Oktoberfest 2025 Food and Beer Guide: Prices, Tents, and Traditions

By Dirk Ebener - September 21, 2025

I still remember my first time at Munich’s Oktoberfest—the air dense with grilled sausages and shouts of “Prost!” It felt like entering another world: golden colors, laughter, music, and steins of frothy beer. I was hooked by that magic and have returned ever since. There’s nothing like sharing a table with strangers who soon become friends as food and beer are passed around. 

I will never forget the simple joy of tearing into a roast chicken, its skin perfectly crisp, and realizing in that moment that Oktoberfest was more than just a festival—it was a feeling of belonging. The sheer scale is overwhelming: millions of liters of beer flow, hundreds of thousands of chickens roast, and endless pretzels are stacked high. Yet within that enormity, it is the small moments that stay with me—children marveling at sugar-coated almonds, couples swaying arm in arm with their first Maß, travelers bonding over pork knuckle and potato dumplings. 

I’ve seen Oktoberfest evolve—vegan sausages and organic options have appeared, but tradition remains. Brass bands play, beer flows, and the spirit of Bavaria is in every tent. I’ve waited for Steckerlfisch, savoring the smoky aroma, and enjoyed bowls of Käsespätzle that felt like comfort. 

Pretzels, dipped in sharp mustard, are my snack between beers. I’ve learned to pace myself—sharing, alternating water with beer, and savoring every bite. Each time I leave, I carry not just the flavors but memories of laughter, songs, and newfound friends. As Oktoberfest 2025 nears, I feel that same thrill. 

This is my story, my feast, my way of bringing you along to taste and see it through my eyes. Willkommen to the journey—may it inspire your own Oktoberfest adventure.

The Scale of the Feast

Each year, a tidal wave of revelers surges into Oktoberfest. In 2024, about 6.7 million visitors raised their steins and devoured nearly 7 million liters of beer. Towering piles of 549,000 half-chickens, 140,000 pairs of sausages, 75,000 pork knuckles, and 44,000 kilos of fish disappeared in a feast of epic proportions. For 2025, the numbers are set to climb even higher, promising an even grander celebration.

In 2024, the price of a golden liter of beer ranged from €12.80 to €15.00, depending on your tent of choice. For 2025, expect those numbers to inch up to €13.50–€15.50 as the festival’s popularity continues to soar.

A hearty main in 2024—like half a roast chicken—set you back €15–€18, while a generous pork knuckle with dumplings cost €22–€27. Pretzels twisted to perfection were €5–€7, sausages sizzled for €6–€9, and smoky Steckerlfisch was tempting at €20–€25. Sweet endings, ranging from roasted almonds to fluffy Kaiserschmarrn, were priced from €6 to €10. For 2025, prepare for prices to rise slightly higher.

So, yes, Oktoberfest does ask for a little splurge. But this is part of the experience—the music, the tradition, the laughter shared over heaping plates and foaming steins. It’s all about embracing the festival’s unique atmosphere.

Inside the Beer Tents

Step inside one of the 17 large or 21 small tents, each filled with energy and tradition. Munich’s six official breweries—Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten—serve their specially brewed, stronger lagers, usually between 5.8% to 6.3% ABV.

Food menus inside the tents are equally grand:

• Hendl (half chicken): €15–€18

• Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle with gravy and dumplings): €22–€27

• Bratwurst with sauerkraut or potato salad: €8–€12

• Käsespätzle (cheese noodles): €13–€16

• Ox roast at Ochsenbraterei: €25–€35 depending on portion

For something extra special, the Marstall tent adds a dash of elegance, offering not just beer but also champagne and gourmet entrées, some priced above €30—a treat for those seeking a more upscale bite.

Beyond the Tents

Food stalls offer slightly more affordable options such as Steckerlfisch (€20–€25), Leberkäse in a roll (€8–€10), Reiberdatschi (€7–€10), and Weißwurst with mustard and pretzel (€9–€12).

• Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick): €20–€25

• Leberkäse in a roll: €8–€10

• Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes): €7–€10

• Weißwurst with mustard and pretzel: €9–€12

• Currywurst with fries: €10–€12

For dessert:

• Roasted almonds or candied nuts: €6–€8 per bag

• Kaiserschmarrn: €8–€12

• Apple strudel with vanilla sauce: €7–€9

• Gingerbread hearts (the souvenir you wear): €6–€15 depending on size

Plan your budget with care and a dash of anticipation.

1. Budget €80–€100 per person, per day. A liter of beer and a main dish will cost €30–€40; most guests add dessert or a second Maß.

2. Cash is king – Although card use is growing, small vendors often prefer cash.

3. Share meals – Portions are big enough for two; splitting allows you to taste more without overspending.

4. Book ahead – Reservation menus (often fixed-price with food and drinks) can actually save money compared to à la carte.

5. Snack strategically – Balance tent meals with more affordable outdoor snacks, such as pretzels or Leberkäse rolls.

Final Comments – Have a sufficient budget

Oktoberfest 2025 is not cheap, but it is unforgettable. The combination of roaring brass bands, steins clinking, and plates piled high with Bavarian classics is worth every euro. From €15 beers to €25 fish-on-a-stick, the prices may surprise you—but the joy of sharing food and drink with millions of people from around the world is priceless.

So raise your Maß, take a bite of crispy chicken, and let the spirit of Oktoberfest fill your heart. Prost to good food, good beer, and memories that last far longer than the bill.

Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.

© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.

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