Table reservation Oktoberfest 2026
How to reserve your table at the Oktoberfest 2026
The Munich Oktoberfest, also affectionately known as the “Wiesn”, is a world-famous folk festival that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. One of the most important things you need to plan before you visit Oktoberfest is to reserve a table in one of the festival tents.
Although all the major festival tents are required by the city of Munich to keep key areas of their tents open and not available for reservation, it would still be presumptuous to think that you can spontaneously snag such a table. In fact, the tents are already fully booked early in the morning, from 10 a.m., and free places are almost impossible to find. In addition, the tents are usually closed at midday on such days due to overcrowding and can then only be entered with a valid reservation. Below you can find out how to reserve your table and what you should bear in mind.
Select the day of your Oktoberfest visit
The Oktoberfest in Munich, the largest folk festival in the world, offers a unique atmosphere no matter which day you visit. However, the best time to visit the festival depends on your individual preferences and schedule. There is a big difference between the weekend and weekdays.
Visiting Oktoberfest during the week is ideal for those who want to take it a little easier, as the crowds are significantly lower than at the weekend. This contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere. Although table reservations are possible for lunchtime, they are often not absolutely necessary due to the smaller crowds. Towards the evening, however, the festival tents fill up even during the week. It is therefore advisable to make a table reservation, especially for the evening.
The weekends
The weekends are of course the most popular days for a visit to the Oktoberfest, so it goes without saying that it is also full. Visiting a beer tent on weekends is only possible with a reservation. Due to the number of visitors to the Oktoberfest, the tents are usually closed at lunchtime.
The first weekend of the Oktoberfest
Every year the Oktoberfest starts on a Saturday with the so-called “Einzug der Wiesnwirte”. During this magnificent procession the Oktoberfest landlords and breweries ride into the Theresienwiese on beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriages into the Theresienwiese, accompanied by music bands. This parade ends in the Schottenhamel tent, where the first barrel of beer is tapped at 12 noon sharp. This event officially marks the start of the of the Oktoberfest. A table reservation is almost always necessary on this weekend
The middle weekend of the Oktoberfest
The second Oktoberfest weekend, also known as the middle Wiesn weekend, is often referred to as the “Italian weekend”. During these days, thousands of Italian visitors flock to Munich to enjoy the festival, often making it the best-attended weekend of the Oktoberfest. If a home game of FC Bayern Munich takes place on this weekend, the number of visitors increases further and ensures that the Theresienwiese is even more crowded. Table reservations are almost always necessary on this weekend to get into a tent.
The last weekend of the Oktoberfest
The so-called 'Kehraus' traditionally takes place on the last Sunday of the Oktoberfest and symbolizes the festive conclusion of the world's largest folk festival in Munich. This evening is dominated by a atmosphere, characterized by melancholy and solemnity, as visitors bid farewell to the festivities and enjoy the final hours. Traditional songs can be heard in the beer tents, including special 'Kehraus' versions that invite people to sing along cheerfully. It should be noted, however, that if the Day of German Unity (October 3) falls on a Monday or Tuesday directly after the third weekend, Oktoberfest is extended accordingly. In such years, the 'Kehraus' then takes place on the actual last day of the extended Oktoberfest. Table reservations are also strongly recommended on these days.
Selecting the time of the Oktoberfest visit
Table reservations at the Oktoberfest are usually only valid for a certain time, i.e. the reservation time is not unlimited. There are three different shifts in most tents:
Large Tents
The large festival tents at Oktoberfest are a truly spectacular experience. With their impressive size, they accommodate thousands of visitors and radiate an infectious festive atmosphere. Guests can look forward to unforgettable moments as they come together with cheerful people from all over the world to enjoy and celebrate traditional Oktoberfest beer. The tents are elaborately decorated and offer a unique blend of traditional Bavarian charm and modern elements. Live music creates a lively ambiance, while servers dressed in traditional dirndls and lederhosen provide excellent service. In the large festival tents, visitors can experience the fascination and grandeur of Oktoberfest in all its glory.
Small Tents
The small festival tents at Oktoberfest offer a cozy and family-like atmosphere for visitors seeking an authentic and less crowded Wiesn experience. With rustic charm and warm Bavarian hospitality, these tents provide the perfect setting to enjoy traditional Oktoberfest beer and delicious Bavarian specialties. The manageable size of the tents creates a welcoming environment where it’s easy to strike up conversations with other guests. Here, you can experience Bavarian culture up close, admire colorful traditional costumes, and enjoy live folk music and dance performances. The small festival tents are a true highlight that enriches the overall Oktoberfest experience.
"Oide Wiesn" tents
The "Oide Wiesn" festival tents at Oktoberfest are a charming homage to the past, showcasing the Wiesn as it once was. With traditional Bavarian architecture and nostalgic flair, these tents invite visitors on a journey through time. In a cozy and authentic atmosphere, guests can experience the original spirit of Oktoberfest and feel transported to earlier times. The "Oide Wiesn" tents offer a diverse program featuring traditional music, folk dancing, and artisanal crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural and historical aspects of Oktoberfest and enjoy an up-close experience of Bavaria’s rich traditions.
Reservation Costs
Technically, reserving a table at Oktoberfest is free of charge. However, in most festival tents, a reservation is tied to a minimum consumption requirement for food and drinks. This usually includes two liters (Maß) of beer and one roasted chicken (Hendl) per person.
The most common table sizes are for 8 or 10 people. As a result, a reservation for a 10-person table typically comes to about €450 due to the required food and drink vouchers.
In addition to the minimum consumption, hosts are allowed to charge a €1.50 reservation fee as well as shipping costs.
Table reservations are generally personalized and may not be resold commercially. However, many tent operators have agreements with Oktoberfest-Booking.com, allowing the resale of reservations through this platform in a legally secure manner.
