Oktoberfest 2024 — Everything You Need to Know

(Guide for First-Timers)

The season for beer festivals is here! In just a few days, on September 21, we’ll see the beginning of Oktoberfest 2024, the largest beer holiday in the world. When is it, what is it, and what else do you need to know about this event? We answer these questions in this article. We invite you to read on!

What Is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a German beer festival—the largest and most recognised one. It is held in Munich, Germany. According to the organisers, it was visited by 6.3 million people just last year, so it’s bound to get crowded this year as well.

When is Oktoberfest 2024, and how long does it last? The festival will start on September 21 and end on October 6, giving you two weeks of beer-related fun! Although it might seem like a lot of time, in reality, it isn’t when you consider how many people come to Munich to participate each year. Hence, it’s good to know how to get ready for this fest.

Oktoberfest 2024 101: Getting Ready for a Trip to Munich, Germany

So, how do you prepare for Oktoberfest? We’ve got a few tips that will help you have the time of your life!

Book Entry to Brewery Tents Now!

Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Oktoberfest is the beer tents: places where you can enjoy a cold pint of beer. But to get into them, you need to book an entry on a specific portal—each tent has its own. Since Oktoberfest is visited by millions of people every year, you ought to book your place as soon as possible—you don’t want to miss out on the golden ambrosia sold in them, do you?

Consider Your Accommodation Carefully

While you might be prompted to stay in Munich, let’s be real—the prices there might skyrocket during the festival season (especially since Oktoberfest isn’t the only beer festival in the region). How to avoid this? Stay somewhere else!

For instance, you can stay at a hotel in Berlin and get to the festival from there—the journey takes up to 4 hours by train and about an hour by plane. It might not be the most convenient solution in theory, but in practice, it lets you explore Berlin on one day and Oktoberfest on the other. Or, you might opt for local accommodation in one of the cities near Munich, though remember to check public transport routes first. Sometimes, closer doesn’t necessarily mean faster!

You Don’t Need Oktoberfest Costumes, But You Might Want to Wear Them

Suppose you’ve ever seen any photos from the Oktoberfest with people in traditional Bavarian costumes. Don’t worry—you don’t need them for your visit. Why?

Generally speaking, the festival does not require you to wear a special Oktoberfest outfit. However, most of the visitors are locals (or Germans from other regions), so they treat this pretty seriously and will wear such costumes. So, while you might not be required to, you might still want to invest in a traditional outfit: a white shirt and:

• a dirndl—a skirt for women,
• a pair of lederhosen—a pair of leather shorts for men.

Bring Some Cash

If you want to make your life easier (and try more beer), bring some cash with you. Not all suppliers offer the option to pay by card, so it’s good to have some spare change ready in case you need cash.

The Takeaway

With all the above, you’re ready for the Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich, Germany. Start planning your trip today, bring some friends and experience the fun of this traditional beer festival!

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