So much of your Oktoberfest experience will revolve around the Oktoberfest beer tents. There are actually dozens of them and they all vary in size, offerings, and vibe. And since this is where the real party happens, I know you want to make sure you choose wisely.
I’ve been attending Oktoberfest regularly since 2014 and typically spend the entire two weeks of the festival at the festival. I’ve been to all of the big Oktoberfest beer tents at all different times and have had all kinds of experiences in them. Now, I want to pass all this wisdom down to you. (It’s about damn time, right? I know.)
This post will answer all the questions you have about the different beer tents at Oktoberfest and plenty more you didn’t even think to ask. Prost!
Oktoberfest beer tents: the basics
Here are the most important things you need to know about the Oktoberfest beer tents.
1. There are big and small Oktoberfest beer tents
There are 17 big tents at Oktoberfest and 22 small ones. The big tents are the ones you think of when you think of “Oktoberfest” and where you’re probably going to spend most of your time.
The small ones are way smaller than the big ones and usually function as a restaurant and vendor booth as well. Just note that everything in this post refers to the big ones.
2. It’s free to get into the beer tents
Getting into the Oktoberfest beer tents is completely free. There’s no charge to get in, no charge to sit at a table, no minimum purchase, nothing. Totally free. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise or try to sell you “Oktoberfest tickets” or anything like that.
To get into a beer tent at Oktoberfest, you simply walk in. It’s as easy as that, really. A lot of the time, the doors are even just propped open for you to come and go. On a busy night, there may be a line to get in if the tent is full, but it’s still free to get in.
Charging to get into a beer tent is on my list of Oktoberfest scams to look out for. Definitely take note of the rest!
3. Each tent serves just one kind of beer
Each of the 39 beer tents at Oktoberfest serves just one kind of beer, and it’ll be from one of six breweries. As per tradition, only beer from Munich’s “big six” is permitted to be served at Oktoberfest. These include: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.
While a tent may serve different variations of beer (like alcohol free, hefeweizen, etc.), each tent only serves beer from one particular brand. You get what you get; don’t even think about asking for something different.
Unless you specifically ask for alkoholfrei, the beer you’ll get is going to be that brand’s festbier. This is a beer brewed specially for this festival. For more on this, see my post on what beer is served at Oktoberfest.
4. Each tent has its own vibe
You may be tempted to think it doesn’t matter which beer tent you go to, but do know that they’re all very different. Don’t get me wrong, you’re sure to have a great time in any of them, but different tents definitely suit different people.
Each tent has its own décor, theme, and its own band and music style. Each one also has its own reputation and is usually favored by certain demographics. The beer and food options can vary wildly at all of them. Some are more party and some are more chill. Don’t worry, I go through all of that in this post.
5. Each tent has its own prices
Another difference between the tents is how much stuff costs at each one. Because they’re all independently owned and operated, each of them charges what they want for stuff like food, beer, and souvenirs.
Though there is a general average among these things, know that if you buy a beer in one tent for €14, it could very well be €15.40 at a different tent.
Also read: How Much Does Stuff Cost at Oktoberfest? What to Budget for Beer, Food, & Beyond
6. Oktoberfest beer tents are cash only
While you can use your credit card for a lot of stuff out on the festival grounds, inside the tents it’s all cash. Every beer you buy? Cash. Every meal and snack you eat? Cash. Want to buy a t-shirt? Cash. Looking to snort some white powder? Cash. (BUT OMG DEFINITELY READ THIS POST FIRST.)
If you forget cash, there are ATMs all around the festival and even inside the beer tents themselves. All I can say is, withdrawal wisely folks.
7. The beer tents are rebuilt from scratch each year
You read that right—every single year. Beginning in late June/early July, it takes 3,000 construction workers about 10 weeks to build “Oktoberfest.” *jazz hands* Immediately afterwards, they take it all down in about half that time.
But don’t let the DIY beer tents fool you; that construction is solid. The tents are built with wood and steel on top of concrete foundations that are re-poured every year. Much of the construction is regulated by German building code, and methinks the Germans know a thing or two about engineering.
While those millions of parts get stored in warehouses from October to June, the festival grounds are used for other events like Frühlingsfest in the spring. (A smaller, more local Oktoberfest-like festival.)
Check out this time-lapse video of the Paulaner Oktoberfest tent being assembled, or this timeline of how they construct the Hofbräu tent each year to see the process, and the live webcam during construction season.
8. The beer tents have beer gardens too
Most of the big Oktoberfest beer tents also have tons of outdoor seating in their own “beer gardens.” On nice days, the beer gardens are packed and a lot of fun. On bad weather days, they just don’t open them. These are great places to grab a beer if you have a hard time finding empty seats inside first.
9. Oktoberfest beer tent hours
The big beer tents at Oktoberfest open at 9am on the weekends and 10am during the week. Regardless of which day of the week it falls, the beer tents open at 9am on October 3 (the national holiday).
With the exception of just two, all beer tents close at 10:30pm every night of the week. (Well, 10:30pm is when the music stops, the lights come on, and they begin kicking everyone out which usually takes a while.) The two exceptions to this are Kufflers Weinzelt (the wine tent) and Käfer Wiesn-Schänke which both close at 1am.
10. Oktoberfest beer tent rules
Even though it may seem like it from the outside, Oktoberfest isn’t a totally lawless exploit. When inside the beer tents, here are a few major rules you’ll need to follow:
No standing on the tables
Standing on the benches is fine (later on in the day when the party gets going) but standing on the tables is a big no-no. They won’t hesitate to kick you out for this.
No food or drinks in or out
You can’t bring in drinks or food you purchased elsewhere, and you can’t leave with drinks you’ve purchased inside. They probably won’t stop you if you’re still eating that pickle on a stick on your way out though, but who knows.
No smoking
This is a very strict NO SMOKING policy inside the Oktoberfest beer tents. Instead, each tent has its own designated smoking area outside somewhere.
Prepare to be searched again
When you enter the festival grounds, security will check your purse or bag if you have one. Even so, you’re probably going to get your bags checked again at the tent entrances. Don’t argue with them, just open your bag again. (Here’s what you need to know about bringing a purse or bag into Oktoberfest.)
No saving seats
If your friend is in the bathroom, sure, you can save their seat until they get back. But getting to a tent earlier than your friends and trying to save seats for them until they get there? Absolutely not. I mean, you can try, but it’s not going to end well.
No stealing the beer mugs
Look, I know you want a souvenir and you think it’d be hilarious to try and take one of the beer tent glasses. Just know they are expecting this and WILL catch you. In 2025 alone, they caught 116,000 people trying to steal the beer mugs from the tents. Don’t be an idiot. Just buy one from the souvenir booths outside like an adult.
No children at certain times
Even though kids are generally welcome at Oktoberfest, there are certain days and times when they’re not.
- Strollers are fine at the festival during the week (and Sundays) but only until 6pm. Strollers are not allowed at all on Saturdays or on October 3 (the public holiday).
- Children ages 6 and under need to be out of the beer tents by 8pm. I’ve seen some tents say 8 years old, so this rule may vary by tent.
- Children up to 16 can only stay at the festival after 8pm if they’re with their parents. (The beer-drinking age in Germany is 16.)
The tent staff doesn’t ask for identification to verify your child’s age, so if they even “look” like they’re under a certain age, they’ll have to leave. Please don’t get pissed about this. It’s likely because the child is small for their age and the beer tents can get super dangerous at night. This is all for your child’s safety.
11. Beer tent accessibility
Oktoberfest takes accessibility seriously and all the Oktoberfest beer tents are designed with this in mind. They all have wheelchair entrances, reserved tables for wheelchair users, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and more. Many tents also have braille menus available.
This page briefly covers the accessibility options for all the big Oktoberfest tents, including how to reserve spots for wheelchair users.
Oktoberfest beer tents map
This map contains the locations of all the big Oktoberfest beer tents. Since they’re taken down every year, the tents themselves don’t appear on the map, but their locations don’t change. This way, you can use this map when you get here. For a more detailed map, see this page.
To save this map: Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save in your Google Maps. To use this map: When you get here, open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click “Maps.”
All about the big Oktoberfest beer tents
Here’s the quick list of the big tents at Oktoberfest. Click on each to read all the details about a particular tent or just keep scrolling.
1. Armbrustschützenzelt
The name of this tent translates to the “crossbow shooter’s tent” and you’ll see why when you step inside. This tent has a hunting lodge theme and features faux taxidermy animals on the walls. (And many I suspect are not faux in some areas.)
2. Augustiner Festhalle
Augustiner is a big-time local’s tent that serves beer from Munich’s oldest brewery in a unique way.
3. Fischer-Vroni
The Fischer-Vroni tent is the one where you’ll find them roasting fish on sticks outside (steckerlfisch). And for this reason, the entire tent smells like smoked fish and it’s not good. This is the main, and maybe only, reason I spend as little time as possible here. I just can’t. It’s so bad. That said, the fish is actually delicious and I highly recommend it! Just eat it outside.
4. Hacker-Festzelt
The Hacker tent is arguably the most recognizable with its “Bavarian Heaven” motif and pretty blue sky. It’s definitely one of my favorites.
5. Hofbräu Festzelt
The Hofbräu tent is probably the most famous Oktoberfest beer tent (but that’s not necessarily a good thing). For whatever reason, the Hofbräu tent has become the favored tent of foreign visitors, primarily drunk Americans. Unless the corporations they work for have made reservations, you’ll hardly see any locals here. This is the second largest Oktoberfest beer tent and where you’ll find the craziest party.
6. Käfer Wiesn-Schänke
This is the smallest of the “big” tents and the most exclusive. It’s where the snooty celebrities go (and the locals who wish they were famous). This is also the tent where you’ll find the players from FC Bayern hanging out.
7. Kufflers Weinzelt
This is the Oktoberfest wine tent. It’s true, you don’t even have to be a beer-drinker to enjoy Oktoberfest. This tent is designed to resemble a big cozy Alpine lodge (without the claustrophobia). The seating here is unique and the party is so fun. They have a huge wine menu to order from and just one beer option.
8. Löwenbräu-Festzelt
I spend a lot of time in the Löwenbräu tent and it’s always a lot of fun. Upbeat atmosphere all day and a great party at night.
9. Marstall Festzelt
The Marstall tent is one of the youngest tents at Oktoberfest having opened only in 2014. It has a pretty obvious horse and carousel theme and is known as one of the “posh” tents at Oktoberfest. It’s the first tent you’ll come to when you enter the festival grounds.
10. Ochsenbraterei
Of all the Oktoberfest beer tents, this one is the most famous for its food, primarily oxen. If you’d like to have a great meal while you’re here, check this tent out. (It’s sometimes referred to as the Spatenbräu-Festhalle.)
11. Paulaner Festzelt
Previously known as the Winzerer Fähndl, the Paulaner tent is most easily recognized by the giant spinning beer mug. (There’s one outside on a tall column and another inside on top of the bandstand.)
12. Pschorr-Bräurosl
After Oktoberfest was canceled in 2020 and 2021, the Pschorr-Bräurosl tent reopened with new owners and a brand-new look. And it is stunning! This is the tallest of all the Oktoberfest beer tents and one of the most beautiful, in my opinion. And with seating for more than 10,000 people, it’s also the largest.
13. Schottenhamel Festhalle
Founded in 1867, the Schottenhamel tent is officially the oldest beer tent at Oktoberfest. (I bet you’re glad they rebuild the tents every year now, huh?) Schottenhamel is always a great time, as long as you’re comfortable being the oldest person in the room.
14. Schützen-Festzelt
This is another of the oldest tents at Oktoberfest and one you don’t hear about that much, for whatever reason. Somewhat hidden over by the Bavaria statue, this tent has the best outdoor balcony area which offers fantastic views.
All about the Oide Wiesn tents
Over in the Oide Wiesn there are four more beer tents that could technically be called “big” even though most of them are on the smaller side. Check these out for something totally different than the rest.
All of these are going to be more laid-back than anywhere else at the festival. None of these tents have party bands at night so the music skews more traditional all day long. You’re going to find it’s almost entirely locals at these tents, and you won’t even be allowed in if you’re wearing a trashy Oktoberfest “costume.”
In keeping with the 1800’s theme of the Oide Wiesn, all tents here serve their beer straight from wooden barrels and into actual stone mugs.
1. Boandlkramerei
Opened in 2024, this is the newest Oktoberfest beer tent. This tent is known as the “Musician’s tent” and their focus is on creating a jovial atmosphere of music and dancing. It has a large dance floor and a rotating list of musical performers and bands (unlike the others who use the same bands throughout the festival).
2. Festzelt Tradition
This is the biggest of the Oide Wiesn tents and another personal favorite. It’s beautifully decorated and has tons of traditional performances all day and night. This is the place to go if you want to see “Oktoberfest” stuff like the Schuhplattler (slap dance), Goaßlschnalzen (whip cracking), and more. This tent also has an elevated dance floor that anyone can dance on! (I’ve humiliated myself up here several times.)
3. Museumzelt
Oktoberfest’s Museum Tent is definitely the weirdest one here. Playing on the 1800s theme of the Oide Wiesn, it’s also home to several museum-style exhibits from Oktoberfests of yore. You’ll find a collection of wooden keg-tapping mallets used to open the festival over the years, a carousel, a candy shop, people riding wacky old-timey bikes, and an overall creepy-circus theme.
4. Schützenlisl
Known as the “folk singers’ tent,” the Schützenlisl is another beautiful and traditionally-styled Oktoberfest tent. As you may expect, this one is big on folk singing and everyone in the room is encouraged to sing along (as if that ever stopped anyone at Oktoberfest).
The best Oktoberfest beer tents
After all that, I know you’re still wondering: “But which ones are the best ones?” And while there’s no definitive answer for that since it’s all subjective, I can tell you which ones I (an Oktoberfest expert) personally think are the best in tons of different categories. So, here you go!
The worst Oktoberfest beer tents
Now that you’ve had your fill of beer, I take it you’re ready for some tea? Here are my picks for the worst Oktoberfest beer tents:
Also read: What NOT to Do at Oktoberfest: 20 Embarrassing Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
Check out my post on Oktoberfest bathrooms to see what the general bathroom situation here is like.
Frequently asked Oktoberfest beer tent questions
Here are a few more frequently asked Oktoberfest beer tent questions. If you think of something I haven’t covered, ask away in the comment section below!
1. How do the beer tents at Oktoberfest work?
To visit an Oktoberfest beer tent, take your pick and, chances are, you’ll be able to walk right in. Once in, it’s up to you to find an empty seat. (The only exception to this is the Marstall tent which has hostesses that can escort you to an empty seat if they know of one.)
Each tent is required by law to save a certain number of seats for walk-ins, usually in the center. The reserved tables will have signs that say Reserviert on them. You may also be allowed to sit in the reserved sections if those groups never showed up or if it’s in between the lunch and dinner reservations, but only if the servers say it’s OK to sit there.
Once at a table, a server will take your order. When they bring your beer and food, you pay for it right then and there in cash. There are no tabs or bills to pay at the end.
If you’re in the unreserved section, that seat is yours for as long as you’re there. If you’re sitting in the reserved section but don’t have a reservation, they’ll kick you out before the next reservation starts to prepare the area.
2. Which tents serve wine, liquor, cider?
While Oktoberfest is largely known as a “beer festival,” there are actually tons of other beverage options, if you know where to look.
First of all, no tent at Oktoberfest serves cider. You’ll be able to find apfelsaftshorle (sparkling apple juice) in almost all the tents, but nowhere will you find cider.
If you want wine, definitely head to the wine tent (Kufflers Weinzelt). Otherwise, you can get wine at several other tents like: Armbrustschützenzelt, Fischer-Vroni, Käfer, Marstall, Schützen, and Hofbräu. Sometimes it’s on the menu, sometimes it’s not. It never hurts to ask.
Some tents even have liquor bars inside. Head to Armbrustschützenzelt, Kufflers Weinzelt, Schützen, and Fischer-Vroni for the hard stuff.
There’s a lot more to know on this topic so definitely check out my post on Oktoberfest for non-beer drinkers.
3. How many people fit into the Oktoberfest beer tents?
The size of the beer tents is probably the most shocking thing about this festival. I am never not amazed by this. The term “tent” is used quite loosely here.
The largest tent at Oktoberfest (Pschorr-Bräurosl) has an indoor capacity of 8,250. Behind that are Armbrustschützenzelt, Augustiner, Hacker, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Ochsenbraterei, Paulaner, Schottenhamel, Schützen, and the Festzelt Tradition which can all hold between 5,000 and 7,000 people.
More info for your trip to Oktoberfest
Like this post? Have more questions about the Oktoberfest beer tents? Let me know in the comments below. Prost!
Save this info, pin these images:
