Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Attention to those who love beer, partying, dancing and music, here's an article that might interest you!
Head to Munich, Germany, to discover a festival known and renowned worldwide: Oktoberfest! More than two weeks of festivities that celebrate Munich beer and Bavarian traditions in one single event... Sounds appealing, doesn't it?
So, pack your suitcase, your good mood – and your liver! – and try the experience of a convivial festival that is now over 200 years old. Here's everything you need to know about Oktoberfest!
What is Oktoberfest?
It's simply the world's largest beer festival! Under giant tents set up on a 42-hectare site, more than 6 million people gather each year to taste and consume – in moderation, of course – German beer served in mugs that are no less than one liter. On this same site, you'll find the world's largest funfair and food stalls – which prove to be very useful after drinking so many liters of beer...!
Alright, enough joking, let's talk a bit about the history of this unmissable German festival:
Oktoberfest was created on October 17, 1810, on the occasion of the marriage of Louis I, future King of Bavaria, and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Following this happy event that took place on October 12 of that same year, the king decided to organize a horse race five days later to celebrate his union with the princess: the festival was a huge success and attracted more than 50,000 spectators! It would then be continued in the following years!
The October Festival, as it can be translated, was moved forward at the end of the 19th century to benefit from better weather conditions. It now takes place from mid-September to early October, but still keeps its name and traditions from the past!
But then, why beer?
Actually, even before organizing this race and this festival, beer festivals were already being established throughout Bavaria to empty stocks before the new brewing season. This alcoholic beverage was therefore already well anchored in Bavarian traditions!
After the success of the festival organized by the king, the experience was repeated each year: needless to say, beer was already flowing freely at that time! The first carousel was installed in 1818, then beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents in 1896. Add to that the various traditional food stands and that's how Oktoberfest became the festival it is today!
Note that during the festival, only Munich beers are served! And for reasons of purity and quality, only the 6 official Munich breweries are authorized, namely Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu München, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten.
On the program
Oktoberfest means drinking beers in the large tents provided for this purpose, but not only! Several events are offered during the festival, especially for its opening and closing.
Entry of innkeepers and brewers
On the first day, you have the opportunity to witness the parade of the city's major breweries! Pulled in magnificently decorated carriages, the owners and their families put on a show and parade through the city to the festival site, followed by the mayor, servers, tent orchestras and 1,000 participants in total. Guaranteed atmosphere in the streets of Munich!
Opening of the first beer barrel
The kickoff of this crazy festival is given on Saturday at noon sharp, with the opening of the first barrel! And this task falls to the city's mayor, who taps several times on the barrel to make the very first beer flow into a mug that he will offer to the Bavarian Prime Minister. From that moment on, festivities are launched in all tents!
Costume parade
The Sunday following the opening of Oktoberfest, there's a new parade: participants put on their finest traditional costumes to impress the crowd with their customs! Bavarian participants, of course, but also from all over Europe who unveil their decorated floats, play music, dance and celebrate for the greatest pleasure of visitors. A show not to be missed between two beer mugs!
Concert
On the second Sunday of the festival, the orchestras and brass bands from the large beer tents come together to offer visitors a joyful and lively musical show. Bavarian dances and songs are honored during this event that brings together all the great traditions of the region. A show that says a lot about Bavaria's rich history!
Final gunshots
On the last day of festivities, gunshots mark the end of this grandiose festival. At noon, about sixty artillerymen draw their weapons and shoot towards the sky – not bullets, rest assured, but black powder. The detonations and white smoke that gets lost among the shooters make it an impressive event, a final salute before the end of Oktoberfest, which will return the following year!
Note: Although the shots fired at noon mark the end of the beer festival, festivities still continue in the tents until the end of the day! To attend these various events, you need to think about coming early to position yourself in the crowd. It's also possible to reserve a seat in the stands from the festival's official website.
Did you say festive and convivial?
Yes indeed! These are the right words when talking about Oktoberfest. Each year, more than 7.5 million liters of beer are served for a total of about 6 million participants. Each tent has its own brass band, which makes festival-goers sing and dance until the end of the day: a tent can accommodate up to 10,000 people, so imagine the atmosphere in there!
Since the 2000s, costumes have been an integral part of the festival! It's not uncommon to see participants wearing Bavarian costumes, whether they're from the region or foreigners. Learn about Bavarian traditions and put on your finest costume to immerse yourself even more in Bavarian customs!
Oktoberfest isn't just about beer and music: it's also nearly 200 attractions waiting for you to give you an unforgettable time in Munich. Historic carousels stand alongside new attractions that will delight both children and adults. Carousel, Ferris wheel, roller coasters, everything is there to guarantee you maximum thrills!
Note: The glasses used during the festival belong to the breweries that serve the beer. It is therefore forbidden to keep them to take home. A service has been set up at the festival exit to check that mugs have been properly returned. Each year, more than 200,000 stolen glasses are seized at that time. For brewers, remember to return your mugs! You also have the possibility to buy them on site if you want to take some home.
Practical information
- Beer is served in tents until 10:30 PM (some until 11:30 PM).
- Two wine tents are open until 1 AM.
- Rides and stands are open until 11:30 PM-midnight depending on the day.
- Entry to the festival and tents is free, except for the historic tent Oide Wiesn which requires a €4 fee. Rides are also paid, functioning like a funfair.
- The festival attracts more than 6 million visitors per year! So you should expect to encounter many people: you sometimes have to queue to access tents or rides and not be afraid to find yourself in the middle of the crowd!
- You can reserve your place in a tent in advance on the official website. You can also come without a reservation, many places are dedicated to people who haven't reserved, but know that in the evening and on weekends, the wait can be long to access the tents. You'll have to be patient or settle for the beer gardens!
So, are you convinced?
