Why is Oktoberfest called "Oktoberfest" when it actually begins in September?

The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich in 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began October 12, 1810, and lasted for almost a week, until October 17. The public celebrations ended with an exciting horse race. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the same type of festival should be continued annually. In the following years, the galas were repeated every October, prolonged and, eventually moved forward into September.

OKTOBERFEST TODAY

Today, Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world, with an international flavor that is extremely characteristic of the 21st century. More than 6 million visitors from all over the world take part in Oktoberfest every year.

Moving the festival into late September allows for better weather conditions. Because September nights in Bavaria are warmer than October nights, visitors are able to enjoy the outdoor beer gardens as well as the fairgrounds filled with carnival rides. Historically, the last weekend of Oktoberfest lands in the first week of October and this tradition continues today. Oktoberfest starts on a late September weekend and lasts for three weekends.

How much does a liter of beer (the "Maß” Oktoberfest Beer) cost at one of the tents?

The price for a liter of beer ranges between 7 and 8 Euros per liter (about $10-12). The average prices for alcohol-free drinks are: one liter of table water - 5.55 Euros, one liter of Spezi (Coke and Fanta Orange mixture) - 6.45 Euros, and one liter of soft drink – 6 Euros. And if you've read this far about non-alcoholic drinks, why are you visiting a page about Oktoberfest?

What's the deal with Beer Tent Reservations?

It’s a long process for us every year booking the reservations because you don’t always get exactly what you want. In a period of 17 days and 2-3 time slots per day, per tent there are many spaces in each tent. Every tent starts booking reservations at different times of the year and they require different things. You always have to be at least 8-10 people to book a reservation. Most of the reservations go to locals who reserve there annually.

The big tents are hard to get into (hold 7,000-10,000 people per tent at one time) and they often close there doors for full capacity by noon on Saturdays and on Saturday evenings. In this case you’d just wait at the door to get in and then it’s up to you to find a seat that’s available. You can see the reserved signs on the reserved tables, otherwise you have to sit in a seat in another area in order to be served a beer by a waitress. If you’re already in a tent when the reservation time has expired, you can stay in that tent but just have to find an opening at a table in a non-reserved section. Weekdays are much less crowded compared to Saturdays and weekend nights. For 2 people, you can usually find your way into a tent and can find a seat to get a beer. At night it’s often too crowded to order food (or you get food vouchers with your reservation) so you can eat at one of the many food booths on the Oktoberfest Fair Grounds.

We offer at least 1 beer tent reservation with every package; some clients will be at a big tent and some at a medium tent depending on the date they’re in Munich. We usually have extra beer tent reservations that we offer our clients. Most reservations include 2 beers (1 liter each) and 1 food voucher (usually a chicken plate).

What's the average age of Ludus clients?

Hard question to answer, but most of our clients are between the ages of 28-45. But it varies with each group.We've had guests that are 60+ years of age. We don't have an age limit; you just have to be ready to have a good time!

Are children allowed to enter the beer tents?

Children under six-years-old must leave the tents by 8 p.m., even if they are with their parents. The tents tend to get crowded by the evening and it wouldn’t be fun for either the children or the parents to be in the tents at that time, anyway. Activities like carnival rides in the fair grounds would be more suitable for children.

What is "Die Wiesn"?

The locals in Munich refer to Oktoberfest as “die Wiesn” because of the festival location, Theresienwiese. The location, Theresienwiese, was named after Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

Is there a program of events to observe during the festival?
The highlight event of Wies’n is the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade. The parade occurs on the first Wies’n Sunday of Oktoberfest. This year it is Sunday, September 21st. It starts at 10am and lasts about 3 hours. More than 7,000 performers will participate along the 7 kilometer (5 mile) parade route.

Other important events include: the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Official Tapping of the Keg on Opening Day (at Schottenhamel), the Oktoberfest Mass, the Böllerschießen (handheld canon salute) in front of the Bavaria statue, and the Open-Air Oktoberfest Music Concert Fest (September 24th)