Things to Do in Munich During Oktoberfest: Plus 12 Things That Will Happen to You!

Oktoberfest » Stokepedia

Yeah, you’ll drink beer at Oktoberfest. But plenty of other things will happen to your sorry arse too…

Europe boasts a frightening amount of festivals throughout the year. Some celebrate history, some celebrate religion, some celebrate music. But Stoke – we hear you say – which one, of all the ones, should I go to?! Well, there is only one subject matter that truly unites people from all over the globe, that surely never started a war. Something that everyone agrees on. What could this possibly be, you may ask. Beer, my friends. Beer. And the biggest beer festival in the world lies right in one German city called Munich. Maybe you have heard of it. It’s called Munich Oktoberfest , and it’s fan-bloody-tastic. You know that if you go, when attending Oktoberfest, you’ll be drinking beer there. And especially if you go with one of our Oktoberfest packages. But what else WILL happen to you at Oktoberfest?

1. You’ll get swept up in the madness (Introduction to Oktoberfest)

Step onto the festival grounds at Munich’s Oktoberfest and you’ll feel it instantly: the buzz, the energy, the pure, unfiltered madness. The air is thick with the scent of delicious food—think sizzling sausages, giant pretzels, and roasted meats—while the sounds of traditional Bavarian music spill out from every direction. Everywhere you look, people are decked out in their finest traditional Bavarian attire, raising their steins and belting out songs you’ll soon pretend to know. With 14 massive Oktoberfest beer tents and a constellation of smaller ones, Oktoberfest is a swirling, joyful chaos of drinking, eating, and dancing. Whether you’re here for the beer, the food, or just to soak up the festival vibes, you’ll find yourself swept along by the sheer force of the fun. Resistance is futile—just dive in and let the Oktoberfest madness take you for a ride.

2.You’ll wear something ridiculous (and love it)

Forget your regular festival gear—at Oktoberfest, it’s all about going full traditional Bavarian. That means lederhosen for the lads and dirndls for the ladies. At first, you might feel a bit silly strapping on those suspenders or lacing up that bodice, but trust us, you’ll be strutting around the festival grounds like you were born to do it. There’s something about donning these classic outfits that makes the whole Oktoberfest experience even more fun. Suddenly, you’re not just attending a festival—you’re part of a centuries-old tradition, and you look damn good doing it. Plus, nothing says “I’m here for the festivities” like a group selfie in full Bavarian regalia. Embrace the ridiculousness, and you’ll find yourself loving every minute of it.

3. You’ll drink more beer than you thought humanly possible

Let’s be honest: Oktoberfest is basically the Olympics of beer drinking. You might think you know your limits, but the festival has a way of stretching them—one liter at a time. With so many legendary beers on tap, from the classic Hofbräu to the smooth Augustiner, you’ll be tempted to sample them all (and then some). The atmosphere is so infectious, the beer so cold and delicious, that you’ll barely notice how many steins you’ve polished off. Just remember to pace yourself, sneak in a soft drink or two, and maybe grab some great food to keep you going. After all, you want to make it to the end of the festival with your dignity—and your brain cells—intact. Prost to drinking, fun, and the best beers of your life!

4. You’ll make friends with strangers from around the world

Oktoberfest isn’t just about the beer—it’s about the people. Step into most tents and you’ll find yourself surrounded by new friends from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re clinking steins with Aussies, singing with Italians, or swapping stories with locals, the festival is a melting pot of good vibes and even better company. The shared mission? To have as much fun as humanly possible. It’s almost impossible not to bond with the people at your table, especially after a few rounds of Oktoberfest beer. By the end of the night, you’ll have a whole new crew of friends—and maybe even a few drinking songs under your belt. Cheers to new friends, unforgettable nights, and the magic of Oktoberfest.

5. You’ll get lost (and find yourself) in a beer tent

The beer tents at Oktoberfest are legendary for a reason. Step inside and you’ll be swept into a sea of revelers, all raising their steins and singing at the top of their lungs. With thousands of people packed into each tent, it’s easy to lose track of your friends—or yourself. But that’s all part of the adventure. As you wander through the tent, you’ll stumble upon new beers to try, mouthwatering food to sample, and maybe even a spontaneous dance party or two. And if you do get separated from your group, just head to the Bavaria statue outside—the unofficial meeting point for lost souls and reunited friends. Getting lost in a beer tent isn’t a problem at Oktoberfest; it’s practically a rite of passage. So embrace the chaos, make some new friends, and let the festival work its magic.

6. Speaking of Oktoberfest sex, you’ll get laid in A beer tent

Or you won’t. It’s really up to a few different factors, namely, a) whether you want to get laid or not, b) whether the person or people you want to get laid with and by want to get laid with and by you, which depends on c) your ability to be attractive, charming, and to put forward and appealing proposal. Oktoberfest can be a catch 22 for this, because on the one hand the high spirits and communal vibe, mixed with beer can lead to more amorous environment, but also that drunk people don’t necessarily make for great bedfellows. Try not to get too hammered, don’t be a creep, never forget that consent is the most important ingredient in any sex pie, and if you play your cards right, then you might indeed be getting laid. Here’s our guide to Oktoberfest sex NOTE: it’s in tents.

7. You’LL make new friends

Remember that time you tried to pick up at the cluurrrb but your prey just wasn’t vibing as hard as you were? Well you’re in luck. Everyone in the beer halls is here to have a good time with a bunch of friends or with a hall full of strangers. And thanks to a little liquid luck, you might find yourself chatting to that breasty beauty opposite you. Or the old drunken German who has seen a thousand Oktoberfests. Whether it is in the queue for the bathrooms, whether you’re holding their hair back or whether you simply have the same language, Oktoberfest friendships are a-plenty.

8. You’LL sing along to songs you don’t know

We’re not talking tacky Karaoke here. Drunk you will literally give zero f*cks about the fact that you cannot speak German as the hall erupts into a chorus of something something Prosit something. As the songs continuously play, you’ll eventually learn at least the gist of the tune and as long as you can time your swaying along with everyone else (which, once two beers down, is a more difficult task that you may think) no one will be able to tell you’re just screaming into the air. Expect plenty of traditional music performed by live bands, especially during the opening ceremony in the Schottenhamel tent, and don’t miss the lively atmosphere in the Hofbräu tent and the late-night fun at the Käfer tent.

9. You’LL eat some tasty chow

The Germans just do things that you can eat and drink so damn well. In not too many other places in the world can you drink a beer as pure and delicious as in Germany. And for eons, they have perfected exactly what the seasoned drinker wants to enjoy with their yeasty beverage. Breads, salts, fats and MEATS. Excessive emphasis on the word MEATS. Post-Oktoberfest, your body will no longer stand for that late-night kebab, and you’ll find yourself wandering the streets in search of that elusive 4am Pork Knuckle. And if you want to tantalise your taste buds a little early, check out our guide to Oktoberfest food. There is a huge variety of foods at Oktoberfest, from hearty meals inside the tents to delicious to-go foods and snacks available outside.

10. You’LL dress up

We know you’ve all seen photos of Oktoberfest. See how everyone is wearing traditional dirndl lederhosen? That’s because you pretty much have to. Or the Oktoberfest gods will seek vengeance and strike you down with a serious case of projectilevomitus. Although we know it’s nearly the end of a European summer and your bank account is silently weeping, scratch a little further into your debt and get yourself some traditional garments. It’s fun, it’s relatively inexpensive (if you buy some with Stoke!) and it will guarantee you bulk Insta likes. Everybody loves a good stein and dirndl rack or too-small lederhousen on da ‘Gram. FACT. Here’s a guide on what to wear at Oktoberfest.

11. You’LL line up to pee

No matter how many times you take your rosaries and tell yourself that “thou shalt not break thy seal,” it is an ultimately inevitable outcome of chugging mass amounts of beer. The feeling will hit you pretty fast as your body gives way to your bladder and you’ll be dashing to those WCs with your legs more twisted than the pretzel you just ate. Unfortunately, a thousand other people all decided this was their time to shine too, so prepare to dance the ‘i’m-about-to-wet-myself’ dance in the queue with a bunch of others who poorly timed their bodily functions. Hot tip: if you slosh enough beer onto your crotch front, no one will even notice.

12. You’ll have a blast

If SOMEHOW post-delicious beer consumption, post-pork knuckle, post-drinking songs, post-friend-making, post-everything you’re still thinking Oktoberfest was a little I could still make more party, join Stoke back at our Oktoberfest campsite to continue the antics and frivolity well into the night/morning. With us your Oktoberfest weekend will blur into a seamless panorama of indistinguishable faces, steins, psychedelic lights and bier fuelled-orgies, spinning around and around like Rose and Jack in the scene in the Titanic. When you stumble onto that bus back to wherever-the-fuck-you-came-from come Monday morning, you won’t remember anything you did anyway.

13. YOU’LL UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD

While beer is the star, don’t forget you can sneak in a soft drink or two if you need a break. There are also other drinks available, including wine and non-alcoholic options, so everyone can find something to enjoy. The festival atmosphere is electric, with a huge range of rides and attractions—take a spin on the iconic ferris wheel for great views, try your luck on the devil’s wheel, brave haunted houses, or test your courage on the five loops roller coaster.

14. YOU’LL NEED A GAME PLAN TO GET INTO THE TENTS

Getting into the tents can be a challenge, especially during peak times. All the tents have their own personality and vibe, so explore a few to find your favorite. Remember, tents close at set times each night, so plan ahead. Table reservations are highly recommended if you want to guarantee a spot, especially for large groups or busy evenings.

15. YOU WILL NEED WAY MORE CASH THAN YOU THINK

Most vendors prefer cash, so bring cash with you as not all accept cards. This will save you time and hassle when buying food, drinks, or souvenirs.

16. You’ll find more Beer Halls and Gardens

Munich’s beer culture extends beyond Oktoberfest. Be sure to visit Augustiner Keller, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved beer halls and beer gardens, as well as other famous beer gardens around Munich for a true local experience.

17. GET INTO SOME MUNICH MISCHIEF: THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE OKTOBERFEST

Take time to explore Munich’s city center, where you’ll find the historic Munich Residenz, the impressive BMW Museum, and the Deutsches Museum—the largest science and technology museum in the world. Don’t miss the English Garden, including Munich’s English Garden and the Eisbach river surf spot, where you can watch surfers or even try nude sunbathing, a unique local activity.

18. YOU’LL THANK US FOR THESE SAVAGE TRAVEL TIPS

Make the most of your trip by taking day trips to nearby destinations, and consider hiring a local guide for insider tips and hidden gems. Buy tickets for public transport in advance to save time, and use the train station as a convenient hub for travel and shopping.

19. YOU’LL REGRET NOT PLANNING AHEAD (SO DON’T BE THAT GUY)

Oktoberfest is busy, so book early for accommodations to get the best deals and avoid missing out.

20. YOU WILL BE SWEPT UP IN BAVARIAN TRADITIONS (LIKE a PARADE FLOAT ON SPEED)

Oktoberfest is packed with special events. The opening day parade is a must-see, and the first Sunday features the Traditional Costume and Hunters’ Parade, showcasing traditional costume and Bavarian culture. Sundays also bring unique events like the Wiesn Landlords’ Concert, and the festival ends with a spectacular gun salute.

Interested? Check out our Oktoberfest packages and you too can experience these hallowed eight things.

WRITTEN BY THE HOBOS.

Tagged with: alcohol, Backpacker, bier, Beer, bus journeys, Munich, Holidays, Oktoberfest, party, booze, beer-fest, germany, stoketoberfest, travel, travelling