catherinehaas

This is a bit late but I would love if anyone could share with me on how to get into the Beer Tents at Oktoberfest. I attempted to make reservations; however, there is only 2 of us traveling and not the 10 required for reservations. We will be there opening day for the parade and the tapping of the first keg... We would like to do some shopping and see some sights then return that night.

Can anyone help??? Thanks.

jamikins

I went to Oktoberfest in 2001 and we didnt have reservations. We just showed up and were able to enter fairly quickly.

e_phobe

You'll be fine without reservations - don't worry at all. I've been to a half dozen Oktoberfests and never needed a reservation for any of the tents. The Paulaner tent is my favorite choice, followed by Hofbrauhaus Munchen and Lowenbrau. It goes with the fact that the first two are my favorite beers.

If you go early in the day and choose a tent, you'll be fine. If you wait until later in the day or evening, people are generally drunk enough to squeeze in a two-some to their table.

Prozit!

Geordie

With it being the opening day, you have be careful what time you go as most if not all of the tents will be full and they close the doors and don't allow anyone in.

I normally go early in the morning on the opening day so I can't really suggest a good time in the afternoon, but I would think anytime between 4 and 5 should be ok.(Incidently, even if you have a booking and the security think its full, they can stop you from entering)

As people have said it should be fairly easy with 2 of you to find somewhere to sit / stand. I would drop off any shopping at the hotel before you go as you could forget it, beer can work in mysterious ways.

Geordie

kellyee21

I have been several times and from my experience, for the weekends, and especially for the first day, you need to get there early and get a spot inside a tent. When the tents fill, and they will by early afternoon (weekends), they close them for entrance so it's not a matter of just squeezing 2 more people in. The outside gardens are always possible and fun, just not the same as inside the tents, and also not fun in the rain.

Have fun, I wish I was going this year !

catherinehaas

Thank you everyone for the wonderful information. One would think that as the day progresses and people "fall out", it should not be difficult to get 2 people in. But the whole "closing of the doors" could be the issue. I just cannot wait to actually be there. Chicken dance is all warmed up and ready to go... LOL...

Kyliebaby3

I was there on opening day two years ago, and I liken it to what the Running of the Bulls must be like in Spain. Get there early...that's my best advice! And hold onto your significant other and everything else, because once those doors open, it's a mad rush to get in and find a table. I seriously think the waitress holding the door lost a shoe.

I agree that as long as you get there early, you won't need to worry about getting a seat or having a reservation. Sitting with other people is pretty customary, and having been to Oktoberfest twice now (approaching time #3 in three weeks), we've yet to have a problem. That's half the fun, in my opinion, and a great way to meet the locals.

I like the Augustiner, Lowenbrau, and Schottenhaml (if you're younger) tents. Have fun-- maybe we'll see you there!

catherinehaas

We will be there early for the parade and such. I was hoping to leave, do some shopping, see the sights around the city center, and then return later in the evening. Is it going to be possible to get into the tents later in the evening on 1st day?

dutyfree

Flying a Munich layover at the end of September and was wondering if it starts the weekend of Sept 25th?
Reasonable or expensive? Thanks!

catherinehaas

The kickoff to Oktoberfest is September 20th. It ends the 5th of October, so it will still be going on the 25th when you are there.

Geordie

<<Is it going to be possible to get into the tents later in the evening on 1st day?>>

As other people have said, I think you will struggle to get in. I normally go around 8.30 to 9.00am

Personally I would miss the parade as there is another one the next morning that you can view.

<<Reasonable or expensive?>> Depends on how much you drink and how many rides you go on at the fair. You can drink very little and still have a great time.

A piece of advice, for the women I would suggest going to the toilets before you really need to go, as the queues get pretty long.

For the men, wear waterproof boots !

Geordie