Octoberfest Tickets

I have been to Octoberfest twice (2016 and 2018), but I am hesitant to answer because Covid has changed so many of the rules. We never made a reservation (if we wanted a reservation in a tent, we had to book a whole table). We paid for our tickets when we got there. Both times we went, we were able to get seated for a meal with some caveats. We had the best luck at Spaten. The other tents turned us away. We were told we could eat but not stay all night. The first time we were seated in a reservation area. The second time in the non reservation area. (Our experience in the reservation area was better) Our first time (2016) we went in a tent in the afternoon and had no trouble getting seated. Of course, the atmosphere was completely different . (half full, more private parties visiting amongst themselves. When you go in the evening, it is loud and very much a party). We are not huge drinkers, so we enjoyed the grounds and just walking around. We will be in the area this year, but are going to skip it this time. (We land in Munich before it starts and depart after. We don't want to come back to Munich just for Oktoberfest) The truth is I think everyone should experience once, and then decide if you want to go back. We did, but probably won't return. (see the part about not being huge drinkers

Approaching the experience: It's fun and a unique experience. People are friendly at the tables, riding the metro in and back to our hotel is fun. (We were one of the few people who were not in traditional Bavarian clothing.) You do have to go through security and they are strict on how big your bag can be. (They let me carry in a small purse but my husband had to check the backpack the first time. After that we knew not to bring it)

You have probably already found this website, but just in case:

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/information/when-is-oktoberfest

gambon88, we did the GAS tour several years ago, and were in Munich during Oktoberfest (Wiesn Fest). Our RS tour leader arranged for tickets for those who wanted to go to the fest during a free afternoon, and led a group there on the subway (its right at a subway stop). She showed us around and left us there with instructions how to get back to hotel (it was not hard). It was a treat, and she helped orient us and made suggestions on food/beer tents. I can't promise they do that every time, but that was our experience. Maybe call the RS office.

PS, they often do this even though it is free time for you. Same trip, she arranged a morning trip up the Schilthorn for those that wanted to go, and a visit to the baths at Baden-Baden. All voluntary.

I did three Oktoberfest's (88, 89 and 90) while living in Augsburg, Germany.
You didn't need tickets then. It was crowded in late afternoon, but at lunch was not so crowded.
We did the Spatenbrau tent most of the time. Also, did Hacker-Pschorr .

Not mentioned yet is some info about the tickets.

There is no cost to get into the fest grounds, even to get into tents, have a seat, and order beer and food does not require a ticket.

However, you are able to reserve a table for a specific block of time, even that does not ostensibly cost anything, just pre-paying for minimum food and drink for the table. The problem is, it is a table for 10, so your talking $200 to $300.

But, if you are there, and see an empty table, and the card on the table has no reservation for that time block, you are free to sit. You can flag down the server for that area, they can usually tell you if there is a free spot in their section.

As others have said, we have always had luck going on the weekdays after opening weekend for lunch, having our pick of tents.

This year, if things go well, it is hard to say what the fest will be like. They have had to cancel the last two years, so I can only imagine that crowds will be back, a pent up demand so to speak. But who knows, if we are still in this variant pop up phase, locals may smartly stay away.

Your tour guide is a good resource apparently, but that will be late in the game. There are tour companies in Munich that sell spots, but usually as part of a longer tour, winding up at a table, those start usually at 100 euro for an evening spot