PHOTO: © Unsplash: Ulrich Knoll
Oktoberfest 2026: What You Need to Know
We don't want to brag, but the biggest folk festival in the world takes place here in Munich: the Oktoberfest! 🎡
To make sure you're fully prepared, here's everything you need to know about Oktoberfest 2026in Munich: opening hours, beer prices, how to get there, payment methods, and more! 🥨
When and where will Oktoberfest 2026 take place?
Oktoberfest 2026 will take place from September 19 to October 4 at the Theresienwiese. The official start is marked by the tapping of the first keg on the first Saturday at exactly 12:00 p.m. From then on, you can celebrate, feast, and enjoy the rides for two full weeks!
What are the opening hours for Oktoberfest 2026?
During the week, the tents and rides usually open at 10 am, at weekends from 9 am. In the evening it closes at around 11:30 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays you can even party until midnight. The last drinks are served in the large tents at 10:30 pm, in the Käfer and Kufflers Weinzelt the party goes on until 1 am. The Oide Wiesn starts every day at 10 a.m. and also closes at 11:30 p.m. during the week and at 00:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
How much will beer cost at Oktoberfest 2026?
As is the case every year, the exact beer prices for 2026 will be announced shortly before Oktoberfest. As a point of reference: In 2025, a Maß cost between €14.50 and €15.80— it’s safe to assume that prices will rise slightly again in 2026.
Will there be an admission fee for Oktoberfest 2026?
Admission to the Oktoberfest grounds and the festival tents is free. Only for the Oide Wiesn in the southern part of the Theresienwiese, admission is charged at €4 until 9 pm. There you will be offered a special program with traditional rides, music and exhibitions.
Oide Wiesn: What exactly is it?
The Oide Wiesn is an insider tip for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and is located in the southern part of the Theresienwiese. For a small entrance fee of €4, you will find classic carousels, traditional brass band music and history and culture are also part of the program. In 2025, there is even a new exhibition on fairground photography in the museum tent. Admission is free after 9 pm.
How can I pay at Oktoberfest 2026?
Cash is still the primary form of payment at the 2026 Oktoberfest, but more and more tents and booths now also accept card payments as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. The Münchner Stubn is even completely cashless—there, you can pay exclusively by card or smartphone. Still, it’s a good idea to carry some cash—especially for smaller stands, rides, or tips.
Do I need a reservation for Oktoberfest 2026?
Tables do not have to be reserved, but it is so busy in the evening and at weekends that it is definitely recommended for larger groups. Tables for eight to ten people can always be reserved, usually with a minimum consumption. Bookings are made directly through the tents and usually start in spring. However, there is always a contingent of places that cannot be reserved.
How do I get to Oktoberfest 2026 by public transportation?
The subway lines U4 and U5 take you to Theresienwiese station, right next to the festival grounds, so it can quickly get quite crowded on these lines. The connection via the U3 and U6 to the Goetheplatz or Poccistraße stations is a little more relaxed. From here you can walk to the festival grounds in just a few minutes. The same applies to the Hackerbrücke S-Bahn stop, which is on the main line. Bus and streetcar lines, such as bus 53, 58/68, 62 or streetcar 16/17, 18/19/29, also run in the area. During the Wiesn, underground and suburban trains run much longer than usual: at weekends (Fri-Sat, Sat-Sun) until around 2 a.m., during the week until around 1 a.m. - every 10 minutes. S-Bahn night trains are also available on Saturdays and Sundays between approx. 2:10 and 2:40 am.
What can I bring to Oktoberfest 2026?
Backpacks and bags are permitted on the festival grounds - but only if they are no larger than 20 × 15 × 10 cm and hold a maximum of 3 liters. Small bags or mini backpacks are therefore no problem. They will be checked by security staff directly at the entrance. What is not allowed: Glass bottles, spray cans with dangerous contents, substances that are corrosive or dyeing and objects that could potentially be used as weapons. It is permitted to bring drinks in plastic bottles or drinking bottles onto the site - but not in glass containers and not into the tents. Umbrellas are permitted.
Will there be information booths and drinking fountains at Oktoberfest 2026?
In addition to the tents, stands and rides, there are also other useful stops on the Wiesn festival grounds - for example, information stands where you can go if you have any questions. You will find information stands at the Oiden Wiesn, at the main entrance, in Schaustellerstraße opposite the Bayern Tower and at the Esperantoplatz entrance. Also important: drinking fountains. Ten fountains with free drinking water are available throughout the grounds for anyone in need of refreshment. These are located on the Oidn Wiesn, at the toilet facilities, at the entrance to the Familienplatzl and at the entrance to Esperantoplatz.
Will Oktoberfest 2026 have a lost and found office?
If you’ve lost something at the Wiesn, don’t panic: There’s an official Oktoberfest lost and found office on the Wiesn 2025 grounds, located in the Theresienwiese Service Center, in the basement near the “Festleitung” entrance, right behind the Schottenhamel tent. It’s open daily during Oktoberfest from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can also stop by between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the day after Oktoberfest; at that time, it’s accessible only via the pedestrian underpass at Theresienhöhe.
What should you do if you need help at Oktoberfest 2026?
If you feel unsafe at the Wiesn or need help, the “Safe Space” is available as a place to turn to. It’s located in the Theresienwiese Service Center, right behind the Schottenhamel tent at the “First Aid” entrance, next to the Wiesnwache. The Safe Space is open on all Oktoberfest days from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There, you’ll receive support from trained staff who can help with issues such as getting lost, becoming separated from your group, harassment, or assaults; they can also arrange a safe ride home for you or accompany you to the police if necessary. You can also call a Women’s Night Taxi there to get home safely. In case of an emergency, you can always call 110.
What is the status of accessibility at the 2026 Oktoberfest?
The Oktoberfest strives to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time and is therefore constantly working on accessibility on the grounds. On the official website you will find an overview of all tents with barrier-free access as well as rides and further information.
Are there any other events related to Oktoberfest 2026?
But of course! All kinds of events take place in Munich before and during the Wiesn 2025: from traditional costume markets to Wiesn after-parties. You can find an overview of these great events in our Wiesn category.
We hope you feel fully prepared for your visit to the 2026 Oktoberfestin Munich. All that’s left for us to say is: Let’s head to the party of the year and raise your mugs! Enjoy the “fifth season” in Bavaria’s capital! 🍻
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