FlowTrip Simple Guide: Oktoberfest 2025
Your complete Oktoberfest insider guide
Oktoberfest is open to everyone — no tickets required. You walk in through one of the security gates and you're at the festival. Bags might get checked, that's it.
Dates & Location
September 20 – October 5, 2025, at the Theresienwiese in Munich.
Where to Drink
There are four main ways:
- Inside a beer tent
- Outdoor seating at a tent
- Carousel or kiosk bars (Weißbier, wine, cocktails)
- Independent beer gardens
Table Reservations
Tents start offering reservations in February. Tables seat 8–11 people. Priority is given to people who reserved last year, then repeat tent customers. By July, leftover slots appear due to cancellations.
Only full tables can be reserved, not individual seats. About 30% of seats remain unreserved — tents are meant to be shared, so you can usually grab a spot if you arrive early, even without a reservation.
Tips for Finding a Spot
- If all tents are full, check outdoor seating or nearby independent beer gardens.
- Keep an eye on side doors of tents — sometimes they let people in when space frees up.
- Smaller groups (1–2 people) can usually find a spot easier than large groups.
What to Wear
- Dirndl or Lederhosen are common but not required.
- Neat casual clothes are fine if you don’t want traditional attire.
- Rent locally in Munich to avoid scams.
Cash vs Card
Bring cash — most tents still prefer it. Some accept cards, but it's safer to have cash on hand.
Avoid Scams
- No VIP tickets exist — the event is free.
- Ignore WhatsApp or Telegram groups selling “guaranteed tables.”
- Reservations are only for full tables, never individual seats.
Want to discover Munich like a local?
We created a local Oktoberfest FlowTrip example trip with handpicked bars, restaurants and places to visit in Munich. Download the app and check it out - so you and your group can discover the city as locals.