The new "Old Oktoberfest" takes place in the south of the Theresienwiese.

The Oide Wiesn, "old Oktoberfest" in English, is a separate festival that emphasizes the traditional character of the Oktoberfest with brass music and historical attractions. It has to pause every four years to make room for the central agricultural fair (Zentrallandwirtschaftsfest, ZLF), which would have been the case in 2024. However, the Bavarian farmers' association surprisingly cancelled its exhibition and Oide Wiesn is therefore planned for 2024 as well.

Concept and history

In 2010, the Oktoberfest got 200 years old. Of course, such a historic occasion had to be celebrated. Subsequently, behind the Ferris wheel at the south end of the Theresienwiese, you could visit the “Historische Wiesn” (Historic Oktoberfest) to watch horse races as a reminiscence of the roots of the festival or to enjoy other historic attractions and two beer tents. The overwhelming success of that additional fairground led to its establishment as a regular extension of the actual Oktoberfest. Ironically, the new format was named “Oide Wiesn” (Old Oktoberfest).

Entrance fee

The most striking difference between the Oide Wiesn and the actual Oktoberfest is the fact that you have to pay a fee of four Euros before entering the three-hectare site. The entrance fee is, however, used to cross-subsidize all the rides, which are only €1.50 each. On busy days, it’s possible that the whole area closes for over-crowding. Otherwise, the Oide Wiesn can be a good alternative when the large beer tents of the actual Oktoberfest are closed for overcrowding. Starting 2023, the opening times are the same as for the actual Oktoberfest.

Tents and reservations

The main ingredients of this still new and fluctuating festival are the large beer tent, the Festzelt Tradition, a musicians’ tent, and a selection of historic rides and other attractions. With one exception, the musicians’ tent has so far been run by Josef Bachmaier, host of a restaurant and cabaret, as Herzkasperl-Festzelt, where you can listen to a large variety of traditional and contemporary folk music.

The Festzelt Tradition, on the other hand, is an ordinary beer tent presenting traditional brass music and dances. In addition to the two, we saw a new "folk singer tent" in 2022. Schützenlisl will replace Zur Schönheitskönigin, which offered a very lively atmosphere with traditional music and sing-a-longs.

Reservations for the Oide Wiesn tents are usually easier to obtain than for the regular Oktoberfest. Even for Saturday and Friday nights, reservation slots are usually offered publicly for all tents.

Tents

Festzelt Tradition

The largest beer tent of the Oide Wiesn ist particularly traditional offering brass music and a cultural program including traditional dancers.

Capacity

8226

Beer

Augustiner-Bräu

Crowd Level Afternoon

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Crowd Level Evening

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Herzkasperl-Festzelt

Offering a diverse music program, the tent is at times transformed into a music club. Not exclusively your traditional beer tent, there are many vegan dishes on the menu.

Capacity

2844

Beer

Hacker-Pschorr

Crowd Level Afternoon

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Crowd Level Evening

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Museumszelt

Even during the craziest times, you'll often find free seats in between historic exhibits. Beer garden with historic bowling alley and bar in front of the tent.

Capacity

531

Beer

Spaten

Crowd Level Afternoon

Crowd Level Evening

⬤⬤

Schützenlisl

Schützenlisl is Oide Wiesn's folk singer tent.

Capacity

1780

Beer

Augustiner-Bräu

Attractions

Calypso

The predecessor of the Break Dance, one of the most successful carousels of all time, was reactivated for the 200th anniversary of the Oktoberfest.

Fahrt ins Paradies

Originally, the ride to paradise was faster than the TÜV allowed. Today, it is still exciting due to the steep mountains and valleys.

Geschwindigkeit

40km/h

Historic Nine-Pin Bowling

The historic bowling alley houses a weißbier bar, too.

Munich Puppet Theater

Grown-ups and little ones can witness Kasperl Larifari's adventures in the open air.

Raupenbahn

The old carousel has a very special effect that you won't find in modern rides: it suddenly goes dark.