Oktoberfest is a celebration of Bavarian culture and tradition, where people from all over the world come together to enjoy good food, beer, and music. It’s a place where everyone feels welcome and at home, and where memories are made that will last a lifetime.

When is Oktoberfest 2023?

Oktoberfest 2023 will start on September 16th and end on October 3rd, 2023. This is unusual, as Oktoberfest typically starts on a Saturday in September and ends on the first Sunday of October. However, in 2023, Oktoberfest will be extended by two days to include the German Unity Day holiday on October 3rd.

Key Dates

There are some special events that happen every year at Oktoberfest that you might want to consider when choosing your dates.

OPENING DAY |

Oktoberfest always kicks off on a Saturday in mid-September with the Lord Mayor of Munich tapping the first keg of beer and shouting “O’zapft is!” This signals the official start of Oktoberfest, and the beginning of your most fun vacation ever.The opening day parade is also a big event, with tent owners, the Münchner Kindl, and horse-drawn beer carriages parading through the festival grounds. And of course, you’ll be there too, running after them with an empty stein and a thirsty look in your eye.

GAY SUNDAY |

Gay Sunday is the second day of Oktoberfest, and it’s a popular day for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate. The Bräurosl tent hosts a number of special events on Gay Sunday, including drag shows, dance parties, and other festivities.

TUESDAY FAMILY DAYS |
If you’re planning on bringing your kids to Oktoberfest, Tuesday is the best day to go. On Family Day, rides and performances are discounted, making it a more affordable option for families. However, you may still need to pay full price for a babysitter.

THE 2ND WEEKEND |

The second weekend of Oktoberfest is a popular time for Italian visitors to attend. It’s known as Italian Weekend, and it’s a great opportunity for Italian people to experience Oktoberfest culture and traditions.

CLOSING DAY |

Closing day at Oktoberfest is known as the Saddest Day of Oktoberfest or the Wurst Day of Oktoberfest. It’s a sad occasion because it marks the end of the festival, but it’s also one of the most popular days to attend. At the end of the night in the Hacker-Pschorr tent, there is an unofficial (but pretty much official) closing ceremony. It includes candles, a sing-along with 10,000 people, and maybe even some tears.

Oktoberfest Hours

Beer tent opening hours
Opening day: 12:00pm to 10:30pm
Weekdays: 10:00am to 10:30pm
Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: 09:00am to 10:30pm
Daily closing hour: 11:30pm
The “Käfer Wiesn-Schänke” and the “Weinzelt” are open until 1:00am. Last call is at 12:15am.

Opening hours of fairground stalls
Opening day: 12:00pm to 12:00am
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am to 11:30pm
Friday: 10:00am to 12:00am
Saturday: 9:00am to 12:00am
Sunday: 9:00am to 11:30pm

Fairground attractions & sideshows
Opening day: 12:00pm to 12:00am
Monday to Thursday 10:00am to 11:30pm
Friday, Saturday: 10:00am to 12:00am
Sunday: 10:00am to 11:30pm

What to wear for Oktoberfest 2023

Traditional Bavarian clothing is the best way to dress for Oktoberfest. It’s also a great way to celebrate Bavarian culture and traditions.

For women, traditional Bavarian clothing for Oktoberfest includes a white blouse, a knee-length (or longer) dress, an apron, and comfortable shoes that you don’t mind spilling beer on.

For men, traditional Bavarian clothing for Oktoberfest includes lederhosen, a white or plaid button-up shirt, knee socks or calf warmers, comfortable loafers, and, if you really want to go all out, an Alpine hat.

Oktoberfest is a special event, and there are some unwritten rules about how to dress for it. This includes accessories, hair, and even how you tie your apron bow.