Tip: Start of Oktoberfest in Munich

Impressions from the first midday at the Munich Oktoberfest

"O'zapft is!" With these words from Munich Mayor Dominik Krause, the world's largest Oktoberfest traditionally kicked off today in the heart of the Bavarian state capital.

It’s underway: THE 191ST MUNICH OKTOBERFEST – the festival’s opening day began this morning with the traditional rush for the festival grounds; the event will draw visitors from around the world to Munich until October 4th (ITALIANO,  DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, ENGLISH, NEDERLANDS)

Munich – Theresienwiese. Anyone seeing the long lines around the festival grounds at sunrise this morning knew that, in just a few hours, the gates would open for the "Lederhosen and Dirndl run" to secure the best spots in the festival tents. At 9:00 a.m., Munich’s church bells rang, security staff opened the entrances, and the first Oktoberfest visitors raced into the tents in search of the best seats. Only water was served at first, as the excellent new festival beer wasn't available until 12:00 p.m. Munich Mayor Dominik Krause needed just two strikes to tap the keg, then shouted, "O'zapft is! Here’s to a peaceful Oktoberfest!" and handed the first *Maß* (liter mug) to Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder. Meanwhile, ceremonial cannon shots announced the festival's opening, and beer began flowing in all the tents and beer gardens across the Theresienwiese. The music played, and the world's largest folk festival was underway. Today, 55,000 people watched the procession of festival tent hosts as they made their way through Munich to the Theresienwiese.

Theresienwiese on September 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. Press photo: Helga Waess

A white-and-blue sky with the Ferris wheel, 22 degrees, and nothing but happy faces.

A stroll across the Theresienwiese is a must on the first day of the festival!
 

From Theresienhöhe, one looks out over the festival grounds all the way to the Frauenkirche in the heart of the city. Press photo: Helga Waess

Press representatives from around the world are reporting from Munich today.

 

We met colleagues from all over the globe. They are reporting from Munich and are delighted by the extremely positive atmosphere among the international visitors. Press photo: Helga Waess

The Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame (Ruhmeshalle)

The Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame overlooking the Theresienwiese in Munich. Press photo: Helga Waess

The Bavaria statue and the Hall of Fame

Ferdinand von Miller cast the bronze Bavaria statue (1843–50) based on a design by Ludwig Schwanthaler. The personification of Bavaria even has a street address: Theresienhöhe 16.
 
The Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame is always a rewarding subject for photography. There is hardly a tourist who doesn't want to take a picture of it.
  

Sept. 20: Traditional costume parade - Oktoberfest Munich 2026

Traditional costume and marksmen's parade on the first Sunday of the Wiesn in Munich

 

September 20 in Munich: The traditional costume groups are coming! The *Münchner Kindl* (Munich Child), the Minister-President, and the Mayor lead the procession in their carriages; accompanied by music groups and traditional costume wearers, the parade makes its way through Munich's city center to the Theresienwiese

Thousands of participants march in the traditional costume and marksmen's parade on the first Sunday of the festival, traveling from Maximilianstraße (Max II Monument) to the Theresienwiese at Bavariaring. This traditional parade has taken place on this date every year since 1950. (ITALIANO,  DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, ENGLISH, NEDERLANDS)

Munich. An absolute highlight every year: the traditional costume and marksmen's parade on the first Sunday of the Wiesn. The first Sunday of the Munich Oktoberfest is a key event in the city's calendar. Good weather is expected: blue skies over the state capital with just a few scattered clouds—ideal conditions for the second day of the Wiesn and the traditional costume parade. Things kick off at 10 a.m. on Maximilianstraße. 9,500 participants in traditional costume follow the carriage carrying the dignitaries of the state capital, Munich. Leading the way is the *Münchner Kindl* on horseback, dressed in black and yellow robes. Following in magnificent carriages are Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) and Munich's Mayor Dominik Krause.

Sample photo from our archive: Traditional costume wearers from Endorf in Munich – Press-Photo archive:  H. Waess

For days prior, the ceremonial stands had been set up throughout the city.

 

Erection of the ceremonial stand at the Feldherrnhalle, with the Theatine Church in the background – Press-Photo archive:  H. Waess

The procession makes its way through the city to the *Wiesn* (festival grounds); stands for spectators—most of whom have turned out in *Dirndls* and *Lederhosen* themselves—line the route.

Off to the Theresienwiese. Participants in traditional costume have traveled from many countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Serbia. The procession features flag-wavers, hunters, marksmen, and brass bands.

Brass band in Munich – Press-Photo archive:  H. Waess

A ripple of excitement runs through the waiting crowd as the traditional costume parade—led by the *Münchner Kindl Sina Hochreiter*—arrives at the Theresienwiese from Bavariaring.

Waiting for the *Münchner Kindl* – Press-Photo archive: A. Waess 

 

Sept. 20: First Sunday of the Wiesn featuring the traditional costume and marksmen's parade for the 191st Oktoberfest in Munich

Munich Oktoberfest Countdown 2026: 5 days

Munich Oktoberfest Countdown 2026: 5 days

Oktoberfest Countdown: 5 days and 22 hours to go until the great Munich Oktoberfest 2026

 

The 191st Munich Oktoberfest kicks off on Saturday: it all begins with the traditional grand entry of the festival hosts and their beer barrels, followed by the tapping of the first keg by the Mayor of Munich

 

September 19 to October 4, 2026 – 191st Munich Oktoberfest (ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, NEDERLANDS)

 

Munich – Theresienwiese. On Saturday, September 19, the ceremonial procession of breweries and festival hosts begins, bringing Oktoberfest beer to the *Wiesn* (festival grounds) using traditional brewery horse teams. The festive parade of carriages—carrying the brewery owners—and decorated beer wagons starts at 10:35 a.m. on Josephspitalstraße and makes its way through Munich’s city center to the Theresienwiese. At exactly 12:00 noon, once Munich Mayor Dominik Krause has tapped the first beer keg, he loudly proclaims, "O’zapft is!" (It’s tapped!) and "Here’s to a peaceful *Wiesn*!" He hands the first *Maß* (liter mug of beer) to Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, while twelve ceremonial cannon shots fired at the foot of the Bavaria statue announce the start of the festival. 
The festival beer is now flowing in all the tents, marking the start of the 191st Munich Oktoberfest. From the arts and culture blog: TIP: Only 5 days left until Oktoberfest 2026 – Oktoberfest camping in Munich – reserve your spot now!

The Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest landlords at Munich’s Theresienwiese... everyone is waiting for the brewery horse teams and the landlords! Photo: Helga Waess

The Oktoberfest parade makes its way through the city center:

        Josephspitalstraße
        Eastern Sonnenstraße
        Schwanthalerstraße
        Hermann-Lingg-Straße
        Bavariaring
        Theresienwiese
        Wirtsbudenstraße

The Grand Entry of the landlords... the anticipation is building! And everyone cheers for the "Münchner Kindl" leading the procession! Photo: Helga Waess

On the first Saturday of the festival, the tapping of the keg officially opens Oktoberfest 2026!

•     Tents open from 9:00 a.m.; non-alcoholic beverages (excluding non-alcoholic beer) served from 10:00 a.m.
•     12:00 noon: "O'zapft is!" (It's tapped!) and the start of beer service

Beer service at the Munich Oktoberfest begins at 12:00 noon – Photo: Helga Waess

Monday through Friday, the tents open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 11:30 p.m.

•     Saturdays, Sundays, and the public holiday (Oct. 3): Service begins at 9:00 a.m.; closing time is 11:30 p.m.
•     Festival halls: Last beer and music until 10:30 p.m.
•     Smaller tents (roast chicken stands, snack halls, and café tents): Music ends at 11:00 p.m.
•     Käfer Wiesn-Schänke / Kuffler’s Wine Tent: Open until 1:00 a.m.; last drinks served from 12:30 a.m.

Wiesn; Photo: Helga Waess Archive

Munich’s Oktoberfest celebrates with the little ones on official, budget-friendly Family Days

The two Tuesdays are the official Family Days:

•     Until 7:00 p.m. on both days
•     Large and small festival tents offer discounted specials and menus for children and their families
•     Rides and stalls also offer reduced prices for these groups
•     Who offers this? Look for signs reading "Familientag" (Family Day) or "Kindertag" (Children's Day) to find price discounts!!!

Heart-shaped gingerbread cookie at the Munich Oktoberfest – Photo: Helga Waess

"Wiesn" hearts and giant pretzels at the festival sales stalls

•     First Saturday of the festival: Open from 9:00 a.m. until midnight
•     Monday through Thursday (except the public holiday): 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Fridays and Monday, Oct. 2: 10:00 a.m. to midnight
•     Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to midnight
•     Sundays and the public holiday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Giant pretzels available for purchase at the Munich Oktoberfest from 9 a.m. – Photo: Helga Waess

 

Oktoberfest opening hours for rides and showmen's attractions

•     Opening day: Open from 12 noon until midnight!
•     Mondays to Thursdays (except public holidays): 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Fridays and Monday, October 2: 10 a.m. to midnight
•     Saturdays: 9 a.m. to midnight
•     Sundays and public holidays: 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Löwenbräu festival wagon – carriage horses – Photo: Helga Waess

The "Oide Wiesn" (Old Oktoberfest) on the southern festival grounds

•     Festival tents open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Beer service at the Oide Wiesn: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

When are the showmen's attractions open?

•     Opening day: 12 noon to midnight
•     Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
•     Friday, Saturday, and Monday, October 2: 10 a.m. to midnight
•     Sundays and public holidays: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Paulaner brewery wagon – Photo: Helga Waess

For those visiting the Munich Oktoberfest in a motorhome, there is now a temporary, fully equipped campsite offering a 20-minute subway ride to the festival grounds

Munich Oktoberfest camping at Messestadt Ost 

 (ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, NEDERLANDS)

From the arts & culture blog: TIP: Only 5 days left until Oktoberfest 2026 – Oktoberfest camping in Munich – Reserve your spot now! Oktoberfest Camping in Munich: A fully equipped temporary campsite at Messestadt-Ost during the great Munich Oktoberfest 2026 – Only 5 days left until the Wiesn: the tents are up and the rides are currently being assembled... September 19 to October 4 – 191st Munich Oktoberfest... Book your Oktoberfest campsite now: www.oktoberfest-camping.com

 

Text and press archive photos: Helga Waess 

Countdown: 18 days until the Munich Oktoberfest 2026

Munich Oktoberfest Photo Impressions – 18 days before the festival

 

We took a tour of the Oktoberfest construction site in Munich: The world's largest folk festival—the 191st Munich Oktoberfest—kicks off in 18 days. The festival tents are getting their finishing touches, and the amusement rides are ready for assembly

... from September 18 to October 4, the festivities will once again take place on the Theresienwiese under the watchful eye of the Bavaria statue. Table reservations can be made via the festival hosts' official booking and resale portal: www.oktoberfest-booking.com/de (ITALIANO, ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS)

Munich. Just 18 days remain until the grand 191st Munich Oktoberfest begins on the Theresienwiese. Traditional costume groups are already looking forward to the parade to the "Wiesn," as locals call the festival. The event speaks to the very soul of Munich's residents; every year, people look forward to it, bringing out their *Lederhosen* and *Dirndls* and practicing with their clubs and music bands. On the first Saturday of the festival, the tents open at 9:00 a.m., with non-alcoholic beverages (excluding beer) available from 10:00 a.m. Beer service begins at 12:00 noon, when Munich Mayor Dominik Krause makes the announcement: "Ozapft is!" (It's tapped!). Once the beer starts flowing, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder is presented with the first *Maß* (liter mug of beer). 

View from the base of the Bavaria statue – in the background, the city's towers (Frauenkirche, Town Hall, Alter Peter, etc.); in the foreground, the towers of the Wiesn: the Löwenbräu and Paulaner towers; Oktoberfest setup in Munich – August 30, 2026 – Photo: Helga Waess

 

With the ceremonial tapping of the first keg on September 19 at 12:00 p.m., the festival is officially declared open!

Below are the opening hours for the world's largest fair.

Find out more on the official Munich Oktoberfest website: www.oktoberfest.de

Armbrustschützenzelt (Crossbowmen's Tent) viewed from the Schwanthalerhöhe – St. Paul's Church in the background... Oktoberfest setup in Munich – August 30, 2026 – Photo: Helga Waess

Munich Oktoberfest – Opening Hours

Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Sunday, October 4, 2026

        Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
        Fridays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight
        Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight
        Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

On the left, the "Oide Wiesn" (Old Oktoberfest) tents – Oktoberfest setup in Munich – August 30, 2026 – Photo: Helga Waess

Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest):

        Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
        Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.

On the left, the "Oide Wiesn" tents and the Bavaria statue in front of the Hall of Fame (Ruhmeshalle) – Oktoberfest setup in Munich – August 30, 2026 – Photo: Helga Waess

   Monday to Friday, the tents open

    at 10:00 a.m.
    and close at 11:30 p.m.

    Saturdays and Sundays – Beer service

    begins as early as 9:00 a.m.,
    closing time is 11:30 p.m.

    In the large festival halls

    last beer and last music at 10:30 p.m.

  Small tents such as chicken rotisseries, snack tents, and café tents

    Service and music end at 11:00 p.m.

Exceptions: Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Kuffler's Weinzelt (Wine Tent)

Open until 1:00 a.m.
    Last drinks at 12:30 a.m.

Kuffler’s Wine Tent and the Löwenbräu Tower – Oktoberfest setup in Munich – August 30, 2026 – Photo: Helga Waess

Opening hours for sales stalls

    Weekdays (except public holidays): Open 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

        Fridays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight
        Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight
        Sundays: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Museum Tent – ​​Oide Wiesn during Oktoberfest setup in Munich – August 30, 2026 – Photo: Helga Waess

Opening hours: 

Rides and showmen

Ferris wheel, Toboggan, high striker, bumper cars, ghost train, Devil’s Wheel, etc.:

 Opening day 

    12:00 noon to midnight

    Mondays to Thursdays (except public holidays)

    10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

    Fridays

    10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight

    Saturdays

    9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight

Sundays

     9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Open until 1:00 a.m.

    Last drinks at 12:30 a.m.