Oktoberfest Germany 2025: From Royal Beginnings to Beer-Soaked Glory
Do you really want to drink giant beer steins under the tent, wallowing in Bavarian music, lederhosen and roast chicken aroma in the air? Oktoberfest Germany 2025 is your time and place. The countdown to the 190th celebration of the global renowned Munich beer festival has begun and this festival will take place at the famous Theresienwiese here in Munich between 20th September and 5th October 2025.
This guide includes not only how the festival began but also what tourists can anticipate during Munich Oktoberfest 2025, and where fans of Oktoberfest-style fun can find it in Munich at the events in Berlin Germany Oktoberfest.
What is Oktoberfest?
It is more than a beer festival, as Oktoberfest is an overall Bavarian festival that started in the year 1810 to mark the royal marriages between the Crown Prince Ludwig (Later Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The people of Munich were welcomed to the celebrations, where horse races, music and meals were held. Throughout the years, the event grew and ended up becoming the Munich Oktoberfest as we know it today one that is a cultural and festive celebration of beer, Bavarian hospitality and community.
A Brief History of Oktoberfest
The history of Oktoberfest is backdated to the year 1810 when the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig I was married with Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Their marriage festivities were celebrated on October 12, with a magnificent public horse race, which was run on the meadows near Munich and afterwards called Theresienwiese after the bride.
This event proved so exceptional that it is now an annual festival, which eventually turned out to be the biggest folk fair and beer festival in the world and what is nowadays recognized as Oktoberfest. In time, the horse racing was abandoned and beer tents were introduced with a desired shift of the date of the start of the festival in September to enjoy the best weather.
Oktoberfest Germany 2025 will be celebrating its 190th edition and telling the story of over two hundred years of Bavarian culture, beer and Gemütlichkeit (coziness, community spirit).
Oktoberfest Germany 2025 – Key Details
- Dates: September 20 to October 5, 2025
- Duration: 16 days
- Edition: 190th Oktoberfest
- Location: Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany
It starts in the late September and lasts more than two weeks. The opening of the beer festival takes the form of a big opening procession and ending with tapping of the first barrel of beer by Mayor of Munich, welcoming the 15-day festival with a beer cry of “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”).
What Makes the Munich Oktoberfest 2025 So Special?
Beer tents and cultural experiences are part of the lineup of traditional Oktoberfest events confirmed to happen at the Munich Oktoberfest 2025. And that is what you will get:
1. The Grand Parade
The first day will host the Grand Parade of the Wiesn Landlords and Breweries. They include the traditional horse-drawn beer wagons, the brass bands, and the costumed participants who make their way through Munich to the Terhesienwiese grounds.
2. The Official Keg Tapping
The festival will officially be launched by the Mayor of Munich who will tap the first keg at the Schottenhamel Tent. No beer before this time!
3. Traditional Bavarian Attire
It is customary to dress as dirndls (women) or lederhosen (men). These costumes make the festival more authentic and are very popular in Munich prior to the festival.
4. Beer Tents
Oktoberfest has 14 large tents and more than 20 smaller tents, which are run by one of the beer breweries affiliated with Munich:
- Hofbräu München
- Paulaner
- Spaten
- Löwenbräu
- Hacker-Pschorr
- Augustiner-Bräu
Each tent serves its own beer brewed specifically for Oktoberfest—stronger than your average lager and only brewed within Munich city limits according to German beer purity laws (Reinheitsgebot).
Notable tents include:
- Hofbräu-Festzelt: The most visited place by foreigners. Happening, noisy and historic.
- Augustiner-Festhalle: Famous with their traditional wooden barrel pouring where the beer is served.
- Schottenhamel: The place where the festival is actually starts with the tapping of the first keg.
5. Food, Music, and Attractions
You don’t just come for the beer. The Munich beer festival is a celebration of all things Bavarian.
- Food: Roasted chicken (Hendl), pork knuckles (Schweinshaxe), bratwurst, pretzels, sauerkraut, cheese platters and apple strudel among other.
- Music: A live and playing in every tent, brass band will play traditional German folk tunes, pop music, and beer-hall anthems such as Ein Prosit.
- Family Fun: Oktoberfest has an enormous fairground that has roller coasters, Ferris wheels, haunted houses and games.
Berlin Germany Oktoberfest
Although Munich has an official and largest Oktoberfest, Berlin Germany Oktoberfest is also a festive celebration, especially to those who are unable to attend in Bavaria. The version that takes place in Berlin generally has German beer, food stalls, live music, and carnival rides – a taste of Munich in the capital city.
The Oktoberfest in Berlin is smaller but still radiates the festive mood, which makes it an excellent choice of travelers to northern Germany at the same time of year.
How to Experience Munich Oktoberfest 2025
When you are going to visit Munich beer festival, you should know these tips to spend your time there:
- Book Early: Hotels and Airbnb in Munich are booked months ahead, so reserve your stay at least early. It will be convenient to remain near the city center or somewhere near the transportation and be able to get to Theresienwiese.
- Reserve a Beer Tent Table: It is necessary to book a table in many large tents, particularly at evenings or weekends. Reservations will ensure you have a place and it may have vouchers on food and beverages.
- Arrive Early: Without a reservation, you need to get there early (particularly on weekends) in order to get tent space.
- Dress the Part: Dressed in Bavarian uniforms, it makes it all the more fun. In Munich, you can rent or purchase costumes.
- Use Public Transport: There are limited parking spaces, and drinking and driving is not permitted. There is a very good transport system in Munich (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses) so access to the festival ground is not a problem.
Travel Tips for International Visitors
- Closest Airport: Munich International Airport (MUC) is well-connected to the world.
- Getting Around: The best way to get around is by walking or by taking public transportation.
- Language: The official language is German, although many people at the festival speak English
- Currency: The currency used in Germany is Euro (€)
- Weather: Early October to late September in Munich is mild, with temperatures in the daytime range of 15°C–20°C (59°F–68°F). Bring a jacket as it can also get cold in the evenings.
Why Visit Munich Oktoberfest 2025?
This 190th Oktoberfest will be more bigger and better. And the reasons not to miss Oktoberfest Germany 2025 are the following:
- Experience one of the biggest cultural festivals in the world.
- Enjoy pure Bavarian beers that are only made during Oktoberfest.
- Experience the Bavarian food, music, and hospitality.
- See centuries-old traditions in the vibrant modern environment.
- Party like never before and come and celebrate with millions of visitors.
Final Thoughts: Prost to 190 Years!
Munich Oktoberfest 2025 can be defined as not only a beer festival but as something more – as a cultural phenomenon uniting people representing the different parts of the world to enjoy the Bavarian tradition. Between September 20 and October 5, 2025, Munich will turn into the city of music, laughter and cheerfulness in the Theresienwiese.
Be it the grand Oktoberfest Germany 2025 in the city of Munich or a smaller Oktoberfest such as Berlin Germany Oktoberfest, the spirit is the same: good beer, delicious eats, fun music and unforgettable memories.
So dust off your dirndl or lederhosen, book your flights with European Travel, and get ready to raise a stein in celebration of Oktoberfest Germany 2025—a festival like no other.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. When is Oktoberfest Germany 2025?
The Oktoberfest 2025 will be organized in Munich, Germany, between Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, October 5, 2025.
2. Where is Oktoberfest held?
It takes place in Munich, Bavaria in Germany, on the fairgrounds of the Theresienwiese.
3. What are the opening hours of the beer tents?
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Weekends and holidays: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Last beer served: 10:30 PM
4. What kind of beer is served at Oktoberfest?
They only serve Oktoberfestbier that is specially brewed by the six big breweries of Munich: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu and Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten.
5. Do I need a ticket to enter Oktoberfest?
There are no entry charges at Oktoberfest. A reservation is highly recommended in a beer tent, especially in large groups or during times of the day when the place is the busiest.
6. What should I wear to Oktoberfest 2025 in Munich?
No official dressing code is phrased, yet the majority of people dress in the traditional Bavarian attire. The men wear Lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders) and a checked or white shirt, while women wear Dirndls (a traditional dress with a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron). Comfortable shoes are also recommended, as you’ll be walking and standing a lot.
