Oktoberfest 2026 in Munich: how much beer costs and how to get into a tent
Oktoberfest 2026 kicks off on September 19 at Theresienwiese. This is the 191st edition of the world's largest folk festival, and it runs for 16 days (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de). Closing day is scheduled for October 4.
Guests have one main question: how much does a beer cost and is it realistic to get into a tent without a reservation. The short answer: prices have gone up again, and unreserved seats are only available during the day. Below you'll find the exact 2026 figures, opening hours, and how to get to the festival.
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Dates and key facts about Oktoberfest 2026
💡 In short:
- The festival runs from September 19 to October 4, 2026 at Theresienwiese in Munich.
- A one-liter Maß costs between 14.80 and 15.90 €, and entry to the grounds is free.
- A ticket is only needed for the historic Oide Wiesn: 4 € per person.
- Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website.
Opening day is September 19 at 12:00. The mayor of Munich will traditionally tap the first beer barrel (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de). The grounds cover 34.5 hectares. They host 478 rides and vendor stalls (as of 09/2026, Landeshauptstadt München). Getting your bearings is simple: the main entrance is on the north side and the south entrance is next to Oide Wiesn.
Beer and drink prices in 2026
Every year before the festival, Munich locals argue about the price of a beer. In 2026, a liter of Festbier costs different amounts depending on the tent. The range is from 14.80 to 15.90 € per Maß. That's an average of 2.38% more than in 2025 (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de). In the large tents, a Maß costs 15.80-15.90 €, and at the historic Oide Wiesn from 14.80 to 15.80 € (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de).
Item | 2026 price | Source |
|---|---|---|
Beer, 1 l | 14.80-15.90 € | |
Water, 1 l | 11.13 € | |
Oide Wiesn entry | 4 € |
Free drinking fountains are working on the grounds again. Bringing your own bottle saves a noticeable amount, since water at the festival costs almost as much as food. You can pay by card at most stalls now, including Apple Pay and Google Pay (as of 09/2026, muenchen.de).
Tents and table reservations
Want to sit at a table rather than stand in the aisle? Then book ahead. There is still a chance of getting inside without a reservation. On weekends and holidays until 3:00 PM, about half the seats are free, later about a quarter (as of 09/2026, muenchen.de). On a weekday morning you will get a seat in almost any tent.
The big tents hold thousands of guests, while smaller tents and wine tents operate nearby. Each has its own character: some have a brass band, others focus on families with children. If you are going with a group, arrange a table on the chosen tent's website in advance. The historic Oide Wiesn in the south is a separate attraction. It requires a 4 € ticket, entry is free after 9:00 PM, and children under 14 get in free (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de).
Oktoberfest hours and program
On opening day, tents welcome guests from 9:00 AM. Non-alcoholic drinks are served from 10:00 AM, and beer officially flows only after the tapping of the first keg at 12:00 PM (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de). On weekdays tents open at 10:00 AM, on weekends already at 9:00 AM.
Schedule | Weekdays | Weekends |
|---|---|---|
Tents open | 10:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
Music and beer service end | 10:30 PM | 10:30 PM |
Grounds close: Sunday through Thursday at 11:30 PM, Friday and Saturday at midnight (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de). Plan your exit so you make it before the music ends.
The main program events are worth knowing. These are the parade of tent owners, the costumed riflemen's procession, brass concerts on the steps, and the final cannon salute on October 4 (as of 09/2026, oktoberfest.de).
What's new at Oktoberfest 2026
The 2026 season brings three new rides (as of 09/2026, muenchen.de). "Shake & Roll" develops the "Break Dance" concept: the cars now do full loops. Nearby, the three-story "Fisherman's" in the style of a fishing village and the swinging "Chaos Pendel" are opening.
© Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SAPhoto: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThere are also changes among the tents. The new tent "Bartls Flößerstadl" takes the place of "Münchner Stubn" and focuses on regional cuisine (as of: 09/2026, muenchen.de). At Oide Wiesn, three historic tents operate, nostalgic carousels run, and a tent museum hosts an exhibition about the history of the haunted house (as of: 09/2026, oktoberfest.de). The visitor barometer on the official website shows real-time crowd levels, and you can use it to pick a less busy day (as of: 09/2026, oktoberfest.de).
How to get to Theresienwiese
The fastest way to reach the festival is by subway. Lines U4 and U5 go directly to Theresienwiese station. From the main train station, the ride takes about a minute (as of: 09/2026, MVG). From Marienplatz, you can ride a few minutes to Goetheplatz station and walk to the entrance. During the festival, MVG increases service frequency, and trains run more often than usual (as of: 09/2026, MVG).
If you are coming from another city, it is best to book train tickets to Munich on Trip.com in advance. Prices vary by train, and demand is higher on opening days.
Subway, S-Bahn, tram, and bus tickets are sold at vending machines. They accept coins, bills, and Girocard, and credit cards in some locations. A single-ride ticket or a strip ticket must be validated before boarding, otherwise you will be fined. A digital Web2Wallet ticket is also available: you buy it online in the MVG shop and store it on your smartphone without an app or registration (as of: 09/2026, MVG).
Tours and tickets in Munich
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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How much does Oktoberfest admission cost?
Admission to Theresienwiese is free. You only pay for food, drinks, and rides. A separate ticket is required only for the historic Oide Wiesn.
Can you get into a tent without a reservation?
Yes, you can. The simple plan is this: arrive at opening time on a weekday. Then you will find a table without calling ahead or paying a deposit. On Saturday evening, there are almost no free seats left, and security closes the entrances.
How much does a beer mug cost in 2026?
A one-liter Maß costs between 14.80 and 15.90 euros depending on the tent. The final price depends on the beer type and the tent's location. For water, it is best to fill your own bottle from the free fountains on the grounds.
When is the best time to go to Oktoberfest?
The smallest crowds are on weekdays before 5:00 PM and right after opening. On weekends and in the evening, attendance is at its peak. German Unity Day on October 3, 2026 falls on a Saturday.
How to get there from the train station?
From the main train station to Theresienwiese station, the subway is the most convenient option. Buy a ticket at the vending machine and validate it before boarding.
In short: what to book
Planning your Oktoberfest trip in advance is convenient, especially if you are going for several days.
- If you want a table in a tent, book a spot on the tent's website and arrive by opening time.
- If you are staying overnight, pick hotels in Munich on Trip.com in advance.
- If you want city tours around the festival, check out tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.
Start with a transport ticket and a spot in a tent, the rest will fall into place on site.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.