What should I wear?
Spoiler alert: There is no obligation to wear traditional costume. Of course, most tourists and many locals associate the Oktoberfest with dirndls and lederhosen. But even more important than tradition is tolerance. Therefore, everyone should wear what they feel comfortable in. No one should feel obligated to purchase an expensive traditional costume specifically for the Oktoberfest. Those who fancy leather trousers, Haferl shoes, or an apron can come in traditional attire, although more modern interpretations are also acceptable. Overly cheap designs could lead to ridicule.
What do I take with me?
In short: Only the bare essentials. For safety reasons, you're only allowed to bring bags that hold a maximum of three liters and measure no more than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm. Even if your computer fits into the permitted bag size, leave it at home—the risk of it getting a beer shower is too great. Also, don't expect too much sympathy for your busy demeanor. So, instead, manage your affairs with your smartphone or pen and paper.
You can find out exactly which items are allowed at the Wiesn and where you can store your luggage on the official Oktoberfest website.
When exactly and for how long?
Admittedly, the Oktoberfest is never truly quiet or even empty. However, there are times that are more conducive to a business conversation. If you want to discuss business matters in peace, you should plan your visit during the week, ideally around lunchtime. If you want to combine a relaxed get-together with the evening fun, just stay put. After the tents close at 11 p.m., the festivities continue in the city at the many after-Wiesn parties. In a business context, however, you should know when your limits have been reached and go home an hour earlier rather than too late.
A good overview of when and how full it is is provided by the Oktoberfest barometer.
How do I get there?
Don't even consider driving your own car—even if you don't plan on drinking alcohol. You'll just clog up the streets, get stuck in traffic, and end up spending more time looking for a parking space than in the beer tent. Taxis are plentiful during Oktoberfest, but fares are often higher than usual.
Therefore, it's better to stick to public transport. During Oktoberfest, the S-Bahn (subway), U-Bahn (underground), buses, and trams run more frequently, but they'll still be a bit more crowded. The Theresienwiese stop is the most popular during Oktoberfest, so you can also use the Goetheplatz, Poccistraße, or Schwanthalerhöhe U-Bahn stations.
The best way to plan your journey is with the MVGO app or the Flyer the Munich Transport Company.
How much can I drink?
Oktoberfest isn't possible without beer? Yes, it is. Just like with your outfit, everyone should stick to their own taste. Whether with or without alcohol, there's enough variety on the festival grounds so even non-beer drinkers will find something to enjoy.
If you do reach for the beer, you should make sure you have a good base to avoid embarrassing yourself in front of business associates. Not everyone tolerates the strong Oktoberfest beer so well, and even a shandy can quickly become too much for some Oktoberfest-goers. The golden rule: Moderation rather than excess. If in doubt, most festival tents also offer non-alcoholic beer.
And now: Happy Oktoberfest!
