Oktoberfest Beer Tents

In addition to the Oktoberfest fairground rides, the Oktoberfest food, traditional Oktoberfest outfits and of course the Oktoberfest beers, the Oktoberfest beer tents are one of the ubiquitous pillars of this, the world’s biggest, best and original beer festival. The largest beer tent and other large tents attract massive crowds, with each popular tent drawing both locals and foreign visitors eager to experience the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The best beer tents are renowned for their unique atmospheres, rustic charm, and cozy tent options with intimate seating, making them a must-visit for international visitors. Small tents and small tent options offer a more personal experience, often featuring traditional decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Oktoberfest celebrations are centered around the oktoberfest beer tent experience, which is a key draw for visitors from around the world.

Beer tents, or beer halls as they’re also known, are loosely divided up into the bigger tents, the ones that seat thousands and have long traditions – of which there are 14 – and the smaller tents that serve drinks and food, of which there are more than 20.  Of the larger Oktoberfest beer tents we can further break them up into two categories – the breweries’ own tents (there are only six breweries that make Oktoberfestbier or Oktoberfest beers) and then specialty beer halls, that also serve one of the big six beers, but are focused on another aspect of Oktoberfest food or tradition.

A Quick Intro to Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest and most iconic beer festival, held every autumn in Munich, Germany (PS: there’s also this random fun thing called Springfest as well.) This legendary event draws millions of visitors from across the globe, all eager to immerse themselves in Bavarian culture, savor delicious food, and, of course, enjoy some of the finest beer on the planet. At the heart of Oktoberfest are the beer tents—over 30 in total—ranging from the massive, bustling big beer tents like the Hofbräu Tent and the Hacker-Pschorr Tent, to the more intimate small beer tents such as the Augustiner Tent and the historic Schottenhamel Tent. Each tent offers its own unique atmosphere, from lively crowds and traditional music to cozy corners where you can sample wheat beer or Augustiner beer alongside hearty Bavarian fare. Whether you’re seeking the energy of a packed festival tent or the charm of a smaller tent, Oktoberfest in Munich promises an unforgettable experience filled with beer, music, and the best of Bavarian hospitality.

History and Tradition

Oktoberfest’s roots stretch back to 1810, when Munich first hosted the festival to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Since then, Oktoberfest has grown into a beloved tradition, deeply woven into the fabric of Bavarian culture. Each year, the Oktoberfest grounds in Munich are transformed into a vibrant celebration, complete with rows of beer tents, bustling beer gardens, and a festive atmosphere that’s second to none. The beer tents—like the legendary Schützen Tent, the lively Löwenbräu Tent, and the cozy Hacker Tent—are central to the festival’s enduring appeal. Many of these tents still serve beer from traditional wooden kegs, adding to the authentic experience. Visitors don traditional outfits, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the sounds of traditional music, all while raising a stein of Augustiner beer or another local favorite. Oktoberfest remains a true celebration of Bavarian heritage, where old-world charm meets modern festivity.

Oktoberfest’s “Big Six” Brewery Beer Tents 

The rule is that only breweries located within Munich’s city limits can produce the Oktoberfestbiers that are served during Oktoberfest. The breweries also have to make beers that adhere to German Purity Laws, guaranteeing the highest quality standards (and less of a hangover they say). This gives us the following six breweries and their associated beer tents.

Most tents, especially the largest beer tents, offer both indoor seating and standing room to accommodate the crowds, and the central aisle is a key feature in organizing the seating. Only two tents still serve beer from traditional wooden kegs, making them unique among the large tents. Compared to the Big Six, other tents may focus on different themes or offer alternative experiences, so each other tent brings its own atmosphere and traditions. Most Oktoberfest tents have a variety of beer served, and each tent serves its own specialty, enhancing the diversity of the festival and the experience of serving beer in different ways.

Augustiner-Festhalle

The Augustiner-Festhalle, known as the augustiner beer tent, is one of the oldest tents at Oktoberfest, with a tradition dating back to 1898. Known for serving Augustiner beer from wooden barrels, and its laid back, local atmosphere, if you’re travelling to Oktoberfest and want to check this beer hall out we recommend getting a reservation.

Despite its rich history and authentic atmosphere, the augustiner beer tent is sometimes a hidden gem that tourists overlook, making it a unique spot to experience a true Munich tradition.

Hofbräu-Festzelt

This is one of the biggest Oktoberfest beer tents with space for around 10,000 beer lovers, and is the beer hall that caters the most for the international crowd. The Hofbräu-Festzelt is especially popular among foreign visitors and international visitors, making it a vibrant hub for guests from around the world. The tent also offers standing room for those who do not have a reservation, allowing more people to join the festivities. Hofbräu-Festzelt is renowned for its rowdy atmosphere, with revellers dancing on tables throughout the beer hall and generally having a damn good time. The Hofbräu brewery itself was founded in 1589, and the permanent Hofbräuhaus in Munich city is worth a visit for its history (and for cheaper beer and food!).

Hacker-Pschorr Festzelt

Otherwise known as “Himmel der Bayern”, or Bavarian Heaven due to its intricate and beautiful painted ceiling depicting heaven, Hacker-Pschorr Festzelt has a nice mix of locals and tourists and is generally a more laid back option for tourists.

This fun tent is famous for its lively atmosphere, where guests can enjoy traditional tunes and traditional brass music performed by live bands, enhancing the festive and authentic Bavarian experience.

Löwenbräu-Festhalle

A favourite of Stoke Travel, the Löwenbräu-Festhalle is rowdy, wild, fun, and welcoming of tourists who want to play hard, but play respectfully. The Löwenbräu-Festhalle is considered a popular tent at Oktoberfest, known for its lively crowds and the iconic lion mascot that draws both locals and tourists. Lowenbrau beers are easily identified by their lion logo and the beer hall is no different, with its giant animatronic lion out the front. The beers here are among the best and strongest, owing to this brewery’s origins in the 1300s. These guys have experience in making us party.

Paulaner-Festzelt 

The Paulaner tent is easily recognised due to the giant rotating mug of beer out the front. Paulaner-Festzelt is a central venue for Paulaner beer at Oktoberfest. The tent serves a variety of Paulaner beer, making it a must-visit for fans of this brewery.

This tent serves traditional märzen Oktoberfestbiers, as well as their specialty wheat beers, offering a wide range of beer served for every taste. This beer hall also has a rather large biergarten which is worth checking out when the insides of the beer halls are full and it’s nice and sunny out.

Spatenbrau-Franziskaner-Zelt

Otherwise known as Schottenhamel, Spatenbrau-Franziskaner-Zelt is the oldest beer tent at Oktoberfest, and as such the hall where Oktoberfest is opened every year, with the Munich mayor tapping the first keg in the hall at midday on the first Saturday of the event.

It is the only tent where the official Munich taps ceremony takes place, with the Lord Mayor of Munich tapping the first keg to mark the start of Oktoberfest.

The hall can host more than 10,000 people and is preferred by locals and calmer people.

Oktoberfest Speciality Tents

Armbrustschützenzelt

The Armbrustschützenzelt beer hall is a traditional shooters tent, renowned for its crossbow competitions and sports-themed decor. This makes the beer tent one of the more traditional, and with a more subdued atmosphere, but definitely worth one of the Paulaner beers they serve there while watching the spectacle.

Fischer-Vroni

The Fischer-Vroni beer tent is famous for its Steckerlfisch or fish-on-a-stick offerings – delicious grilled trout, mackerel and other fish, prepared over a long BBQ and served alongside Augustiner beers – the only beer hall apart from Augustiner-Festhalle to do so.

Fischer-Vroni is also known for its rotisserie chicken stands, where visitors can enjoy traditional roast chicken, a popular and authentic Oktoberfest dish. Check out their beer garden on a sunny day.

Käfer Wiesn-Schänke

The Käfer Wiesn-Schänke is a classier beer hall favoured by celebrities, hosted by the Käfer family who have a famous gourmet food store in Munich. Käfer Wiesn-Schänke is also one of the few tents where guests can enjoy sparkling wine in an exclusive setting. Celebrities and gourmet mean that we’re probably not going to get let in, but if you do feel like one of the Hacker-Pschorr beers that they serve it’s probably worth a try. Make sure you wear your finest Oktoberfest outfits!

Kufflers Weinzelt

The name literally translates to Kufflers Wine Tent, so you can bet that Kufflers Weinzelt is focused on delicious wines. Featuring mainly German wines, if you’ve already had your fix of riesling you’ll find Australia, Italian, French, Spanish and international wines there too. This tent is renowned as being a bit more sophisticated than other beer halls.

Compared to other tent options, such as the whimsical sugar castle which specializes in desserts and sweets, Kufflers Weinzelt stands out for its extensive wine selection and refined atmosphere.

Marstall Festzelt

As a homage to Oktoberfest’s horse racing tradition, the Marstall Festzelt has a horse focus, with a huge carousel occupying the middle of the beer hall. Marstall means royal stables in German and has a slightly elevated ambience with a focus on finer food and serves Spaten beer. 

Ochsenbraterei

With its name meaning ox roastery the Ochsenbraterei beer tent specialised in whole oxen roasted on spits over fires. The smell of the roast ox permeates not only the beer hall, but for passers by too, and can be recognised by its huge robotic ox twirling over the front door, and serves Spaten beer.

Schützen-Festzelt

The Marksmen’s Festival Tent, Schützen-Festzelt is a locals focused beer hall with crossbow and air rifle competitions and serves delicious Löwenbräu beer.

Beer and Food

No Oktoberfest experience is complete without sampling the exceptional beer and mouthwatering food that the festival is famous for. The beer tents at Oktoberfest exclusively serve brews from Munich’s six renowned breweries: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Each tent pours its own signature beers, from crisp lagers to rich, malty Märzen, all served in traditional one-liter steins. Alongside the beer, visitors can indulge in a feast of Bavarian specialties. The Bräurosl Tent and Fischer Vroni Tent are favorites for their diverse menus, featuring everything from rotisserie chicken and smoked fish to classic potato dumplings and sausages. The Festzelt Tradition and the area near the Lady Bavaria Statue are also popular spots to enjoy hearty Bavarian dishes and a refreshing beer. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or a full meal, the beer tents and festival grounds offer something to satisfy every appetite.

Attractions and Landmarks

Beyond the beer tents, Oktoberfest is packed with attractions and landmarks that make the festival truly special. The iconic Lady Bavaria Statue stands watch over the Oktoberfest grounds, providing a perfect backdrop for photos and a symbol of Bavarian pride. Visitors can also pay their respects at the Oktoberfest Bombing Memorial or marvel at the whimsical Endless Stairway Statue. For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, the beer gardens—like the Augustiner Keller Beer Hall & Garden—offer a peaceful spot to enjoy traditional Bavarian beer and cuisine. The Schottenhamel Tent and Hofbrau Tent are renowned for their lively atmosphere and traditional music, drawing crowds eager to join in the festivities. Whether you’re exploring the big beer tents, discovering the charm of the small beer tents, or wandering through the historic streets of Munich, the Munich Oktoberfest tents and their surroundings promise a vibrant mix of culture, food, and fun.

Oktoberfest Tent Reservations

Theoretically, you do not need a reservation to get into Oktoberfest’s beer tents. All tents are open to the public, until they are full. Problem is that they quite often fill up and therefore having a reservation can come in handy. Oktoberfest beer hall reservations generally require you to purchase food and will come with a minimum spend. Also, the tables that are available to be reserved are generally towards the edges of the beer hall, where it’s more subdued, so if you’re looking for a lively raucous atmosphere this won’t be the perfect place for you.  Stoke Travel recommends going in without reservations and finding tables to sit at, joining strangers and getting the full Oktoberfest experience. If, however, you want to make an Oktoberfest tent reservation you can check out our Oktoberfest packages and our customer service team can help you out, or you can click on any of the links above and talk to the beer tents directly.  And for more information, check out our Oktoberfest guide. And for the best value Oktoberfest outfits, and the best value/most fun stay in Munich, make sure you reserve your spot with us at Stoketoberfest, where all your new best friends and drinking buddies are waiting for you.  Check our Oktoberfest packages here.

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