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INFO
Everything you need to know about OKTOBERFEST
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is the biggest beer festival in the world and one of the wildest parties you’ll ever experience. Every year millions of travellers head to Munich to drink incredible Bavarian beer, dance on tables, sing along to oompah bands and become best friends with complete strangers over giant one-liter steins. As close as you can get to heaven on earth.
When does Oktoberfest take place?
Don’t let the name confuse you – Oktoberfest runs from mid-September until early October. In 2026 the 191st Munich Oktoberfest will take place from September 19th until October 4th. Our campsites open from September 18th until October 5th so you can squeeze every last drop of fun out of the festival.
Do I need tickets to enter Oktoberfest?
Nope. Entry to Oktoberfest is completely free. Just walk onto the festival grounds, find a beer tent, grab a seat and order a giant litre of Bavarian beer.
What kind of beer is served at Oktoberfest?
Beer is served in one-liter glasses called a Maß. The beer is brewed specially for the festival by Munich’s famous breweries and follows Germany’s strict purity laws.
What should I wear to Oktoberfest?
Traditional Bavarian outfits like lederhosen and dirndls are the classic Oktoberfest look. They’re not required, but they definitely make the experience more fun.
Where can I buy lederhosen or dirndls?
Many stores around Munich sell dirndls and lederhosen, but it may cost you a pretty penny. You can, however, grab an authentic Bavarian fit from our onsite shop at both Stoketoberfest, and our (Un)Official Oktoberfest Village. Whatever you do though, avoid the disapproving looks from locals by dodging Amazon or Temu fits.
What food can you eat at Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest food is hearty and designed to keep you going through litres of beer. Expect giant pretzels, roast chicken, sausages, schnitzel and plenty of Bavarian comfort food.
How many people attend Oktoberfest?
More than six million people visit Oktoberfest every year.
Where is Oktoberfest held?
The festival takes place at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in the heart of Munich.
What time do the beer tents close?
Most beer tents close around 11 pm. But don’t worry, the party usually continues elsewhere in the city.
Is Oktoberfest only about beer?
Not at all. Besides beer tents there are carnival rides, games, music, food stalls and loads of entertainment.
Can tourists join Oktoberfest?
Absolutely. Oktoberfest is famous for bringing together travellers from all over the world.
Can you reserve tables in the beer halls?
Yes, tables can be reserved. But many people just arrive early or join other tables and make new friends. We know a guy though, so reach out to [email protected] if you want to lock in a reservation!
Is Oktoberfest safe?
Yes. Security, medical staff and police are present across the festival grounds. They also have “Sichere Wiesn” (Safe Oktoberfest), a space for women to find support if feeling unsafe on the Oktoberfest grounds.
Is Oktoberfest worth visiting?
100%. Oktoberfest is one of those festivals everyone should experience at least once.
Why is Oktoberfest so famous?
Because nowhere else combines giant beers, traditional Bavarian culture and millions of party-loving travellers like Munich does.
Everything you need to know about STOKETOBERFEST
What is Stoketoberfest?
Stoketoberfest is Stoke Travel’s legendary Oktoberfest campsite and party hub. It’s where thousands of travellers sleep, party, pre-game and recover before heading into the beer halls.
What is included in the Stoketoberfest ticket ?
Your Stoketoberfest ticket gets you access to our Stoketoberfest pit, open daily 8am-11pm. Here you’ll find our main stage, which will be blasting tunes all day; our open beer and sangria bars, all you can drink for just €15 a day; cooked breakfast served daily until 11am; games and art installations, chill hang out areas, and more. Chuck in some of the best people you’ll ever meet, and you’ve got Stoketoberfest, the loosest and silliest party you’ll come across in Europe.
What’s not included in the Stoketoberfest ticket?
Your tent to crash in, but don’t worry, you can explore tent options before booking and lock in the perfect one for you/your group and add it on with your ticket! Or, you can go ticket only – but we recommend just crashing with us (between the beer halls, and kick ons at ours, it makes life a lot easier).
Your Stoketoberfest ticket also doesn’t get you access to Oktoberfest, because there are no tickets to Oktoberfest.
Where is the Stoketoberfest located?
Stoketoberfest takes place at Campingplatz Obermenzing, a pretty campsite inside Munich city limits, and well connected to public transport, which means getting around exploring (and making the grand pilgrimage to the beer halls) is easy.
What type of accommodation is provided?
Most guests stay in twin-share tents that are already set up when you arrive, starting from €29 a night midweek, per person. Think classic festival camping, but with thousands of fellow travellers around, all on the hunt for some Bavarian beer and a good time.
Are there other tent options?
Yep. If you want a little more space or privacy, you can upgrade to solo tents, group tents or our Comfort Plus tents. Perfect if you want a bit more comfort while still being right in the middle of the Stoketoberfest chaos.
Is food included?
Yes, breakfast is included with your Stoketoberfest ticket. Every morning our campsite chefs cook up a big brunch to get you back on your feet after the night before. Think warm food, good vibes and bottomless mimosas to kickstart another day of festivities.
Is there an open bar?
Of course there is. Our famous open bar serves beer, sangria, mimosas, and soft drinks for just €15 per day, open 8am-11pm. It’s the perfect place to pre-game with new friends before heading into the beer halls (or some people just end up stuck here all day).
Are there parties at the campsite?
Absolutely – from 8am, the campsite wakes up and erupts to life with the pregame kicking off, until the early afternoon when the morning’s stragglers finally make it into the beer halls. Think DJs, bands, drinking games, new friends. Early evening as you battlers return from the beer halls, the programme resumes and keeps going long after sunset, with our open bar and antics of the Stoketoberfest pit closing at 11pm. No fear though, we have an afterparty going on at our mates place, the Campbiss front bar, until the early hours.
Can I stay with my friends?
Yes. If you’re travelling with friends you can request tents next to each other or book group tents so everyone stays together. Stoketoberfest is always better with your crew.
Is Stoketoberfest good for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Lots of travellers come solo and end up leaving with a whole group of new friends. Stoketoberfest has a funny way of turning strangers into drinking buddies pretty quickly.
Are showers and bathrooms available?
Yes. The campsite has proper showers and toilet facilities so you can freshen up before heading back into the madness.
Who usually stays at Stoketoberfest?
You’ll meet backpackers, study abroad students, expats and travellers from all over the world. Basically a big international crew of people who are all there for the same thing: great beer, great parties and unforgettable memories.
Is the campsite safe?
Yes. Staff and security are present on site 24/7.
How many people stay at Stoketoberfest?
Thousands of travellers stay and party with us every year – and up to a couple thousand on our busiest nights.
Why stay at Stoketoberfest instead of a hostel?
Because hostels are quiet and boring. Stoketoberfest is where the real Oktoberfest party starts.
Can I stay at the Stoketoberfest campsite without booking a ticket for Stoketoberfest (e.g. just the tent)?
Technically, but if you’re looking for cheap Oktoberfest accommodation with less of a party, maybe our (Un)official Oktoberfest Village is a bit more your vibe.
Who’s playing at Stoketoberfest?
Line up pending… make sure you sign up here to be the first to know! We have a lot of hours of entertainment to fill up though, so if you’d like to see someone on our Stoketoberfest stage (or maybe you yourself), reach out to us here
Everything you need to know about OKTOBERFEST EXPRESS
What is the Oktoberfest Express?
The Oktoberfest Express is Stoke Travel’s transport package that takes you straight to Munich with a bus full of travellers ready for a legendary Oktoberfest weekend.
What is included in the trip?
Your ticket includes return transport between Munich and your city of choice, no luggage limitations, and a guide who will make sure you’re on the bus (within reason, don’t take the piss)
Why aren’t you doing a bus from Slazburg?
We’ve locked in on some of the biggest and most central hubs in Europe that neighbour Munich, that also serve as gateways for many airlines (when the prices to get into Munich get a bit too steep). If you reckon you’ve got a busload worth of people keen to come along with you from a certain location though, hit us up at [email protected] and we’ll see what strings we can pull.
Why aren’t you running a bus on this day?
We’ve lined up our departures with the days that see the most demand at our campsites, with most guests wanting to stay over the weekend, it makes the most sense for us to run buses Thursday/Friday to Sunday. However, once again if you think you could fill up a whole bus from one location on a different date, reach out to [email protected] as we’ll make some magic happen.
Do I have to be staying with you to book the bus?
Nope! But it’s way more fun if you do 😉
Can I get dropped in the centre of Munich?
No, we only drop you off at either our Stoketoberfest campsite, or (Un)Official Oktoberfest Village campsite. However, both campsites are only a short ride from the hustle and bustle of Munich’s city centre, by either public transport, or taxi.
How long does the trip last?
Most Oktoberfest Express trips leave their city on Thursday night or Friday morning, and return from Munich Sunday night. That means you have two nights of Stoketoberfest partying and a full weekend exploring the beer halls of Munich.
Can I drink on the bus?
Definitely. The bus ride is part of the experience. It’s the perfect place to meet other travellers before you arrive, swap stories and start getting excited for the weekend ahead.
Is accommodation included?
Not in the initial cost. Most Express packages include accommodation at the Stoketoberfest campsite, where your tent is already set up and the party is already happening.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothes for the evenings, comfortable shoes for walking around Munich and some cash for the beer halls. And if you have lederhosen or a dirndl, even better.
Do I need to book early?
Yes. Oktoberfest trips sell out quickly every year, especially the popular weekends. Booking early means you don’t miss out on the biggest beer festival in the world.
Is the bus cheaper than flying?
Usually yes. Flights during Oktoberfest can get expensive, and the cheap ones often land well outside of the city. Our buses keep things simple and budget-friendly.
Why travel with Stoke Travel?
Because we bring one of the biggest international party crowds to Oktoberfest every year. With Stoke you don’t just visit Oktoberfest, you experience it with hundreds of like-minded travellers ready for a weekend they probably won’t fully remember but will definitely never forget.
Everything you need to know about (UN)OFFICIAL OKTOBERFEST VILLAGE
Is this the same campsite as the Stoketoberfest one?
No, our Village is located at Campingplatz Thalkirken, on the other side of the city. As we wanted to offer an alternative for people who don’t necessarily desire a party at the place they’re staying, we had to pitch tents elsewhere!
Can I stay here, but then go to Stoketoberfest?
You technically can, but that’s a bit fiddly for ya now isn’t it? Our two campsites are on opposite sides of the city, a fair commute away, with the Oktoberfest grounds in between. For your convenience, we recommend booking in one or the other.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothes for the evenings, comfortable shoes for walking around Munich and some cash for the beer halls. And if you have lederhosen or a dirndl, even better. We also have our essentials pack available for €15, kitted out with an inflatable pillow, towel, and toiletries pack, should you want to travel light.
Are showers and bathrooms available?
Yes. The campsite has proper showers and toilet facilities so you can freshen up before heading back into the madness.
Is there an open bar?
Unfortunately no open bar here – that’s just at our Stoketoberfest campsite. There is however a beer garden and bar at the campsite, which hosts an afterparty for Oktoberfest each day of the festival, from 11pm-late.