Oktoberfest

By entrance tickets, I assume that you mean reservations at a Beer Tent?

The fest in general has no admission, though parts of it does and there are costs to ride the amusements.

Entering a tent and sitting at an unreserved table also has no cost other than beer and food, but the issue is the "unreserved table" part. The 24th is a Saturday, so it will be busy. but you could always try chancing it on a table, early or mid afternoon would be the best times, evening might be a challenge.

You can make reservations, but you would need to reserve a table for 10 at a cost of a beer and a meal for each, pricey for 4. You can also search, there are some ticket sellers that offer spots at a table for a premium

We went to Oktoberfest last September as part of the My Way Europe trip. We went about 10:30 on Sunday while the parade was going on. There were four of us and we went into the Hofbrau tent. We weren't sure if they were checking reservations at the front but we just walked in. An older waitress approached us and asked if we wanted to sit in her section! We said, sure! We must have NOT looked like trouble makers!! It was a lot more fun they I thought it would be!! You are squished and it is hard to get out to use the BR but worth the experience. We only stayed till 3 so know we missed the craziest time but it was great when we were there even if it was earily!!!

Thanks, Paul and Chriss. We're thinking that we'll probably have to show up about 10am to have a chance. As long as we gain access to a tent for the experience, we'll be happy.

I have not seen the Saturday festivities but if you have time for the Sunday morning Traditional Costume Parade, then I recommend it.

Hi jac....
You might want to go to this website to get a lot of information re the Oktoberfest-

http://www.oktoberfest-insider.com/oktoberfestinsider2016.pdf

Have a great trip!!!

Went last year without a reservation time. Friends we were with have been before. We were in line at the Tent we wanted at 7am and there was a long line already. After waiting in line for about an hour, they moved us to another area outside the tent with large tables. Everyone who had a table spot was guaranteed to get inside the tent. The others had to wait for people to leave. Once at our tables, a guy came buy and hit a table, that table all got up and rushed inside the tent to get the table they wanted. If anyone got up at that table before the guy hit it, they had to wait longer. It was a fun process and we made some new friends. They told us since they fill up early, if you leave a tent you probably won't get back in. So don't leave until you are good and ready.

This year our friends in Germany got us 4 full table reservations so we don't need to get up early this year. The reservations have times on them from say 11am-2pm. You have a table until that time they you are escorted out of the tent and a new group has that table from say 2-6pm. Check your watch if you have a table reservation. Walk about 1:40-1:45 from your table to the non-reserved table area and make friends. You won't be escorted out if you aren't around your table. So you can stay in longer after your reservation. They made the reservations locally and months ago. I'm not even sure Americans can easily make reserations. Some are retainted by familes and past on to family members for years.

This year with all the ISIS stuff they have already pushed the festival start time back 1 hour and are moving the perimeter back. I wouldn't be suprised if that is for full searches and pat downs to allow for more time to search people. Just be prepared for some kind of enhanced security but they aren't detering me from going that same weekend 9/24.

A group of us will be in Munich opening weekend and the following Monday (September 15-19 actually). Our day to focus on the tents is Monday the 19th, but we will be around the days previous. Security precautions were mentioned, I assume it will delay us, if I were to offer any advice, it would be to plan extra time, avoid bringing a daypack or bag (they may even not allow them?), and have your passport or ID on you.

For what it is worth, this website is pretty good on info for Octoberfest http://www.oktoberfest-insider.com

including a guide you can download: http://www.oktoberfest-insider.com/oktoberfestinsider2016.pdf

Bad news is Saturday the 24th looks to be one of the busiest days.

Have any of you considered/heard of Oktoberfest tours? I found this one on Radius' website... As a relatively young first timer, I hate the idea of being tied to a tour guide BUT it says you are guaranteed a spot at a table for up to 5 hours in the Hofbrau tent. I'm going the 19th, too.

http://www.radiustours.com/en/english-tours/oktoberfest.html#frameId=iframe&height=367

Wait to go when we go on the 26th or 27th! LOL. It would be fun to meet up with fellow travelers.