September 10, 2025, 3:12 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
On September 20, it’s once again time for “O’zapft is!”—and Munich’s Theresienwiese transforms into the world’s most famous folk festival. Every year, the Wiesn attracts millions of visitors from around the globe to the Bavarian capital. But where does the tradition actually come from? And why does the “October” festival start in September? TRAVELBOOK has the answers.
Beer tents, colorful rides, and the scent of roasted almonds in the air—that’s how people know Oktoberfest. While many Munich residents prefer to avoid the city during this time, others can’t wait for the Wiesn gates to open again. This year, the world’s largest folk festival celebrates its 190th anniversary. Yet, few know where Oktoberfest originated—and why it remains so popular today.
Overview
Why Is Oktoberfest Celebrated?
Last year, around 6.7 million visitors attended Munich’s Oktoberfest. Whether celebrity guests, roller coaster enthusiasts, or beer lovers, a visit to the world’s largest folk festival is a highlight of the year for many. But why are the booths and tents set up on the Theresienwiese every year?
The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, later King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. To celebrate this special occasion, a large festival was organized, culminating in a horse race. As the official Oktoberfest website reports, the royal family invited the Munich population to the meadow in front of the city walls, later named Theresienwiese after the bride.
The festival was so well-received that it was decided to repeat it in the following years. The royal wedding celebration gradually evolved into an agricultural fair and later into the world-renowned Wiesn with rides, roast chicken stands, and the beer tents of Munich’s breweries. Today, Oktoberfest is a major city project officially organized by the city of Munich.
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Why Is It Called Oktoberfest When It Takes Place in September?
Many have surely wondered why Oktoberfest is called Oktoberfest when it already begins at the end of September. Until 1872, the Wiesn actually took place entirely in October. The reason is simple: While the weather in October often already feels autumnal, the chances of sunny days in September are significantly better. The harvest season also played an important role back then.
As “Oktoberfest.bayern” explains, the festival initially couldn’t take place in September because the agricultural fields around the Theresienwiese had not yet been harvested and could have been damaged by visitors. It was only when these fields were gradually converted into building land that the Wiesn could finally be moved forward.
More Information About Oktoberfest
This year’s 190th Oktoberfest begins on September 20 and lasts until October 5. The traditional tapping of the first keg by Munich’s mayor starts at 12:00 p.m. On the 42-hectare site, visitors will find 23 beer tents and over 130 showman businesses this year. Since 2010, there has also been the “Oide Wiesn” in the southern part of the Theresienwiese, where visitors can find historical rides, brass music, and booths. The beer prices in 2025 range from 14.50 euros to 15.80 euros.