Oktoberfest 2027: Dates, Tents, Prices & Munich Travel Guide

Every autumn, more than six million visitors descend on Munich for the largest folk festival on the planet. Oktoberfest 2027 brings back the giant beer tents, brass bands, roast chicken and fairground rides that have made the Wiesn a bucket-list trip for travellers from all over the world.

Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, here is everything you need to plan Oktoberfest 2027: the dates, how the tents work, what things cost and how to get there.

When is Oktoberfest 2027?

Oktoberfest traditionally starts on the Saturday after mid-September and ends on the first Sunday of October. For 2027, that means Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, October 3, 2027 — 16 days of festivities. Always double-check the final dates on the official website before booking travel.

• Opening day: the parade of the Wiesn landlords and breweries arrives on the first Saturday morning, and at 12:00 the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg with the cry "O'zapft is!" in the Schottenhamel tent.
• First Sunday: the colourful Costume and Riflemen's Parade winds through the city centre to the festival grounds.
• Quietest days: weekday afternoons (Monday to Thursday) are the easiest time to find a seat without a reservation.

Where is Oktoberfest? The Theresienwiese

The festival takes place on the Theresienwiese (locals just say "the Wiesn"), a huge open space a short walk south-west of Munich's main train station. It hosts the big beer tents, smaller traditional tents, food stalls and dozens of fairground rides.

How the beer tents work

1. Entry is free. You don't need a ticket to get onto the grounds or into the tents.
2. You need a seat to be served. Beer is only served to people seated at a table, so finding a place is the real challenge on busy days.
3. Reservations are made directly with each tent. Every tent manages its own bookings, usually opening early in the year. Group table reservations typically include vouchers for drinks and food.
4. Walk-in areas exist. Every tent keeps part of its space unreserved. Arrive early — on weekends tents can close their doors by late morning when they are full.

What does Oktoberfest cost?

• A Maß (1-litre beer): prices rise every year and were roughly €14–16 in recent editions — expect a little more in 2027.
• Food: a half roast chicken, pretzels and sausages are the classics; budget around €15–25 per meal.
• Rides: most fairground rides cost a few euros each.
• Accommodation: Munich hotel prices climb sharply during the Wiesn. Book months ahead or stay in nearby towns with good train links.

Getting to Oktoberfest 2027

• Nearest airport: Munich Airport (MUC), about 40 km away. The S-Bahn S1 and S8 lines run to the city centre in around 40 minutes.
• By U-Bahn: take the U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese — the station is right at the entrance. U3/U6 to Goetheplatz or Poccistraße are good alternatives when it's crowded.
• On foot: the grounds are roughly a 15-minute walk from Munich Hauptbahnhof.
• Don't drive: parking around the Theresienwiese is extremely limited during the festival.

Tips for your first Wiesn

1. Dress the part: lots of visitors wear Dirndl or Lederhosen. It's not required, but you'll feel right at home.
2. Bring cash: card payments are becoming more common, but cash is still the safest bet in many tents.
3. Pace yourself: Wiesn beer is stronger than many regular lagers — drink water between rounds.
4. Plan your exit: stations get very busy after the tents close, so leave a little early or wait for the rush to pass.

See dates, prices and nearby airports on our Oktoberfest event page. Are you heading to Munich for Oktoberfest 2027? Tell us which tent you're aiming for in the comments below.