Munich – Imagine this: you enter the Wiesn, easily find a table in one of the festival tents, and can enjoy your beer in peace. Sounds utopian? Unfortunately, it is. At least on most days, as over six million visitors flock to the Theresienwiese for the Oktoberfest each year. However, with a bit of planning, such moments are still possible. For those who haven’t reserved a table well in advance, timing is key – our barometer reveals when to go.
Oktoberfest 2025: When the Theresienwiese is Particularly Crowded
Experience shows that the crowds are especially heavy on weekends. Saturdays are dominated by tourists: on the first Wiesn weekend, it’s mainly Americans traveling to Munich, and on the second, Italians, reports wiesnkini.de. From midday onwards, the large tents may close due to overcrowding – this can even affect the beer gardens from the afternoon. If it absolutely has to be a Saturday, wiesnkini.de still suggests opening day. Compared to the other Saturdays, it is not quite as overcrowded until the afternoon. At the very least, a spot in the beer garden should still be available. However, arriving right at opening time at 9 a.m. should be avoided, unless you fancy queuing.
For relaxed evenings, Sunday after 6 p.m. is otherwise a good option: the Theresienwiese typically starts to empty out from the weekend crowds by then.
The Wiesn barometer is based on information from the state capital of Munich on oktoberfest.de. Visitor numbers can also be checked in a table there.
For a Relaxed Visit: The Wiesn on Weekday Mornings
Those who want to stroll around the Wiesn in a relaxed manner and have flexible timing should try a weekday morning. It’s usually still quiet on the Theresienwiese then: no queues for food or rides. On weekdays like Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and often Thursday, it’s also generally easier to find a hotel.
An exception this year will likely be Friday, October 3rd: due to the public holiday (German Unity Day), large crowds are expected even in the morning, and Thursday evening will probably also be affected.
Budget-Friendly Prices for Families on the Tuesdays at the Wiesn
Families should also mark the two Tuesdays, September 23rd and September 30th, in their calendars. Until 7 p.m., Family Days take place, with discounts on numerous rides, showman attractions, and food stalls. The large festival tents also offer children’s dishes and menus at special prices then.
What else there is to know: Midday gets particularly crowded in the Augustinerzelt, Hackerzelt, Ochsenbraterei, and Schützenfestzelt. Experience shows that the second Wiesn week is more heavily attended than the first. Because the “Gay Sunday” event takes place in the Bräurosl tent on the first Wiesn Sunday, this tent will be especially crowded all day. It’s similar in the Fischer-Vroni tent on the first Wiesn Monday, also due to an event for gay Munich residents starting at 3 p.m.
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