Things to Do in Oktoberfest

Munich transforms into the world's most famous beer celebration during Oktoberfest, drawing millions of visitors to the Bavarian capital for two weeks of traditional revelry. The festival actually starts in mid-September and runs into early October, taking over the sprawling Theresienwiese fairgrounds with massive beer tents, traditional music, and enough pretzels to feed a small country. What strikes most first-time visitors is how genuinely traditional it feels - this isn't just a tourist spectacle but a celebration deeply rooted in Bavarian culture, where locals in lederhosen and dirndls mingle with international visitors, all united by good beer and infectious oompah music. Beyond the festival grounds, Munich reveals itself as a sophisticated city with world-class museums, elegant architecture, and a food scene that extends far beyond sausages and sauerkraut. The city center, largely reconstructed after World War II, maintains its fairy-tale charm with the iconic Marienplatz and its famous Glockenspiel, while neighborhoods like Schwabing offer bohemian cafes and galleries that give you a sense of Munich's artistic soul.

Munich's food scene extends well beyond the festival tents, with traditional beer halls like Hofbräuhaus and Augustiner Bräu offering year-round Oktoberfest atmosphere. The city's restaurants range from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy neighborhood spots serving authentic Bavarian cuisine. During Oktoberfest, many restaurants create special menus featuring traditional dishes, while food trucks and temporary stalls around the festival grounds offer everything from roasted almonds to grilled fish. For a break from heavy German fare, Munich's international food scene is surprisingly strong, with excellent Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern options throughout the city center.

Oktoberfest runs for about 16 days from mid-September to early October, with weekends being significantly more crowded and expensive than weekdays. The first weekend tends to be the most intense, while the final weekend offers a last-chance atmosphere that can be equally energetic. Weather in late September is generally pleasant with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s°F, though evenings can be cool and rain is always possible - the beer tents provide shelter but dress in layers. If you're flexible, visiting during the week offers a more relaxed experience with better chances of getting into tents without reservations, plus significantly lower accommodation costs.