Oktoberfest 2025 in Munich is the world's leading beer festival with centuries-old traditions. Find out the dates, the history of the festival, the prices of beer and food, which breweries are participating, the features of costumes and pavilions, interesting facts and useful tips for visitors

Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world and one of the main events in Germany, which attracts millions of tourists every year. This holiday has long become a cultural symbol of Bavaria: beer, music, traditional costumes, Bavarian cuisine and attractions create a unique atmosphere. In 2025, the festival will be held for the 190th time, and we have collected everything important for you: from history to beer prices and tips for travelers.

Planning a trip to Germany in 2025? We have already talked about the current entry rules, types of visas, the most interesting tourist locations, useful tips for travelers and important safety recommendations. This guide will help you prepare for your trip and make it as comfortable and safe as possible.

History of Oktoberfest

The history of the festival did not begin with beer. On October 12, 1810, Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. In honor of the wedding, horse races and refreshments were organized for the residents of the city on the meadows near Munich. The celebration was so popular with the Munich residents that they decided to repeat it every year. Over time, the event grew into a beer festival, and the meadow was named Theresienwiese - in honor of the bride.

Since then, Oktoberfest has become an annual tradition, which has gradually turned into the largest folk festival in the world, lasting more than two weeks.

When and where will Oktoberfest 2025 be held?

In 2025, the festival will last from September 20 to October 5 on the Theresienwiese meadows in the center of Munich. Every year, the event is visited by about 6 million guests from all over the world.

The festival opens with a solemn parade with brewery wagons, brass bands and costumed processions. According to tradition, only after the mayor of Munich opens the first keg of beer with the words “O’zapft is!” ("Uncorked!"), guests can start celebrating.

How much does beer cost at Oktoberfest 2025?

The prices at the festival always cause the most interest. In 2025, a liter mug of beer (Maß Bier) will cost from 14.50 to 15.80 euros, which is about 3.5% more expensive than in 2024. For comparison, in 2017, the same mug cost only 10.60–10.95 euros.

Prices for soft drinks have also increased:

- Water – about 10.95 euros per liter,

- Lemonade – 12.11 euros,

- Spezi (a mixture of cola and orange soda) – 12.48 euros.

Food at the festival is also not cheap: a portion of chicken or sausages will cost 14.50–15.50 euros.

What kind of beer is served at Oktoberfest?

Only “Oktoberfest beer” is served at the festival, which is brewed especially for the event by only six Munich breweries:

- Paulaner

- Augustiner

- Hofbräu

- Löwenbräu

- Hacker-Pschorr

- Spaten

This beer has an alcohol content of 5.8–6.3% and is served exclusively in large liter mugs. Its taste is softer and maltier than that of regular lagers, with notes of freshly baked bread.

Interestingly, in the world Oktoberfest is often associated with amber Mörzen, but today the festival itself serves mainly golden “festbier”, which is lighter and lighter in color.

Food and entertainment

Oktoberfest is not only about beer. Every year, hundreds of thousands of grilled chickens, pork rolls and sausages, as well as tens of tons of pretzels are eaten here. The food pavilions offer both traditional Bavarian dishes and international cuisine.

Guests can enjoy attractions ranging from a giant Ferris wheel to roller coasters, fairground games and children's entertainment. The atmosphere is enhanced by performances by brass bands, folk parades, concerts by bands from Europe and shows.

Traditions and features of the Oktoberfest 2025

The festival has a number of unique traditions and features:

- Costumes. More and more visitors come in traditional clothing: men in leather shorts “lederhausen”, women in “dirndl” dresses.

- Tents. 14 large pavilions are set up on the Theresa meadow, each of which can accommodate up to several thousand people, and more than 20 smaller ones. The largest pavilion can accommodate more than 11 thousand visitors.

- Waiters. They carry 10-12 liter mugs at a time, which is almost 28 kg of weight!

- Lost and found. Every year, visitors lose thousands of things: from passports and phones to wedding rings.

Interesting facts about Oktoberfest

- Every year, visitors drink about 7 million liters of beer.

- In 2018, security forces confiscated 101,000 beer mugs that tourists tried to take out.

- There is also plenty for children to do, from special rides to sweets and shows.

- The festival is so popular that its counterparts are held in dozens of countries around the world, but the real spirit is only felt in Munich.

Tips for Oktoberfest visitors

- Book your seats in advance. The most popular pavilions can be crowded.

- Bring cash. Although cards are increasingly accepted, cash remains the most convenient payment method.

- Dress in traditional clothing. This will help you feel the atmosphere better.

- Plan a family vacation. There are many activities for children at Oktoberfest.

- Be prepared for prices. Food and drinks are more expensive than the average in Munich.

Oktoberfest is more than just a beer festival. This is a true cultural festival with a two-hundred-year history that combines traditions, gastronomy, music and fun. In 2025, millions of tourists will once again travel to Munich to be part of the legendary festival.

If you have long dreamed of feeling the spirit of Bavaria, now is the time to plan your trip!

Need help with documents for a trip to Germany?

Our migration specialists will help you deal with all the formalities: from applying for a visa to consulting on long-term stay or work in Germany.

We will tell you what documents you need, how to prepare for your trip and avoid unpleasant situations at the border.

Contact us - and your trip to Oktoberfest 2025 will be as comfortable and carefree as possible!

Let us remind you! Every year at the end of September, Munich hosts the most grandiose beer festival, which is visited by more than 6 million tourists. We have already talked about the schedule, tents and program of the Oktoberfest festival in 2025.

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