The best time to visit the Oktoberfest
Over six million people come to the Wiesn every year. Although it is always quite sociable, there are times when it is a little quieter and cosier at the world's largest folk festival - and days when it is particularly busy. Our Oktoberfest barometer provides an overview of visitor numbers.
Important information for the long weekend
On weekends, it can get crowded in Wirtsbudenstraße when reservations change. To stroll around the festival grounds, it is better to use Schaustellerstraße, Matthias-Pschorr-Straße, and the various side streets. We also recommend using the side entrances to the festival grounds and not just the main entrance.
During the reservation change in the afternoon (around 4 to 6 p.m.), the main entrances to the large festival tents are usually closed. Visitors without reservations have little chance of getting into the tent during this time. It's not worth waiting in line!
Weekdays, weekends, and family days
Everyone has their own experience at Oktoberfest and knows when they can head to the festival grounds for a relaxed roast chicken and a fresh mug of beer—even without a reservation—and take a leisurely stroll around. For everyone else, we’ve compiled this practical knowledge and data in our barometer.
On the middle weekend, for example, things get particularly busy; if the weather isn’t cooperating, the tents can get crowded as early as the morning. On the two Tuesdays—the family days—it’s also busier in the afternoon, though less so in the tents than at the food stalls and rides for the little ones.
And, of course, the holiday on October 3 traditionally draws a particularly large crowd.
