Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?

[Cheeks]

Thinking about taking my bride for her birthday.  Heard mostly good things, but looking for more input from people that have been.

[Chili]

Thinking about taking my bride for her birthday.  Heard mostly good things, but looking for more input from people that have been.

Been a few times - mainly for fun but for work as well. It's fantastic. If you go, make sure to pick up propper trachten (lederhosen & dirndl) when you get there. Prefer to go during the day now that I am no longer in my 20s.

[Hards Alumni]

Thinking about taking my bride for her birthday.  Heard mostly good things, but looking for more input from people that have been.

Yes.  Be warned, there are a ton of drunk people.  I cannot stress this enough.  The wife and I drank 3L each on our honeymoon, and had... an adventure.  Munich is an absolutely safe city, so even if things do go sideways, you will be safe. 

The best way I can describe it is Summerfest turned up to 11 plus enormous tents (Augustiner-Bräu is king, IMO) filled with polka, German beer, and food.  There is the usual carnival stuff going on as well.

Its a good time, but don't be surprised to see more than a few people puking/passed out/wet.

[Lennys Tap]

Its a good time, but don't be surprised to see more than a few people puking/passed out/wet.

There was a time when this wouldn't have bothered me at all. Not any more. Pass.

[Cheeks]

Yes.  Be warned, there are a ton of drunk people.  I cannot stress this enough.  The wife and I drank 3L each on our honeymoon, and had... an adventure.  Munich is an absolutely safe city, so even if things do go sideways, you will be safe. 

The best way I can describe it is Summerfest turned up to 11 plus enormous tents (Augustiner-Bräu is king, IMO) filled with polka, German beer, and food.  There is the usual carnival stuff going on as well.

Its a good time, but don't be surprised to see more than a few people puking/passed out/wet.

I’ve been told go during the day, not worth it at night for that very reason.

[jficke13]

I’ve been told go during the day, not worth it at night for that very reason.

During the day you can more or less wander in and out of most of the tents and find a table. We drank and chatted with people from all over Europe wherever we sat down. Hofbrau has a big open area with highboy tables. We wanted to see what it was like and wandered through to find the most savagely drunk 21 year old American fratcrowd.

After some time of day you start needing reservations and get the boot from the tents. We ended up kinda waiting listing our way back onto the patio of one of the tents and hanging out with some Aussies for the rest of the night (or at least until we tapped out which was not the end of the night).

We did it as the capper on a 10ish day trip through Bavaria and spent 2 days at the fest. I'm not sure I would have needed more than that.

[Billy Hoyle]

I’ve been told go during the day, not worth it at night for that very reason.

I was talking to a guy at a beer festival about this as my wife and I had been discussing a trip. He said it’s become a state fair with beer. Go for a day then hit other brew towns of Bavaria (he suggested Andechs). The drinking age is 16/and the kids get obnoxious.

You do have to plan in advance and possibly go with a tour company.

[Chili]

There is no reason to use a tour company. Germany is an extremely easy country to get around in and the people are fantastic. For Munich / Oktoberfest specifically I have stayed at the Kings Hotel First Class 3 times and usually got a room for about $130 USD a night. It's about a 15 minute walk to Wies'n. At most you need 2 days Weissen though my friends who live in Munich go on average 2-3 times a week. It's used a business thing at times - think of it like the happy hour golf course. But the statement above is true about drunks. If you go weekdays or even week nights is best. Weekends get slammed with college kids from all over Europe. I think the 3rd weekend is the Italian weekend. If you go maybe about 2-3pm you can usually find a table. Last time I was over their with my wife visiting our Munchiner friends we found a table pretty quickly and met a sister & 2 brothers from Chicago (where I currently live) who let us share their table. We had a blast together from I have been told. 6 mass of bier & 2 of raddler will take a toll. Remember to eat. Though after you can always find donner.

Also get ready for some fun German pop music like Schati schenk mir ein Foto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r83jGYoaCs and Fliegerlied https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpCJezetG8s
 
They also have parking available if you drive into town or want to take day trips. Driving in Germany is blast once you get on the Autobahn. Just rent thru Sixt and get yourself a proper car.

Bavaria is fantastic to explore. The best quick day trip from Munich is Tegernsee though I would recommend spending a night there. There is a nice monastic brewery in town but it's one of the most beautiful spots on earth. A coworker was commented that it's "where brewers go when they die. It's their heaven".

Bamberg is awesome as well - home of Schlenkerla. Regensberg is cool - home to what they say is the world oldest fast food restaurant.

[Hards Alumni]

There is no reason to use a tour company. Germany is an extremely easy country to get around in and the people are fantastic. For Munich / Oktoberfest specifically I have stayed at the Kings Hotel First Class 3 times and usually got a room for about $130 USD a night. It's about a 15 minute walk to Wies'n. At most you need 2 days Weissen though my friends who live in Munich go on average 2-3 times a week. It's used a business thing at times - think of it like the happy hour golf course. But the statement above is true about drunks. If you go weekdays or even week nights is best. Weekends get slammed with college kids from all over Europe. I think the 3rd weekend is the Italian weekend. If you go maybe about 2-3pm you can usually find a table. Last time I was over their with my wife visiting our Munchiner friends we found a table pretty quickly and met a sister & 2 brothers from Chicago (where I currently live) who let us share their table. We had a blast together from I have been told. 6 mass of bier & 2 of raddler will take a toll. Remember to eat. Though after you can always find donner.

Also get ready for some fun German pop music like Schati schenk mir ein Foto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r83jGYoaCs and Fliegerlied https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpCJezetG8s
 
They also have parking available if you drive into town or want to take day trips. Driving in Germany is blast once you get on the Autobahn. Just rent thru Sixt and get yourself a proper car.

Bavaria is fantastic to explore. The best quick day trip from Munich is Tegernsee though I would recommend spending a night there. There is a nice monastic brewery in town but it's one of the most beautiful spots on earth. A coworker was commented that it's "where brewers go when they die. It's their heaven".

Bamberg is awesome as well - home of Schlenkerla. Regensberg is cool - home to what they say is the world oldest fast food restaurant.

I will say that former East Germany has a few less English speakers outside of Berlin and Dresden... at least in my experience.  The kids are probably fine, but adults, especially the older ones do not speak much.

[Hards Alumni]

One other thing.  Find a hotel very early on, Munich ran out the year we were there.

[Billy Hoyle]

One other thing.  Find a hotel very early on, Munich ran out the year we were there.

That’s what my tour company statement was in regards to: getting a close in hotel. Not to set everything else up.

[Cheeks]

I played soccer in West Germany years ago for a California team one summer.  Haven’t been back since.  Most of the tour was Hamburg and surrounding communities, plus and exhibition in Denmark.

Looking forward to getting back post unification.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Lots of Traditionals.  Definitely need to wear the Bavarian gear they will deny you entry. Yanks buy some cheap crap on AMZ and that calls you out. There is a lady on the NW side of Chicago I know that will get so some authentic outfits made for you if you need a name. Germans don't consider Bavaria a part of Germany so remember that. Nuremberg is underrated and worth a visit if not being your base via train.  Flying into Munich will be  expensive so other locations and a train may be cheaper.

As for puking, nothing beats the puke sinks in Polish or Eastern European bars.  Forget the baby changing tables.  Yak in the designated sink and step on the pedal flush.  Then good to go for a few more.

[Chili]

Lots of Traditionals.  Definitely need to wear the Bavarian gear they will deny you entry. Yanks buy some cheap crap on AMZ and that calls you out. There is a lady on the NW side of Chicago I know that will get so some authentic outfits made for you if you need a name. Germans don't consider Bavaria a part of Germany so remember that. Nuremberg is underrated and worth a visit if not being your base via train.  Flying into Munich will be  expensive so other locations and a train may be cheaper.

As for puking, nothing beats the puke sinks in Polish or Eastern European bars.  Forget the baby changing tables.  Yak in the designated sink and step on the pedal flush.  Then good to go for a few more.

Where the hell did you learn this? Unless this was supposed to be teal.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Where the hell did you learn this? Unless this was supposed to be teal.

My many German friends who say it tongue in cheek but with disdain. Oh, and history.

[Cheeks]

Yes, Bavaria is a culturally traditional part of Germany, is that what you meant?  Very Catholic, conservative culture.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I did a week in Dusseldorf at a trade a show.  Each cafe/bar in and out of the Altstadt served a different Dusseldorf brewery's Alt beer.  Awesome!  If Octoberfest is 10 times this, then holy snikes!!!

[Spotcheck Billy]

Looking forward to getting back post unification.

No rush eh?

[Cheeks]

No rush eh?

Had to do lots of stuff in between, feels like time is right.

[Benny B]

A co-worker of mine did Ofest a couple years ago with his wife and a few other couples... the main thing I remember from his recap was how they had hired a local “concierge” without whom it sounds like they would not have had a fraction of the access they had.  Suggested where to go, best times for each, and even arranged tickets/reservations... yet they still got shut out of a couple places they wanted to go to because they waited until a year prior to make arrangements. 

[MUMonster03]

Thinking about taking my bride for her birthday.  Heard mostly good things, but looking for more input from people that have been.

Been living in Deutschland for the last three years and will be in Munchen for Oktoberfest again this year. While I would recommend Trachten, traditional Bavarian dress, it is NOT required. Plenty of people walking around in jeans and shirts, have never seen anyone denied entry to a "tent" because of a lack of Trachten.

We typically go during the week, way less crowded, the only time places get crowded during the week is during the lunch rush, so plan accordingly. During the day many tables will have a reservation sheet on them saying what time the reservation starts. Feel free to sit at any table that is before the time on the reservation. If you are at a table when the reservation does show up politely get up and give them their table. We have had groups let us stay for awhile until their entire group arrives. One year in the evening we walked into a tent, talked to a server, and she helped us find a spot at a table without a reservation so it can happen.

Money is king, and not just at Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest tents do not accept cards, so bring lots of cash, I believe a typical bier at a tent is now at least 12 Euro at most tents, possibly pushing 13 this year. Germans have no problem breaking a 100 Euro note and you will run into a lot of bars and restaurants, especially in smaller towns, that are cash only. Only the 6 traditional Munchen brewers are allowed to sell bier at Oktoberfest and they typically only sell their Oktoberfestbier and a Radler (some people like it, it's half lemonade and half bier, way too sweet for my tastes) and the only size is the 1L Maß. All are decent but everyone always develops their own list of preferences (I lean towards Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Spaten but Löwenbräu, Hofbräu, and Paulaner are still good, I can just find them more often in my region).

I quoted "tent" earlier because it is a misnomer at this point in time. These are significant structures with many having a second floor with seating in addition to the main floor. The most crowded days to go are obviously the weekend and German Unity day, which is Oktober 3rd, which I believe is a Thursday this year. The weather can vary greatly that time of year, so make sure to double check before heading out. And lastly have fun, if you like to drink like the Germans do, you will easily fit in and enjoy yourself.

[Cheeks]

Been living in Deutschland for the last three years and will be in Munchen for Oktoberfest again this year. While I would recommend Trachten, traditional Bavarian dress, it is NOT required. Plenty of people walking around in jeans and shirts, have never seen anyone denied entry to a "tent" because of a lack of Trachten.

We typically go during the week, way less crowded, the only time places get crowded during the week is during the lunch rush, so plan accordingly. During the day many tables will have a reservation sheet on them saying what time the reservation starts. Feel free to sit at any table that is before the time on the reservation. If you are at a table when the reservation does show up politely get up and give them their table. We have had groups let us stay for awhile until their entire group arrives. One year in the evening we walked into a tent, talked to a server, and she helped us find a spot at a table without a reservation so it can happen.

Money is king, and not just at Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest tents do not accept cards, so bring lots of cash, I believe a typical bier at a tent is now at least 12 Euro at most tents, possibly pushing 13 this year. Germans have no problem breaking a 100 Euro note and you will run into a lot of bars and restaurants, especially in smaller towns, that are cash only. Only the 6 traditional Munchen brewers are allowed to sell bier at Oktoberfest and they typically only sell their Oktoberfestbier and a Radler (some people like it, it's half lemonade and half bier, way too sweet for my tastes) and the only size is the 1L Maß. All are decent but everyone always develops their own list of preferences (I lean towards Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, and Spaten but Löwenbräu, Hofbräu, and Paulaner are still good, I can just find them more often in my region).

I quoted "tent" earlier because it is a misnomer at this point in time. These are significant structures with many having a second floor with seating in addition to the main floor. The most crowded days to go are obviously the weekend and German Unity day, which is Oktober 3rd, which I believe is a Thursday this year. The weather can vary greatly that time of year, so make sure to double check before heading out. And lastly have fun, if you like to drink like the Germans do, you will easily fit in and enjoy yourself.

Thank you.  Great info.

One followup, go at start of festival, middle or end?

[warriorchick]

As long as you are going all-out, treat your wife to a dirndl.

You can buy them online from Germany, or get one once you are there.

There are several websites, but I am choosing this one to post because based on the name of the store, they might be relatives of mine.

https://www.stockerpoint.de/

[Coleman]

Went in 2017. It was a blast. I recommend AirB&B as hotels are insanely expensive.

The cool part is you can get whatever scene you want. During the day it is family friendly, with rides, food, people just hanging out and having fun. It turns into a party in the evening. We had a couple low key days and went really hard one night.

Definitely wear authentic lederhosen/dirndls, not the fake Halloween costumes.

My favorite tents were Hacker (absolutely beautiful) and Augustiner (best beer and food...roast chicken was incredible).

Munich is also an incredible city. I've visited three times now. PM me for more things to do in and around Munich.

[Coleman]

You do have to plan in advance and possibly go with a tour company.

Definitely not true. Only thing you have to plan in advance is accommodations, which we did book about 10 months in advance.

Not sure it made a difference, but we were there towards the end of the festival.

[Cheeks]

As long as you are going all-out, treat your wife to a dirndl.

You can buy them online from Germany, or get one once you are there.

There are several websites, but I am choosing this one to post because based on the name of the store, they might be relatives of mine.

https://www.stockerpoint.de/

Yes, was looking at them yesterday with my daughter.  Whole thing is a surprise so I need daughter’s help with the appropriate outfit. 

[Coleman]

Chicos...there is only one German song you need to know...Ein Prosit. It is very easy, almost as easy as Ring Out Ahoya. Have it memorized before you get over there....

[Cheeks]

Chicos...there is only one German song you need to know...Ein Prosit. It is very easy, almost as easy as Ring Out Ahoya. Have it memorized before you get over there....

Thanks

[Galway Eagle]

A buddy of mine is from Bavaria and told me there's better festivals you can go to at the more medium sized cities than hitting up the massive one in Munich.

[Coleman]

On the Germany Bavaria dynamic...I would say it is similar to Texas and the USA. No one would say Texas isn't part of the USA, but it does have a very distinct culture of its own and people are very proud of their own unique heritage and culture. Bavaria's culture is Alpine more than anything else, and in some respects it is more similar to Austrian culture than northern German. You won't see lederhosen in Hamberg, just like you won't see cowboy hats in Boston.

Bavarian dialects are different (but mutually intelligible) from German spoken in other parts of Germany (though similar to that spoken in Austria). It is the only part of Germany that is even somewhat religious, although that isn't as true as it used to be. Historically it was very Catholic while much of Germany was Protestant. It also has its own center-right political party, the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (which dominates Bavarian politics), while the rest of the center-right in Germany belongs to the Christian Democratic Union.

When Germany was a collection of semi-independent kingdoms and duchies, the Kingdom of Bavaria was 2nd in power only to Prussia, whose Hohenzollern monarchs ruled the German Empire. The Wittelsbachs in Bavaria were the 2nd most powerful royal family in the empire.

So it definitely has its own identity, but it is still very much a part of Germany. There has been very little movement for Bavarian independence since the reunification of Germany.

[Spotcheck Billy]

A buddy of mine is from Bavaria and told me there's better festivals you can go to at the more medium sized cities than hitting up the massive one in Munich.

That reminds of people that declare Mardi Gras is better in Birmingham, AL than that one in NOLA. Nothing against your buddy, for all I know he's right.

[swoopem]

I went in 2012. A friend was stationed in Germany so 8 of us went over to visit him for the opening week of Oktoberfest. Total sh!tshow. We were 24 at the time so we were solely focused on partying. It was awesome

[MUMonster03]

Thank you.  Great info.

One followup, go at start of festival, middle or end?

It all depends on your personal preference. Opening Saturday, the 21st of September this year, is always super crowded, I had some friends go last year and they were lucky to get a bier at one of the tents biergartens. I've been told Sunday's are a little less crazy but have not been on Sunday myself. Another interesting thing in Germany is Sunday is still a day of rest. Almost all stores are closed on Sunday, unless it is a Sunday shopping day which there are 3 or 4 of scattered throughout the year. So since you can't go shopping or buy groceries on Sunday it may make it crowded.

I don't think this applies, but due to crowds on the weekends and Unity day, the 3rd, strollers are not allowed in those days.

If you have time a nice medium might be to check it out on a Sunday and if its too crowded for your taste then come back early on Monday.

If you have never been to Munchen I would recommend also spending some time in the Marienplatz, specifically to see the Glockenspiel which goes off several times throughout the day with several different moving scenes similar to a cuckoo clock. We also enjoy the Englischer Garten which is a large park just to the east of the city center which is five times the size of central park and has biergartens scattered through the lower portion closest to the city center. The Hofbrau-Haus in Munchen is worth a visit to say you have been there but I personally prefer the Augustiner Braustuben which is closer to the Wiesen and is a lot cheaper, just under 7 euro for a liter but we usually stop by both during our time in the city.

Finally looked up bier prices and it appears that they have not passed the 12 euro mark yet this year, all are in the 11 range. So 2020 will probably see some start surpassing 12 euro. 

[Galway Eagle]

That reminds of people that declare Mardi Gras is better in Birmingham, AL than that one in NOLA. Nothing against your buddy, for all I know he's right.

I think he meant more authentic and less cliche.

I'd say a better analogy would be telling someone from another country to head to summerfest instead of Coachella.

[Benny B]

I think he meant more authentic and less cliche.

I'd say a better analogy would be telling someone from another country to head to summerfest instead of Coachella.

Would you honestly recommend Coachella instead of Milwaukee to a German?

[swoopem]

I go to a decent amount of music festivals. Never been to Coachella cuz to me it looks like it SUCKS.

The lineup has never appealed to me and if I’m dropping that type of coin I want to actually enjoy the music.

Lockn in Virginia is next on my list

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

This an Octoberfest non-Octoberfest story.

A good friend of mine was in the USAF and stationed in Lakenheath in the UK.  (He was a pharmacist in the Air Force.!)  Him and his wife traveled all over Europe.  They had his life-long dream to attend Octoberfest all booked and ready to go.  The only problem was it was 2001 and right after 9/11 all leave for all overseas military personnel was cancelled.  He transferred back stateside in 2002 and has never has had the opportunity to try again.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

This an Octoberfest non-Octoberfest story.

A good friend of mine was in the USAF and stationed in Lakenheath in the UK.  (He was a pharmacist in the Air Force.!)  Him and his wife traveled all over Europe.  They had his life-long dream to attend Octoberfest all booked and ready to go.  The only problem was it was 2001 and right after 9/11 all leave for all overseas military personnel was cancelled.  He transferred back stateside in 2002 and has never has had the opportunity to try again.

Crash?

[ronald dragon]

I go to a decent amount of music festivals. Never been to Coachella cuz to me it looks like it SUCKS.

The lineup has never appealed to me and if I’m dropping that type of coin I want to actually enjoy the music.

Lockn in Virginia is next on my list

Go to it, I went last year for the first time and it was a great time.

PM me if you have any questions about it

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Since I was there only once and it was a long time ago (1983) I doubt I can be of much help other than to encourage you to do this. I do still recall vendors selling little plates of weisswurst with spicy mustard and sauerkraut that came with small wooden forks.The same as we have hot dog vendors. Those were extra yummy!

[Coleman]

Weisswurst is the best. Just make sure you buy it before noon and peel the skin before eating!

[martyconlonontherun]

Use points for hotels if possible. Usually points don't rise with demand unless lower tier rooms are sold out.

I went 'early' noon and was able to get into a garden relatively easier. Tried switching and only got in with the crowd bum rushed. I would recommend either going early and squatting or buying tables.

[Sir Lawrence]

Spent Monday afternoon at Oktoberfest.  I don't claim to have any expertise after five hours there, but I will add this to the discussion while it's still fresh:

1.  Download the Oktoberfest app to your smart phone.  You can select English for language.  It's pretty slick.  Lots of good information.  For example, it tells you how full each of the "tents" are in real time.
2.  As others have said, try to reserve a table in advance.  Even on what should be a slow part of the week (Monday) and a slow part of the day (early afternoon) the place was very busy.
3.  The Bavarians proudly embrace their trachten.  Do not show up with a lederhosen T-shirt from Walmart's Halloween costume collection.  One young man from Munich told me that would be insulting to their heritage.  It's fine not to wear trachten, but don't insult their heritage by wearing fake stuff.  The group I was with ended up buying hats, and fit in just fine. 
4.  Bring cash.  No cards are accepted.
5.  The size and scope of the grounds and the number attending the festival is hard to comprehend.  The kitchens and wait staff in each tent are well oiled.  The tents are enormous.   
6.  We didn't see any pukers or bad actors.  The same fella told us that things got out of hand about four or five years ago, and the organizers decided to clamp down on bad behavior.  For example, if you stand on the table and chug a liter, you will get the crowd clapping, but you will then be kicked out.  We saw that happen three times.  I guess it's done on a dare.  OK to stand on the bench seat, but not the table top.  Again, this was a Monday afternoon.  I have no clue what the atmosphere might be on a Friday night.  But, there is plenty of security everywhere.
7.  We had a blast.  I highly recommend it if you ever have an opportunity to attend. 

[Goose]

Sir L

Sounds like my kind of a Monday afternoon. Thanks for sharing. After your report, I definitely would like to attend someday. Glad you had a blast!

[real chili 83]

Spent Monday afternoon at Oktoberfest.  I don't claim to have any expertise after five hours there, but I will add this to the discussion while it's still fresh:

1.  Download the Oktoberfest app to your smart phone.  You can select English for language.  It's pretty slick.  Lots of good information.  For example, it tells you how full each of the "tents" are in real time.
2.  As others have said, try to reserve a table in advance.  Even on what should be a slow part of the week (Monday) and a slow part of the day (early afternoon) the place was very busy.
3.  The Bavarians proudly embrace their trachten.  Do not show up with a lederhosen T-shirt from Walmart's Halloween costume collection.  One young man from Munich told me that would be insulting to their heritage.  It's fine not to wear trachten, but don't insult their heritage by wearing fake stuff.  The group I was with ended up buying hats, and fit in just fine. 
4.  Bring cash.  No cards are accepted.
5.  The size and scope of the grounds and the number attending the festival is hard to comprehend.  The kitchens and wait staff in each tent are well oiled.  The tents are enormous.   
6.  We didn't see any pukers or bad actors.  The same fella told us that things got out of hand about four or five years ago, and the organizers decided to clamp down on bad behavior.  For example, if you stand on the table and chug a liter, you will get the crowd clapping, but you will then be kicked out.  We saw that happen three times.  I guess it's done on a dare.  OK to stand on the bench seat, but not the table top.  Again, this was a Monday afternoon.  I have no clue what the atmosphere might be on a Friday night.  But, there is plenty of security everywhere.
7.  We had a blast.  I highly recommend it if you ever have an opportunity to attend.

How was the beer?

[Sir Lawrence]

How was the beer?

Very good.  Very smooth and drinkable.

Stuck with the Helles style in both of the tents we visited.  Our reservation was in the Schottenhamel-Festhalle, which served Spaten-Franziskaner, and we had Paulaner in the Winzerer Fähndl tent.  We had to stand in that tent, but as long as you kept out of the walkways where the wait staff was on the move, it was fine.  Of the two, I personally liked the Paulaner better, which surprised me, since if Spaten is available here, that's my go to German beer. 

[MUMonster03]

Just returned from our third Oktoberfest and wanted to add a couple more things for anyone planning/thinking of going.

1. Pay attention to the weather, on Wednesday it was cold and rainy, this made the tents during the day fill up much faster and stay full since riding the rides and enjoying the bier gartens was not really a viable option.
2. We went back on Unity day to allow our kids to do some rides, it was still cold, however not raining, and the tents were packed as expected. The main doors to the tents were turning people away, but you can sometimes sneak in through the side.
3. As long as it is not glass, the fest grounds will allow you to bring in plastic bottles of water.
4. The only size bier served is a liter, however some old German couple managed to get a half liter, although they had coupons and seemed to really know the server.

As far as other fests during Oktoberfest season go be prepared for the following.
1. Smaller towns are likely to have few to no English speakers, so study up on some simple German phrases and make sure you know how to ask for change in German.
2. Since the smaller fests are still actual tents be prepared to leave smelling like smoke, Germans love smoking, even with the death labels, and have no shame about it. Luckily Oktoberfest in Munchen does not allow smoking inside.
3. If you are not wearing Trachten you will look even more out of place at a small festival.
4. They will likely be serving a local breweries "fest bier". Only the 6 Munchen breweries are allowed to sell bier in Germany called Oktoberfest bier. Other breweries can make it and export it but cannot sell it in German as Oktoberfest bier. So if you are looking forward to one of the big 6's bier you probably won't find it at the smaller festivals.

Lastly it doesn't really matter where you go, as long as you are wiling to have fun, join in the festivities, drink bier, and not be a dick. While large the Maß consumption can sneak up on you with all the singing and prosting!

[Coleman]

Just returned from our third Oktoberfest and wanted to add a couple more things for anyone planning/thinking of going.

1. Pay attention to the weather, on Wednesday it was cold and rainy, this made the tents during the day fill up much faster and stay full since riding the rides and enjoying the bier gartens was not really a viable option.
2. We went back on Unity day to allow our kids to do some rides, it was still cold, however not raining, and the tents were packed as expected. The main doors to the tents were turning people away, but you can sometimes sneak in through the side.
3. As long as it is not glass, the fest grounds will allow you to bring in plastic bottles of water.
4. The only size bier served is a liter, however some old German couple managed to get a half liter, although they had coupons and seemed to really know the server.

As far as other fests during Oktoberfest season go be prepared for the following.
1. Smaller towns are likely to have few to no English speakers, so study up on some simple German phrases and make sure you know how to ask for change in German.
2. Since the smaller fests are still actual tents be prepared to leave smelling like smoke, Germans love smoking, even with the death labels, and have no shame about it. Luckily Oktoberfest in Munchen does not allow smoking inside.
3. If you are not wearing Trachten you will look even more out of place at a small festival.
4. They will likely be serving a local breweries "fest bier". Only the 6 Munchen breweries are allowed to sell bier in Germany called Oktoberfest bier. Other breweries can make it and export it but cannot sell it in German as Oktoberfest bier. So if you are looking forward to one of the big 6's bier you probably won't find it at the smaller festivals.

Lastly it doesn't really matter where you go, as long as you are wiling to have fun, join in the festivities, drink bier, and not be a dick. While large the Maß consumption can sneak up on you with all the singing and prosting!

What smaller festivals did you go to?

[JWags85]

As far as other fests during Oktoberfest season go be prepared for the following.
1. Smaller towns are likely to have few to no English speakers, so study up on some simple German phrases and make sure you know how to ask for change in German.
2. Since the smaller fests are still actual tents be prepared to leave smelling like smoke, Germans love smoking, even with the death labels, and have no shame about it. Luckily Oktoberfest in Munchen does not allow smoking inside.

First point is still surprising to me.  My old manager grew up in a small village outside Stuttgart and even there he said English was standard curriculum, and his friends in other nearby towns were learning it in some form by HS at the latest.  Germany has always stood out to me as the place where English was the most easy to find, even outside of tourist areas.

Second, its wild.  I go to Belgium often for work, and the labels on the cigarettes there make me nauseous and smoking culture is still HEAVY.  Not uncommon to see multiple packs, with resplendent lung cancer closeups, sitting on a desk

[Benny B]

First point is still surprising to me.  My old manager grew up in a small village outside Stuttgart and even there he said English was standard curriculum, and his friends in other nearby towns were learning it in some form by HS at the latest.  Germany has always stood out to me as the place where English was the most easy to find, even outside of tourist areas.

There is a difference between learning a foreign language and speaking.  It’s like basketball in Indiana... everyone plays but not everyone goes out for the team.  I had an aunt and uncle who visited the hometown of our family patriarch about 15 years ago in a small Dutch village.... my relatives don’t speak Dutch, but while most everyone in the village understood their English, there was only one person in town - a bartender - who was fluent (or confident) enough to speak English back.   

In short, you’re both right.  They teach English virtually everywhere, but they don’t speak it much in the small towns.  Hell, I know enough Spanish, French and Japanese to survive, but if one of those native speakers came to my town, I’m not going to try to be the village translator if I know there’s someone more capable. 

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

In short, you’re both right.  They teach English virtually everywhere, but they don’t speak it much in the small towns.  Hell, I know enough Spanish, French and Japanese to survive, but if one of those native speakers came to my town, I’m not going to try to be the village translator if I know there’s someone more capable.

That's me.  I can get by fine in French, Spanish & Polish, but don't ask me to be translator because I'm not fluent especially when it comes to listening and replying.  I don't use very regularly.  Reading is much easier.   

[jesmu84]

So...um... is this the weekend, fratbro crowd?

https://www.barstoolsports.com/barstoolu/this-twitter-thread-showing-how-unnatural carnal knowledgeed-up-people-get-at-oktoberfest-is-hands-down-some-of-the-craziest-crap-ive-ever-seen-on-the-internet-nsfw