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O'Zapft is: All important dates for the Wiesn 2024

The 189th Oktoberfest will soon be upon us and Munich will become a stronghold for beer lovers, fans of traditional costumes and party animals. From September 21 to October 6, 2024, the Theresienwiese will be transformed into a colorful sea of beer tents, fairground rides and culinary delights. We have compiled all the important dates and highlights for you so that you are well prepared.

The Oktoberfest 2024 begins

On Saturday, 21.09.2024 at 10:45 a.m., the 189th Oktoberfest starts with one of the most traditional events: the procession of the festival hosts and breweries. Led by the Münchner Kindl and Munich's Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter, a magnificent procession with over 1,000 participants follows. Since 1887, this "parade of the innkeepers" has marked the official start of the Oktoberfest. The Wiesn innkeepers parade from the city center to the Theresienwiese with festively decorated horses and carriages and ensure an impressive opening of the festivities.

 

"O'Zapft is"

On the same day, at 12:00 noon, the Oktoberfest is ceremoniously opened in the Schottenhamel-Festhalle. The world's biggest folk festival begins with the traditional cry of "O'zapft is" when the Lord Mayor taps the first barrel. The aim is to take as few taps as possible to fill the first pint of festival beer. This first pint is then presented to the Bavarian Minister President for tasting.

Traditional costumes and shooting procession

On Sunday, 22.09.2024, at 10:00 am, the Oktoberfest will be colorful and musical. Around 9,000 participants from traditional costume clubs, bands and marching bands will show off their magnificent traditional costumes and lively folk dances in the traditional Trachten- und Schützenzug. This spectacular procession, which has been an integral part of the Oktoberfest since 1950, moves through the streets of Munich to the festival grounds and is accompanied by musicians from all over Bavaria.

Oktoberfest traditional costume and costume parade 3, © Munich Tourism, Luis Gervasi

Family day

On Tuesday, 24.09.2024, the Theresienwiese is all about families. Families can look forward to special discounts until 19:00. Many rides, food stalls and attractions offer reduced prices on this day, and there are also special children's dishes and menus at special prices in the large festival tents.

Attention, don't forget!

  • Children under 6 years: They are not allowed to stay in beer tents and restaurants after 8 p.m., even if accompanied by an adult.
  • For children and young people under the age of 16: You may only stay on the festival grounds after 8 p.m. if accompanied by a parent or guardian. You can stay until the end.
  • Young people aged 16 and over: They are allowed to visit the festival grounds until the end without being accompanied by an adult, but in the tents only until midnight. 
 

Oktoberfest church service

On Thursday, 26.09.2024, at 09:30 a.m., the traditional ecumenical church service will take place in the Marstall - a tried and tested event at the Wiesn since 1956. This special service welcomes not only showmen and festival hosts, but also all Oktoberfest guests. The focus is on commemorating the deceased showmen, market vendors and Oktoberfest landlords. The service is an important occasion for the people who work and live on and around the Wiesn. In addition to the commemoration of deceased colleagues, personal celebrations such as baptisms, first communions and confirmations can also take place. 
 

Bergfest - half-time at the Wiesn

On Sunday, 29.09.2024, we celebrate the "Bergfest" on the Wiesn - the important half-time event of the Oktoberfest. Even if it is a little melancholy that the first half of the festival is already over, this day will be celebrated in style! The Bavarian mountain festival is celebrated in numerous festival tents on the Theresienwiese with lots of beer, pretzels and chicken. This is the perfect time to really step on the gas and get in the mood for the second half of the Oktoberfest.
 

Square concert

After the Bergfest, the traditional "Platzkonzert" awaits you at 11 am. Around 300 musicians from all the marquee bands perform together in front of the impressive statue of Bavaria, creating a unique concert of sound. At this musical highlight of the Oktoberfest, you will hear well-known Bavarian marches and songs. This free event not only offers a musical feast, but also the opportunity to enjoy performances by Schuhplattler and traditional costume groups. The square concert is an excellent opportunity to get into the Wiesn mood once again.

Concert of the Wiesn bands 1 © München Tourismus Werner Böhm

2nd family day

What could be better than a family day at the Wiesn? Exactly, two family days! On Tuesday, October 1, you can once again benefit from special family discounts. There will be discounts on rides and in the restaurants until 7 pm.

 

Farewell to the Wiesn with firecracker shooting

The Wiesn traditionally says goodbye in a spectacular way! On the last day, October 6, the big gun salute takes place as usual in front of the Bavaria. Around 60 Bavarian marksmen bring the festivities to a close with a ceremonial salute, accompanied by a musical performance by a brass band. The event is open to everyone and offers an impressive finale to the Oktoberfest.

The firing of firecrackers, whose origins date back to the 15th century, was originally a tribute to high-ranking personalities and also used to serve as a protective measure or warning of danger. Just as the Wiesn kicks off with the first firecracker shot, the festival ends in Bavarian style with a traditional farewell and the honoring of the kings of the Oktoberfest shooting competition.

"Off is, goar is"

On Sunday, 06.10.2024 at 23:00, the time has come: Oktoberfest 2024 ends with the traditional "Aus is, goar is". This is the end of the festival for this year. We are already looking forward to the next Oktoberfest and to seeing you again next year!

 
Boellerschuetzen in front of the Bavaria, © Munich Tourism, R. Haas

Enjoy the Wiesn at TIMEHOUSE

Experience the Oktoberfest 2024 in a very special way at TIMEHOUSE! Our hotel not only offers you stylish and comfortable rooms, but also a first-class location to enjoy the Oktoberfest to the full. After an exciting day at the Theresienwiese, you can relax and unwind with us. Let yourself be pampered by our unique service and enjoy the perfect mix of festive atmosphere and relaxation. Book now and make your visit to the Oktoberfest an unforgettable experience!