Oktoberfest 2026 opening hours: when tents open and the last beer is served
The grounds, tent doors and beer service run on different clocks. Here is the schedule that matters before you set off.
Diesen Ratgeber auf Deutsch lesen
Saturday 19 September
Opening day has a special morning schedule
The large tents open at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday. From 10 a.m., visitors can order soft drinks and small dishes, but not beer, including alcohol-free beer. The mayor taps the first keg in Schottenhamel at noon; the other tents begin serving beer after the ceremonial signal. Opening the doors does not mean beer is available yet.
The opening ceremony is a major draw, and the official 2026 barometer marks the day busy from morning and very busy in the evening. Pick your first tent before you arrive, keep your group together, and expect temporary closures if capacity is reached.
The regular schedule
When tents open and when service stops
On regular Monday-to-Friday days, large tents open at 10 a.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and the 3 October public holiday, they open at 9 a.m. Most large tents stop serving beer and music at 10:30 p.m. and close at 11:30 p.m. Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Kufflers Weinzelt are exceptions: they may stay open until 1 a.m., with last drinks at 12:30 a.m.
The festival grounds, rides, small tents and food stands can have different closing times. Check the official schedule for the exact date and venue instead of assuming that every part closes with the large tents.
Use the schedule well
Plan around service, not just the closing bell
If you want a meal or a seat, arriving shortly before last service leaves little room for a queue or a closed entrance. On busy evenings, use the official barometer for the day’s overall pressure and keep a second plan nearby. A tent can close temporarily even while its posted opening hours say it should be open.
For the detailed tent comparison and a date-aware entry plan, start with the OansZwoa tent guide and then check the current entry signal before moving.
Useful before you go
Common questions, straight answers.
What time does Oktoberfest 2026 open on the first day?
The large tents open at 9 a.m. on Saturday 19 September. Soft drinks and small dishes start at 10 a.m.; beer, including alcohol-free beer, follows the noon tapping ceremony.
What time is last beer at Oktoberfest?
In most large tents, the last beer and music are at 10:30 p.m. Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Kufflers Weinzelt serve their last drinks at 12:30 a.m.
Do all Oktoberfest tents close at the same time?
No. Most large tents close at 11:30 p.m.; Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Kufflers Weinzelt may stay open until 1 a.m. Small tents and the grounds have separate schedules.
No mystery meat facts
Sources and edition notes
Changeable details such as dates, prices, rules and opening times are checked against the linked sources. Recheck them before your visit.
Festhalle SchottenhamelThe historic opening hall: young Munich, students, regional food, and the first keg of the festival.
Käfer Wiesn-SchänkeAn alpine-style wooden house with premium food, celebrity energy, and late-night service—but a poor walk-in bet.
Kufflers WeinzeltA compact, beautifully decorated wine-led venue with comfortable benches, restaurant-style food, and the latest closing time.