The Big Six. 6️⃣
Only six breweries are allowed to serve beer at Oktoberfest. Every local has a fierce loyalty to one of them. Choosing the wrong one is a social faux pas.
Augustiner
The local favorite. Founded in 1328 by monks. They do almost no advertising because they don't need to. If you want to impress a Munchner, order an "Augustiner Helles."
Hofbräu
Known worldwide. Owned by the Bavarian state. It is sweeter and more famous, but locals often avoid the main hall due to the tourists.
Oktoberfest Truths. 🎡
The world's largest folk festival. 6 million people. 7 million liters of beer. It is chaos, but organized German chaos.
It's in September
Despite the name, it starts in mid-September and ends on the first Sunday of October. If you arrive in mid-October, you missed it.
Dress Code
Do not wear a cheap Halloween costume. Wear authentic *Tracht* (Lederhosen for men, Dirndl for women) or normal clothes. Plastic costumes are insulted.
Oide Wiesn
The "Old Oktoberfest." A separate fenced area with vintage rides, traditional music, and a more relaxed vibe. It costs a few euros extra, but it saves your sanity.
Bavarian Law
Brotzeit Permitted
The Picnic Rule. 🥪
In a traditional beer garden, you are allowed—even encouraged—to bring your own food, as long as you buy the beer there.
The Tablecloth Code:
Look at the tables.
No tablecloth (wooden): Self-service. You can bring your own food.
Tablecloth: Full service. You must order food from the waiter. Do not unpack your picnic here.
What to Eat. 🍖
You cannot drink a liter of strong German beer on an empty stomach. The food is heavy, salty, and designed to make you thirsty.
Obatzda
An orange cheese spread made of aged Camembert, butter, and paprika. It looks intense, but it is creamy and perfect for dipping a giant pretzel (*Brezn*) into.
Steckerlfisch
Fish (usually mackerel) grilled on a stick over charcoal. A specialty of the beer gardens that surprises many tourists who expect only sausages.