The countdown is over: on Saturday, September 20, Munich will once again raise its steins as the mayor taps the first keg in the Schottenhamel tent.
With the traditional words “O’zapft is!” the world’s biggest folk festival begins. More than six million visitors are expected to make their way to Bavaria’s capital for Oktoberfest 2025, which runs until Sunday, October 5.
When and how it starts
The official opening takes place at noon in the Schottenhamel-Festhalle, when Munich’s Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter drives the tap into the first barrel.
This moment has been tradition since 1950, when a rain shower forced the then-mayor Thomas Wimmer to choose Schottenhamel as the tapping site.
The festivities unofficially begin earlier, with the colorful parade of landlords and breweries arriving on the Theresienwiese in the morning.
Beer prices and costs
Oktoberfest is not only about beer, but prices are always a hot topic. In 2025, a Maß of beer costs up to €15.80 in the Münchner Stubn, while most tents range between €14.50 and €15.50.
Soft drinks are also expensive: water averages €10.95, lemonade €12.11, and Spezi €12.48.
Bargain hunters can find free drinking fountains scattered across the festival grounds. For food lovers, the priciest treat is a steak for €229.
Tents and Oide Wiesn
Visitors can choose between 17 large and 21 smaller tents, each with its own atmosphere.
The nostalgic Oide Wiesn in the southern part of the grounds offers a glimpse into Oktoberfest history, with traditional rides costing as little as €1.50.
Entry is €4 for adults until 9 p.m., after which admission is free.
Attractions and new features
Oktoberfest 2025 introduces several novelties: the Sky Lift with panoramic glass floors at 71 meters, the “Happy Sailor” ride with 20 spinning gondolas, and a children’s hot-air balloon carousel.
A retro haunted house from the 1960s makes its debut on the Oide Wiesn.
Traditions and parades
The first Sunday features the grand traditional costume parade, with groups marching from Maximilianstraße to Theresienwiese.
Reserved grandstand seats cost between €17.50 and €36. Another highlight is the free open-air concert of 300 musicians at the Bavaria statue on the second Sunday.
Family offers and LGBTQ+ events
Families can enjoy discounted rides and meals during Family Days on September 23 and 30 until 7 p.m.
Oktoberfest also celebrates diversity: Bräurosl hosts the Gay Sunday and RoslMontag, while other tents organize LGBTQ+ events such as ProudWiesn and Prosecco-Wiesn.
Getting there and safety
Parking around the festival site is limited, and public transport is strongly recommended.
The U4/U5 lines take visitors directly to Theresienwiese, while other subway, S-Bahn, bus, and tram connections provide easy access.
Security measures include fenced entrances with bag checks, 50 surveillance cameras, and protective barriers.
Women can access designated safe spaces on the grounds.
Closing the festival
The festivities end on Sunday, October 5, with a farewell salute by traditional marksmen at noon near the Bavaria statue.
In the evening, when the tents close, Munich bids farewell until the next Wiesn with the words: “Aus is’ und gar is’, und schad is’, dass’s wahr is’!”—it’s over, and sadly, it’s true.
