Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You’re not the only one wondering – here are the questions we hear most often, with answers that actually help.
Curious? So Was Everyone Else
What are the 2025 Oktoberfest dates?
The festival runs from September 20 to October 5, 2025.
Is Oktoberfest safe?
Yes, Oktoberfest is a safe and well-regulated event with strong security and medical services on-site. Each tent has its own staff to ensure safety, and the festival is closely managed by the City of Munich. On top of that, our dedicated team is present throughout Oktoberfest to support and assist our clients whenever needed.
Is Oktoberfest cash-only?
Plan on cash. Card acceptance is improving but still inconsistent inside the tents; some stalls and a few premium areas take cards, but you shouldn’t rely on it. ATMs are available on and around the grounds. To avoid long lines and higher fees at peak times, it’s best to bring enough euros with you in advance — especially if you’re part of a group or hosting clients.
Are there rules on bags and strollers?
Yes. For security reasons, there are strict rules on what you can bring to Oktoberfest. Bags larger than 3 liters in volume or bigger than about 20 × 15 × 10 cm are not permitted inside the festival grounds or tents. All visitors must pass through security checks at the entrances. Strollers and buggies are generally allowed until 6 pm, except on Saturdays and on the October 3 public holiday, but may be restricted if the site becomes overcrowded. Designated stroller parking areas are provided near the entrances. To avoid delays, it’s best to travel light and only bring essentials like wallets, phones, and handbags.
Is smoking allowed in the tents?
No — Munich’s smoke-free laws apply inside tents; designated outdoor areas are available. Most tents provide clearly marked smoking sections outside, so you can step out for a break without losing your table.
Can children be in the tents in the evening?
Children under 6 are not permitted in the tents after 8 PM, even if accompanied by their parents. For safety and atmosphere reasons, the evening hours are considered too crowded and noisy for very young children. Teenagers under 16 may remain in the tents after 8 PM only if they are with a parent or legal guardian. During the day, however, Oktoberfest is very family-friendly, with plenty of suitable food, music, and entertainment options for kids of all ages.
Do I have to wear traditional Bavarian clothing?
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended for the full experience. Oktoberfest is a traditional Bavarian festival, and you’ll see that almost every local attends in Tracht — Lederhosen for men and Dirndls for women. Over the years, these outfits have evolved from simple folk costumes into true fashion statements, with new collections and styles released each season. Guests look elegant and stylish in Tracht, and wearing it not only helps you blend in with the locals, but also adds to the festive spirit and makes your Oktoberfest experience far more authentic.
Is beer the only option at Oktoberfest?
Not at all. While beer is the icon of Oktoberfest, many tents also serve wine, champagne, and spirits. In fact, there are tents such as the Weinzelt that specialize in wine and sparkling wine, offering an alternative for those who prefer something different. Non-alcoholic options are also widely available, from soft drinks to alcohol-free beer. So while the Maß of beer is the star of the show, every guest can find a drink that suits their taste — whether it’s a crisp Riesling, a glass of bubbly, or a refreshing soda.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, every tent offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, and at least one or more vegan options. Popular choices include classics like cheese spätzle, giant pretzels, roasted mushrooms, or Obatzda (a Bavarian cheese spread). Some tents also feature modern twists, with dedicated vegan dishes that go beyond the traditional fare. That said, Oktoberfest is still very much a celebration of Bavarian cuisine — hearty, meat- and sausage-based specialties remain at the heart of most menus. Still, no matter your preference, you’ll find something delicious to enjoy alongside your stein of beer or glass of wine.
How do I get into a beer tent? What does it cost?
There is no entry charge into the Oktoberfest grounds (known locally as the Wiesn) as well as the 14 massive beer tents. However, with millions of visitors it is often a problem getting into a tent – expect queues at peak times especially on weekends – and then once inside finding a table, which you must be seated at to be served. This is nearly always difficult, time consuming and virtually impossible if you are with a bigger group of people. A large proportion of tables are taken up by locals or reserved for corporates and VIPs. Most of the tables for general public are in the beer gardens that surround each beer tent. However these beer gardens are not sheltered the way that you are heavily dependend from the wheather.
What’s it like inside the beertents?
The atmosphere is amazing. Fun and merry, as one would expect. 6-7 million people annually can’t be wrong! Spurred on by the large brass band on a central stage, knocking out the sing-along favourites, the thousands of revellers inside make it probably the biggest party one will ever attend. It is naturally crowded and noisy in this beer-charged environment. The hundreds and hundreds of bench seat tables are narrow and generally cramped – but it is the same for everyone.
What are the tables like?
You will be seated on basic bench seats along a narrow, typically German, folding wooden tables. Each holds 10 people. It is important to remember that you must be seated at a table to be served. There is no bar in the beer tents. No table, no beer! The beer tents are crowded, noisy and naturally engaged with thousands of people drinking a lot of beer – but fun. It can be cramped at tables as well. But it’s the same for everyone. It is not possible to offer any better seating with any of the beer tents, nor any privileged or private area.
Do I need a reservation to attend Oktoberfest?
Entry to the Oktoberfest grounds is completely free, and you can stroll through the festival, enjoy the rides, and soak up the atmosphere without any ticket. However, if you want to sit down in one of the large beer tents — especially during peak times in the evenings or on weekends — a reservation is almost essential. Without one, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to find seats for yourself, and nearly unthinkable for larger groups. A reservation guarantees your table, food and drink service, and removes the stress of competing for space in the packed tents.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking several months in advance to secure the best options. Popular evenings and weekends are fully booked long before the festival even begins, with some tents confirming their reservations almost a year ahead. While it’s sometimes possible to find last-minute availability, this is the exception rather than the rule. For corporate groups or larger parties, early booking is especially important to ensure everyone is seated together. In short: the earlier you book, the more choice and flexibility you’ll have — and the more relaxed your Oktoberfest planning will be.
Can I choose the beer tent for my reservation?
Yes. We offer all the major Oktoberfest tents, and you are free to choose where your reservation will be. Each tent has its own unique atmosphere — from lively party vibes with brass bands and standing areas, to more exclusive settings with fine dining and wine lists. Based on your group size, the type of event you’re planning, and the atmosphere you prefer, we’ll recommend the tents that best fit your needs. Whether it’s a corporate evening with clients, a team celebration, or a private gathering with friends, our experience and insider knowledge ensure you’ll be in the right tent for the experience you want.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
We arrange reservations for groups of all sizes — from couples wanting an authentic Oktoberfest evening to large parties of 50 guests or more. Smaller groups are often seated at shared tables, which is part of the fun and a great way to meet new people. For bigger groups, we secure multiple adjoining tables or entire sections so that everyone can celebrate together. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a birthday trip, or a major corporate event with hundreds of attendees, we’ll make sure your seating is perfectly organized.
What does a reservation include?
A reservation typically includes guaranteed seats inside one of the Oktoberfest tents along with food and drink vouchers — the exact details can vary depending on the tent and package. But with us, it goes far beyond that. We provide professional hostess service, full coordination before the event, complete on-site organization, and continuous support throughout your Oktoberfest visit. From managing logistics and timing to handling special requests, we make sure everything runs seamlessly so you can simply focus on enjoying the festival.
Can you organize corporate events at Oktoberfest?
Absolutely. We specialize in corporate hospitality and have decades of experience hosting companies from around the world at Oktoberfest. Whether you’re entertaining key clients, rewarding top performers, or bringing your team together, we create tailor-made experiences that go far beyond a simple reservation. From guaranteed tables and private hosting to all-inclusive tent packages, transfers, hotels, and branded touches — every detail is handled seamlessly. Our professional hostess service welcomes and takes care of your guests throughout their visit, while our on-site team provides continuous support during the entire festival. The result: a unique mix of Bavarian tradition, world-class hospitality, and an atmosphere that builds relationships on a whole new level.
Do you provide hostess or on-site assistance?
Yes. We provide a dedicated hostess service and full on-site support. From the moment your guests arrive, they are personally welcomed and cared for throughout their Oktoberfest visit, which is especially helpful for first-time visitors. Our team is present every day of the festival to coordinate logistics, manage timing, and respond to special requests. This way, you can relax knowing that every detail is handled and your group is in the best of hands.