Oktoberfest – the world’s largest beer festival – takes over Munich every fall, contributing a massive 2% to the city’s annual economy. Held on the expansive 100-acre Theresienwiese fairgrounds, the event features 38 beer tents (17 large and 21 smaller ones). Want to visit them all in a single day? That’s nearly impossible. Each tent has a unique personality, crowd, and vibe, and they all serve beer from one of Munich’s “Big Six” breweries: Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Spaten-Franziskaner. This Oktoberfest guide will tell you everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
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Why Choosing the Right Oktoberfest Tent Matters
There are many reasons to be invested in choosing the right beer tents (massive structures set up just for Oktoberfest). Here’s why it makes a difference:
- All of the tents at the Oktoberfest, small or big, are known for their own thing. Every tent has a themed decor.
- The beer served in the tents differs, but it has to be from Munich’s six brewhouses. Tents owned by breweries serve their beer, like the Paulaner tent serves its own labeled Marzen beer. Small cafe tents do not have beer.
- The maximum number of seats varies in each Bavarian beerfest tent. There is enough seating, indoor and outside, in the big beer halls. Small tents are cozy and intimate.
- The food and beer pricing also differ by 1 Euro or a little more in beer brands. It’s best to stick to the tents with the lower prices for a budget-friendly visit.
What to Expect Inside the Oktoberfest Tents
On the right-hand, from the entry gate, is Wirtsbudenstraße. Here are most of the large tents. Small tents are located in front or adjacent to the big beer marquee.
In all of these Oktoberfest tents, you should expect:
- Beer: Served by the liter in hefty glass or stoneware mugs (called a Maß).
- Food: Expect traditional Bavarian fare like roast chicken, sausages, and pretzels.
- Music: Traditional lineup of Bavarian hits. Classic pop hits, oompah, and brass music are mostly played in the Oktoberfest tents.
- Dress Code: Around 90% of the Oktoberfest guests wear Bavarian tracht. Men wear lederhosen and women wear a dirndl.
- Seating: Communal benches fit 8–10 people. Be ready to share space and make new friends!
Most Popular Oktoberfest Tents
Here’s a look at six popular tents. Each is listed below for a reason.
Hacker-Festzelt
This elaborately designed tent is nicknamed the “Heavens of Bavaria.” It’s bright with a starry ceiling. Hacker-Pschorr is served here with a 6% ABV value. The crowd is diverse, but mainly of the young lot.
It’s lively but not too wild. Traditional Bavarian tracks and global hits are played. People stand on benches to sing. Food includes roast chicken and pretzels. This classic tent has enough capacity of about 6,838 indoors and 2,540 outdoors.
Augustiner-Festhalle
Augustiner is Munich’s oldest brewery. This tent feels traditional, and locals love it. The beer comes from 200-liter wooden barrels, not metal kegs, and tastes smoother. The vibe is cozy and family-friendly.
Families come during the day, but at night, it gets louder. German dishes are prepared from regional ingredients with high-quality meat. The beer hall holds around 8,500 people. It is spacious and accommodates guests wanting an authentic Bavarian feel.
Löwenbräu-Festzelt
This tent is hard to miss. A giant lion statue roars outside. Löwenbräu beer (6.1% ABV)is the star here. This tent’s commitment to sustainability is unique. People get on the tables when Die Heldensteiner performs. The music mixes pop and Bavarian hits. It seats about 8,500, perfect for group travelers.
Paulaner-Festzelt
Paulaner is a big name at Oktoberfest. This tent is one of the main attractions and it has a modern beer tapping system. The Paulaner Marzen served here is crisp, and the food is hearty with vegan and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is festive. Bands play all day. It’s great for groups who want to party, but it can feel crowded.
Festhalle Schottenhamel
This is one of the oldest tents, where Oktoberfest officially starts. The mayor taps the first keg here. They serve Spaten beer, and the crowd is young and energetic, packed and loud. The Schwarzfischer band sings “Prosit der Gemütlichkeit,” commencing the celebration. The first beer-tapping tent can host around 6,288 guests indoors and 2,742 outdoors.
Marstall Festzelt
Marstall is newer but fancy. It replaced an older tent in 2014. Spaten Franziskaner brew, having 5.9% alcohol, is on tap. The decor is elegant, with chandeliers. The crowd is mixed but leans upscale. It’s less rowdy than others. Food ranges from duck to vegetarian options. It holds space for 3,200 indoor, plus 230 in standing area, and 882 outside.
How to Get Inside the Beer Tents?
Getting into a tent, especially the popular ones, takes some planning. Tents are free to enter, and there is a seating capacity of 120,000 visitors, almost half the number of visitors attending the festival daily. Half of the seats are reserved, with everyone running for the remaining. Buying food requires a table reservation.
Reserve a Table in Your Favorite Tent
Reservations are completely optional, but they are a safe option for groups. Six million people attend Oktoberfest every year. Sometimes, it gets so crowded that beer landlords close the doors.
- 25% of the indoor seating of beer halls are left unbooked.
- On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the number of unbooked tables increases to 35%.
- Tables in the beer garden are not reserved.
- Booked and the sign indicates unbooked tables.
- These rules do not apply to the small tents. Weinzelt and Kafer are also on the list.
Each tent has a website where you can reserve a table in advance. Some beer tents open for reservations as early as April. The only downside of a reservation is that you have to book a table of 8-10 people.
Check the Oktoberfest Barometer
Each tents have different opening hours.
- Monday to Friday- tents open at 10 am and close at 11.30 pm.
- On the weekend, tents open at 9 a.m., but beer isn’t served until 11 a.m.
- In the large tents they stop serving beer and playing music at 10.30 pm
- For small tents such as chicken roasting houses, snack bars, and café tents, the last beer and music is at 11 pm.
Exceptions: The Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Kufflers Weinzelt remain open until 1 a.m.. Last call is at 12:30 a.m.
Get to the Oktoberfest tent before noon on weekends. By afternoon, the popular tents are full. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. The first and last days are busiest. Check Oktoberfest Barometer!
Walk & Look Around
Walk around and spot tables half-full. Ask politely and join a group with extra seats. Solo travelers or small groups have better luck. This doesn’t work at 8 p.m. on a Saturday. Some tents also have a standing area where drinks are served without tables.
Tips for Tourists
Oktoberfest can feel like a culture shock. Here are tips to blend in.
- Say “prost” (cheers) or “danke” (thank you). Locals appreciate it.
- Beer is strong. One liter is like two American pints. Eat while you drink.
- Some tents don’t take cards. ATMs are nearby but have fees.
- Traditional outfits are fun but pricey. Buy them in Munich for better deals.
- Pickpockets target tourists. Keep your phone and wallet secure.
- Tents are in Theresienwiese, a short subway ride from central Munich. Taxis are expensive.
Real Talk!
Oktoberfest is a bucket list trip. The tents make it special, and each one offers a different slice of Bavarian culture. Hacker-Festzelt is great for beginners. Augustiner feels like old Munich. Löwenbräu brings the party. Plan the Oktoberfest beer tent adventure to get in. Book tables early or arrive before the crowds. Be ready for noise, beer, and new friends.
About the author: I’m Hannah, a passionate fashion enthusiast with a deep appreciation for cultural and heritage styles. As an experienced traveler, I’ve explored traditions across the globe—most memorably attending Oktoberfest three times. Each visit deepened my fascination with heritage fashion, local cuisine, and the rich cultural rituals around beer. I blend my love for travel and fashion to tell authentic, engaging stories rooted in culture.