GETTING INTO A BEER TENT AT OKTOBERFEST
Tips for Seat Reservations
How do you get a seat in an Oktoberfest beer tent? The easy answer, know someone who already has a reservation. The long answer… Recently a man was arrested for selling fake reservations to Munich Oktoberfest beer hall seats. A place in one of the big brand fest halls (not really tents anymore) are in great demand, with reservations being made a year in advance. But here are some tips about getting a seat reservation.
First, admission to the Munich Oktoberfest is free. You don’t need a seat or a reservation, just go like any public event. There is an “Olde Wiesn” section which does charge a €3 entrance fee, but that’s a choice. Most seating in the tents at "prime times" are by reservation, but reservations are not always necessary. To get a reservation, you need to contact each beer hall operator directly, by email or phone, then fill out a reservation form. There is no central ticket or reservation office. The Munich tourist office and Oktoberfest website offer a list of the vendors . Reservations are always for blocks of 10 seats at a table, so you need to order for a group. The farther in advance the better. Reservations get booked up well in advance, though, some can get cancelled and create an opening if you get lucky. You can try a few weeks ahead to see if there are availabilities.
How does the seat reservation work?
Though the seat reservation itself is free, there is a per person food and drink minimum price you must pay in advance (usually two pints of beer and the least expensive menu item – chicken). You get a voucher to be used at the tent and only valid during Oktoberfest. The vouchers must be picked up from the brewery vendor offices a few days or weeks in advance, but can be sent by post around the world for a small handling charge. You give the vouchers to the server at the tent, then pay cash for extra food and beer. The seat reservation is not for the full day, but a designated time block.
Do you need a reservation to get a seat in a beer tent?
You don’t necessarily need a reservation for a drinking and meal seat in the brewery tents at the Oktoberfest. If you plan to go when the crowds are less, you can usually find open seats, but you'll probably have to stand in line for bit.
During the weekdays a quarter of the seats are designated as not subject to reservation, while on Saturdays & Sundays up until 3 pm, 35 percent of the seats are kept open for first come first served. There is even a planning aid at the festival. In the Wiesn Meadow is the barometer which indicates the expected crowds at certain times. There is also unreserved seating available in outdoor food venues where you can eat and drink. Then, if you want to experience the big beer tents, with the singing and the noise you can stand around the edges to soak up the atmosphere, but they won't serve you beer if you're standing, and the doors close when it gets full. © Bargain
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