounds is worth a visit, featuring historic rides and traditional tents that recall the festival's early years. Admission there costs 4 euros, children up to 14 enter free, and access becomes free through certain entrances after 9 p.m. The Theresienwiese is well connected to central Munich by several U Bahn lines, which can be a more practical choice than a hotel right next to the grounds during the busiest days. Anyone planning a trip should book accommodation in Munich early, since demand is traditionally very high throughout the 16 days of the festival.