Frequently Asked Questions about the World's Biggest Brewfest
What's the deal with Beer Tent Reservations?
Every year it’s a long process for us to book beer tent reservations, and you don’t always get exactly what you want. Every tent has its own system for booking reservations, not to mention they each start the process at different times of the year. You always have to make reservations in groups of 8-10 people, and most of the reservations go to locals who have held tables at the Wies'n for several generations.
The big tents (holding 7,000-10,000 people at a time) are the most difficult to get into and often close their doors by noon on Saturdays simply because they're already full. It's nearly impossible to get in to a big tent without a reservation on a busy day; however, you can sometimes squeeze in with someone at a table outside and order a beer to establish your spot. If you’re already in a tent when the reservation time has expired, you can stay in that tent - you just have to find an opening at a table in a non-reserved section. Weekdays are much less crowded compared to Saturdays and weekend nights. Two people can usually find their way into a tent and find a seat to get a beer. At night it’s often too crowded to order food (unless you have vouchers with your reservation) but don't worry; there are plenty of vendors serving hearty Bavarian food on the Oktoberfest Fair Grounds.
The Ludus package includes at least 1 beer tent reservation per person. Depending on which weekend you're in Munich, you may end up at a big tent (5,000+ capacity) or a medium tent (under 1,000-5,000 capacity). Most reservations include 2 beers (1 liter each) and 1 food voucher (usually a chicken plate). It is sometimes possible for us to include a second beer tent reservation in your package for an additional charge - just ask!
How much does a liter of beer (the "Maß” Oktoberfest Beer) cost at one of the tents?
The price for a liter of beer ranges between €8 and €9 per liter (about $10-12). A liter of table water costs about €6. Soft drinks also cost about €6-7 (you'll usually find Coke and Spezi, a Coke/Fanta mix).
Oktoberfest starts in September...why's it called Oktoberfest?
The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich in 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began October 12, 1810, and lasted for almost a week, until October 17. The public celebrations ended with an exciting horse race. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the same type of festival should be continued annually. In the following years, the galas were repeated every October, prolonged and, eventually moved forward into September primarily because of the weather.
What's the average age of Ludus clients?
Hard question to answer, but most of our clients are between the ages of 28-45. But it varies with each group. We've had guests that are 60+ years of age as well as kids with their families and college students. We don't have an age limit; you just have to be ready to have a good time!
Is there a program of events that we can see?
The highlight event of the Wies’n is the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade. The parade occurs on the first Wies’n Sunday of Oktoberfest. This year it is Sunday, September 20th. It starts at 10am and lasts about 3 hours. More than 7,000 performers will participate along the 7 kilometer (5 mile) parade route.
Every year it’s a long process for us to book beer tent reservations, and you don’t always get exactly what you want. Every tent has its own system for booking reservations, not to mention they each start the process at different times of the year. You always have to make reservations in groups of 8-10 people, and most of the reservations go to locals who have held tables at the Wies'n for several generations.
The big tents (holding 7,000-10,000 people at a time) are the most difficult to get into and often close their doors by noon on Saturdays simply because they're already full. It's nearly impossible to get in to a big tent without a reservation on a busy day; however, you can sometimes squeeze in with someone at a table outside and order a beer to establish your spot. If you’re already in a tent when the reservation time has expired, you can stay in that tent - you just have to find an opening at a table in a non-reserved section. Weekdays are much less crowded compared to Saturdays and weekend nights. Two people can usually find their way into a tent and find a seat to get a beer. At night it’s often too crowded to order food (unless you have vouchers with your reservation) but don't worry; there are plenty of vendors serving hearty Bavarian food on the Oktoberfest Fair Grounds.
The Ludus package includes at least 1 beer tent reservation per person. Depending on which weekend you're in Munich, you may end up at a big tent (5,000+ capacity) or a medium tent (under 1,000-5,000 capacity). Most reservations include 2 beers (1 liter each) and 1 food voucher (usually a chicken plate). It is sometimes possible for us to include a second beer tent reservation in your package for an additional charge - just ask!
How much does a liter of beer (the "Maß” Oktoberfest Beer) cost at one of the tents?
The price for a liter of beer ranges between €8 and €9 per liter (about $10-12). A liter of table water costs about €6. Soft drinks also cost about €6-7 (you'll usually find Coke and Spezi, a Coke/Fanta mix).
Oktoberfest starts in September...why's it called Oktoberfest?
The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich in 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began October 12, 1810, and lasted for almost a week, until October 17. The public celebrations ended with an exciting horse race. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the same type of festival should be continued annually. In the following years, the galas were repeated every October, prolonged and, eventually moved forward into September primarily because of the weather.
What's the average age of Ludus clients?
Hard question to answer, but most of our clients are between the ages of 28-45. But it varies with each group. We've had guests that are 60+ years of age as well as kids with their families and college students. We don't have an age limit; you just have to be ready to have a good time!
Is there a program of events that we can see?
The highlight event of the Wies’n is the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade. The parade occurs on the first Wies’n Sunday of Oktoberfest. This year it is Sunday, September 20th. It starts at 10am and lasts about 3 hours. More than 7,000 performers will participate along the 7 kilometer (5 mile) parade route.
