The Wiesn doesn’t cost to enter; anyone can wander through the venue without needing a ticket. The reason there are sometimes queues at the entrance is that security personnel check visitors’ bags so that everyone at the Wiesn can feel safe and relax.
The “Oide Wiesn”, the nostalgic “old” Oktoberfest on the south side of the venue which is a product of the 200 year Oktoberfest anniversary celebration in 2010, is separated from the main Wiesn and costs 4 euros entry. Children up to 14 years old are free. Fairground rides, however, are only 1 euro in the Oide Wiesn. After 9 pm entry is free (Note: only via the exits!)
The large and small beer tents also don’t charge for entry or require tickets. You also don’t need a reservation to enter a tent – except when the tents are closed because of overcrowding. That can happen at the weekend from the early afternoon onwards. You pay for the rides individually and before riding them at the respective cash register. Most rides give you classic ride tokens.
