Oktoberfest 2025 is the largest beer festival in the world, attracting millions of people from every corner of the globe. The event begins on September 20, 2025 , and runs until October 5 , offering sixteen days of unique experiences and German tradition. Every year, Oktoberfest in Munich draws impressive crowds – according to organizers, last year the festival attracted as many as 6.3 million visitors, and usually reaches up to 7 million. During this unique beer festival , which has been held continuously since 1810, participants consume approximately 7.5 million liters of the golden beverage. In our guide, you'll find all the necessary information to help you plan your trip and fully enjoy this extraordinary event.
When and where is Oktoberfest 2025?
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The 2025 edition of Oktoberfest will take place from Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, October 5th, 2025. Despite the name suggesting October, the majority of the festival actually falls in September. This is a conscious decision by the organizers – as early as 1828, attendees complained about Bavaria's rainy weather in October, so the festival was moved to a warmer period, allowing for longer use of beer gardens.
The venue for the celebration is the Theresienwiese, a 40-hectare site in the heart of Munich , named after Princess Theresa of Saxe-Hildburghausen, whose wedding to Prince Ludwig of Bavaria gave rise to the festival.
On the first day of the festival , the tents open at 9:00 a.m., and at 12:00 p.m., the official opening takes place with the tapping of the first keg of beer. From Monday to Friday, the pavilions are open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and on weekends, they open at 9:00 a.m. Attractions and rides are available from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 12:00 p.m. to midnight on opening day.
Public transport is definitely the best way to get there. Theresienwiese is well-connected to the U-Bahn (underground) network and is just a 10-minute walk from the main station.
For those planning ahead, the next editions will take place: 19/09-4/10/2026 and 18/09-3/10/2027.
How to plan a trip to Oktoberfest?
It's best to start planning your trip to Oktoberfest 2025 several months in advance. Above all, book your accommodation as soon as possible—ideally right after the previous edition ends. Hotel prices in central Munich skyrocket during the festival , reaching as much as €400-600 per night.
The most convenient way to get to Theresienwiese is by public transport. You have several options:
- U4 and U5 metro lines (Theresienwiese station)
- lines U3 and U6 (Goetheplatz or Poccistraße stations)
- S-Bahn (Hackerbrücke station)
When planning your budget, consider that a liter of beer will cost between €14.50 and €15.80, and half a chicken will cost around €15-19. A typical daily expense is €120-150.
Table reservations in beer tents are not mandatory, but they are worth considering, especially for evenings and weekends. However, please note that 25% of the seats in the larger tents remain unreserved.
For safety reasons, backpacks and large bags are prohibited – only small bags with maximum dimensions of 20x15x10 cm are permitted. Strollers are not permitted on Saturdays and public holidays all day, and on other days after 6:00 PM.
How to prepare to participate in a beer festival?
Above all, proper attire is essential for Oktoberfest 2025. Traditional Bavarian attire isn't mandatory, but most attendees choose it to fully experience the festive atmosphere. Women wear dirndls—comprising a blouse, dress, and apron—while men wear lederhosen—knee-length leather trousers. Remember that the way you tie the bow on your apron is important: on the left side, it means you're single, while on the right, it means you're taken.
Knowledge of basic phrases:
Knowing basic German phrases will make it easier for you to find your way around the festival:
- "Prost!" – Cheers!
- "Danke" – Thank you
- "Bitte" – Please/Thank you very much
- "Entschuldigung" – I'm sorry
A safe approach to beer consumption
A safe approach to beer consumption is equally important. The Bavarian beer at Oktoberfest has around 6% alcohol by volume and is served in one-liter mugs . Drink plenty of water between beers and remember to eat to slow down the absorption of the alcohol.
Money and documents
Carry money and documents with you – large bags and backpacks are prohibited on the festival grounds. Only small bags no larger than 20 x 15 x 10 cm are permitted. It's best to carry mostly cash, as card payments are rarely accepted in the beer tents. Remember that a tip of 1-2 euros for the waiter is expected with every order.
In short, Oktoberfest 2025 promises to be an unforgettable adventure for lovers of beer and Bavarian culture. Without a doubt, careful advance planning will greatly facilitate our participation in this historic event. Remember, the best time to book accommodation is immediately after the previous edition, as prices in Munich skyrocket as the festival approaches. So, get ready for 16 days of exceptional experiences, beginning with the ceremonial tapping of the first barrel on September 20, 2025. Oktoberfest is more than just a beer festival —it's a living tradition, a cultural experience, and an opportunity to celebrate together, a moment that will remain etched in your memory forever.