Oktoberfest 2026: Everything to Know Before You Go to the Wiesn
Munich's Oktoberfest 2026 runs for 16 days from 19 September to 4 October. A Maß of beer will cost between €14.80 and €15.90, according to the city's official price list — on average 2.38 percent more than in 2025.
By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 14 September 2026 · 4-minute read
"Oktoberfest 2026" is one of the top searches in Germany on Google this month, and interest is strong worldwide as visitors plan trips to Munich.
Dates
- Opens: Saturday 19 September 2026.
- Closes: Sunday 4 October 2026.
- Length: 16 days — the festival includes German Unity Day, the public holiday on 3 October.
- Where: the Theresienwiese in Munich, known locally as the "Wiesn".
Beer Prices 2026
The City of Munich publishes the official beer prices each year. For 2026:
- Price range: €14.80 to €15.90 for a Maß (one litre).
- Among the cheapest: the Augustiner-Festhalle and Schichtl, at €14.90.
- Among the most expensive: Armbrustschützen-Festzelt, Bräurosl and Löwenbräu-Festzelt, at €15.90.
- Average increase: 2.38 percent compared with 2025.
Remember to allow for a tip for table service, and note that non-alcoholic drinks are also available in every tent.
Tips for a Great Visit
- Go on a weekday morning if you want a better chance of a seat without a reservation.
- Weekends and the Unity Day holiday are the busiest — tents can close their doors when full.
- Bring cash as well as a card; not every stall takes cards.
- Use public transport — U-Bahn stations near the Theresienwiese are the easiest way in.
- Book accommodation early; Munich hotels fill up and prices rise during the festival.
- Leave large bags at home; security rules limit bag sizes.
Enjoy It Responsibly
A Maß holds a full litre, so drinks add up quickly. Eat a proper meal, alternate with water, pace yourself and plan how you will get home. The festival also has plenty to enjoy without alcohol — traditional rides, food, music and the famous atmosphere.
Not Just Beer
Oktoberfest is also a celebration of Bavarian culture, with traditional dress, brass bands, historic funfair rides and food such as roast chicken, pretzels and sausages. Families are welcome, particularly during the day.
More From Germany and Beyond
See Germany's Open Monument Day 2026, and in Poland, the Zielona Góra wine festival.
Related reading
- National Ploughing Championships 2026: Dates, New Venue at Screggan and Tips
- Chuseok 2026: Holiday Dates, Traditions and Tips to Beat the Traffic
- Grito de Independencia 2026 in the Zócalo: Schedule, Intocable and Tips
- Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life 50th Anniversary Tour: Dates and Cities
Sources
- "Bierpreis Oktoberfest 2026," City of Munich (PDF) — stadt.muenchen.de
- "Oktoberfest: Wiesn-Preise," in-muenchen.de — in-muenchen.de
- "Oktoberfest Bierpreis 2026," Feiertagskalender Deutschland — feiertagskalender-deutschland.de
