Top 5 things to do at Munich’s Oktoberfest

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

This year, from 20 September to 5 October, the famous Oktoberfest will take place at Munich’s Theresienwiese once again. To prepare you for this year’s festivities, we have put together the ultimate guide to the most important Oktoberfest activities, attractions and experiences in 2025.

Every autumn, during Oktoberfest, Munich transforms into a vibrant spectacle of Bavarian culture, tradition, and festivity. As 2025 marks the 190th Oktoberfest, it will be celebrated for 16 days which will be filled by numerous special events, new rides, and tasty beer. It all kicks off when Munich’s mayor, Dieter Reiter, does the traditional tapping of the keg on 20 September, at noon.

Photo: © München Tourismus, Frank Bauer

In 2024, according to estimates by the festival management, 6.7 million guests came to Oktoberfest and 7 million litres of beer were sold. Thanks to tighter security measures, Munich police were able to report a 25 per cent reduction in crimes at Oktoberfest compared to 2023. Clemens Baumgärtner, head of labour and economic affairs at the Wiesn, said: “Oktoberfest was particularly relaxed this year. Despite the high visitor numbers, the number of criminal offences and patients fell. Our security concept worked with the support of the police and fire brigade as well as our partners. I hope that this trend towards a peaceful and quality-conscious festival will continue.”

Photo: © München Tourismus, Jan Saurer

If youare planning to visit the world’s largest beer festival this year, you are in for more than just steins of golden lager. So much more than a beer lover’s paradise, Oktoberfest is a whirlwind of music, fairground rides, culinary delights, and unique cultural experiences for the entire family. In this comprehensive guide, we will reveal the top 5 things to do at Munich’s Oktoberfest this year, ensuring the most memorable and authentic Bavarian adventure possible. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned Wiesn-goer, these recommendations will help you make the most of your Oktoberfest experience.

Photo: © München Tourismus, Werner Boehm

1. Savour the Oktoberfest beer halls

Of course, first and foremost, let us honour the beer. When it comes to Oktoberfest, beer is undeniably the star of the show – and nowhere is this more evident than in the legendary beer tents. In 2025, Oktoberfest plays host to 14 large beer tents, as well as 21 smaller ones and three festival tents, each offering its own atmosphere, music, and signature brews. Our recommendation: visit one of the largest and most famous tents, the Hofbräu-Festzelt. It attracts both locals and international guests with its lively atmosphere and iconic litre steins of Hofbräu beer. Or head to the Schottenhamel tent, the oldest beer tent at Oktoberfest. Here, the festival is officially opened with the mayor tapping the first keg and shouting “O’zapft is!”

Inside the beer tents, you will be swept up in the infectious energy of the crowd, traditional oompah bands, and the clinking of steins. Don your lederhosen or dirndl, toast with new friends at long communal tables, and enjoy hearty Bavarian fare like roast chicken (Hendl), pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), and giant pretzels. Make sure to book your table in advance if you are visiting during peak times, as the tents fill up quickly.

Photo: © München Tourismus, Jan Saurer

2. Indulge in authentic Bavarian cuisine

Oktoberfest is a feast not just for your eyes and ears, but for your taste buds as well. The festival is a showcase of Bavarian culinary artistry, with food stalls and tents brimming with regional specialities. The quintessential Oktoberfest meal is Hendl, or roast chicken. It is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Of course, sausage delicacies are omnipresent, from the classic Weißwurst (white sausage) to spicy Bratwurst and savoury Knackwurst, sausages are a must-try at Oktoberfest.

Other dishes that are well worth a try are Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), which is slow-roasted until the skin is crackling crisp, as well as oversized, salty and soft pretzels, or Obatzda, a creamy cheese spread seasoned with paprika and onions. Vegetarians and vegans will find delicious options too, with more food vendors offering plant-based alternatives each year. Do not forget to pair your meal with a refreshing Radler (beer mixed with lemonade) or a non-alcoholic Bavarian beverage.

Photo: © München Tourismus, Jan Saurer

3. Rides, games, and family fun

Although beer and food may be the main attractions for many, Oktoberfest is also celebrated for its dazzling funfair. The festival grounds – spanning 42 hectares – are packed with rides and amusements to delight visitors of all ages.

For those seeking even more excitement at Oktoberfest, the fairground offers classic attractions such as the towering Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad), which lifts you high above the festival grounds for sweeping views of Munich’s skyline and the bustling crowds below. Traditional carousels, adorned with ornate decorations, provide a charming and nostalgic experience perfect for families and visitors of all ages. For thrill-seekers, exhilarating roller coasters like the Olympia Looping – the world’s largest portable roller coaster – promise heart-pounding adventure. And throughout the grounds, you will find a lively array of games and sideshows, where you can test your skills at shooting galleries or try your luck at classic ring toss stalls, ensuring entertainment for every Oktoberfest guest.

Photo: © München Tourismus, Frank Bauer

New rides in 2025 include Sky Lift, from which guests can enjoy views of the city from a height of 71 metres in four gondolas, each able to fit around 20 people. If you are looking for more fun, check out Happy Sailor, a classic roundabout with its cool octagonal shape and spinning gondolas is a blast, fitting up to 40 people at once for a wild, boat-themed ride (you will find it at Schaustellerstraße 10). For the kids, Die Montgolfiere is a charming carousel that looks like a bunch of colourful hot air balloons, gently lifting riders up to 8.5 metres in the air. And do not miss Geisterhöhle over at Oidn Wiesn – it is an old-school haunted house ride that has been freaking out families since 1965, packed with spooky scenes and fun jump scares.

Families will appreciate quieter mornings, when the festival is less crowded, and on Tuesday, the official Family Day of Oktoberfest, many rides and restaurants offer special discounts until 7pm. Another highlight for families is Familienplatzl, a dedicated space for families with children where they can have fun and relax.

Photo: © München Tourismus, Tommy Loesch | Top 5 things to do at Munich’s Oktoberfest

4. Immerse yourself in Bavarian culture

One of the most enchanting aspects of Munich’s Oktoberfest is its vibrant celebration of Bavarian heritage. Throughout the festival, you will encounter a rich tapestry of traditions, music, and pageantry. Kicking off the festivities, the Oktoberfest Parade features thousands of participants in traditional costume, horse-drawn beer wagons, and marching bands weaving through Munich’s streets. It is a spectacular photo opportunity and a wonderful way to glimpse local pride.

The colourful Costume and Riflemen’s Parade, on the other hand, showcases historic uniforms, ornate dresses, and intricate craftsmanship, highlighting Bavaria’s cultural legacy. Inside the tents, live bands play everything from classic oompah tunes to modern pop covers, keeping the crowd singing and swaying atop benches. No need to be shy – join in on the Schuhplattler, a traditional Bavarian folk dance. And, last but not least, do not forget to don lederhosen or a dirndl. Dressing in traditional attire not only enhances your Oktoberfest experience but also helps you blend in with the joyful crowd.

5. Explore beyond the tents

Your Oktoberfest adventure does not have to end at the festival grounds. Munich is a city bursting with history, art, and architectural marvels, all easily accessible from Theresienwiese. At Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, you can admire the ornate New Town Hall and its famous Glockenspiel performance, while the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks, will invite for a peaceful stroll or a riverside picnic. For the culture enthusiasts, Residenz Museum is housed in the opulent former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, and is filled with treasures and art. Alternatively, head to Deutsches Museum, which is a fascinating stop for those adults and children interested in science and technology. Or dive into local gastronomy at the bustling open-air food market of Viktualienmarkt, which is brimming with fresh produce, cheeses, and delicacies.

Munich’s Oktoberfest is more than just a festival – it is a jubilant celebration of Bavarian life, a gathering of people from across the globe, and a feast for all the senses. Whether you are raising a stein in the bustling beer halls, savouring traditional foods, spinning on the Ferris wheel, or soaking in the cultural pageantry, the memories you make at Oktoberfest will last a lifetime.

Photo: © München Tourismus, Frank Bauer | oktoberfest 2010 photo: frank bauer

Insider tips for making the most of Oktoberfest 2025

• Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a seat in your favourite tent.
• Bring cash, as many vendors do not accept cards.
• Plan your outfit ahead of time – traditional dress is encouraged, but comfortable shoes are a must.
• Learn a few key Bavarian phrases, such as Prost for cheers.
• Stay hydrated and pace yourself with the beer – Oktoberfest brews are strong!
• Take public transportation to and from Theresienwiese, to avoid traffic and parking hassles.

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