Hofbräu-Festzelt
Hofbräu
The Hofbräu-Festzelt seats 6,896 inside plus 3,022 in the beer garden at Oktoberfest 2026 — and is the only large tent with a dedicated standing-room area (the Stehkurve). Run by the Steinberg family, it serves Hofbräu Original at around €15 per Maß. Reservation packages typically cover two Maß plus half a roast chicken. It is also the most international of the 14 large tents — English-language sing-alongs after 18:00 are standard.
Updated 11 May 2026
No dates currently available
The most international tent and the largest standing area. Famous worldwide, popular with tourists. The only tent with a standing-room-only section.
Music: Traditional brass band with international hits
Closes: 22:30
Capacity
9,918 seats
Indoor: 6,896
Beer garden: 3,022
What it's actually like
Hofbräu is the tent every first-time visitor has heard of and every Münchner has an opinion about. If you have come to Oktoberfest from Sydney, São Paulo or Stockholm and you want the loudest, most international, most "Oktoberfest as seen on TV" experience, this is the right tent and nobody should talk you out of it. The Stehkurve standing area is genuinely unique — no other large tent has one — and it is the easiest way to get inside without a reservation if you arrive early. The trade-off is honesty: this is not where locals drink. The crowd skews young, drunk, and English-speaking; the band switches from oompah to international party hits by mid-evening; the queue outside on weekends is brutal. If your bucket-list image of Oktoberfest involves arms-around-shoulders renditions of "Sweet Caroline", Hofbräu delivers exactly that. If you want quiet Bavarian conversation and table service that does not feel rushed, book Augustiner or Schottenhamel instead.
Best for
- ✓First-time international visitors
- ✓Large groups (8–10) wanting a guaranteed party
- ✓Late-evening atmosphere and sing-alongs
- ✓Anyone arriving without a reservation (Stehkurve standing area)
Avoid if
- ✗You want a traditional Bavarian local atmosphere
- ✗You dislike loud crowds and pop-music sing-alongs
- ✗You are looking for a quieter lunch sitting
Reservation Sessions
| Session | Time | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | 10:00–15:00 | Mon–Fri | — |
| Afternoon | 15:00–18:00 | Mon–Fri | — |
| Evening | 18:00–22:30 | Mon–Sat | — |
| Full Day | 10:00–22:30 | Sat–Sun & holidays | — |
Typical Menu
Prices are approximate and based on previous years. Final 2026 prices will be confirmed closer to the festival.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get into the Hofbräu-Festzelt without a reservation in 2026?▼
Yes — the Hofbräu-Festzelt has the only standing-room area (the Stehkurve) at Oktoberfest, which is open to walk-ins. Arrive before 11:00 on weekends or before 15:00 on weekdays for the best chance of getting in. Once the tent reaches capacity, the doors close and a queue forms outside.
How much does a Hofbräu-Festzelt reservation cost?▼
A standard table seats 10 and reservation packages cost roughly €380–€560 per table depending on session and date. Each package typically includes two Maß of Hofbräu Original (~€15 each) plus half a roast chicken (Hendl) per person. Evening and weekend tables are the most expensive.
What is included in a Hofbräu-Festzelt reservation?▼
Each guest receives vouchers for two Maß (1 litre each) of Hofbräu Original beer and a half roast chicken (Hendl). Vouchers are valid only during the booked session. Additional food and drink is ordered and paid for separately at table.
When does the Hofbräu-Festzelt open and close?▼
The tent opens daily at 10:00 and stops serving at 22:30, in line with all 14 large Oktoberfest tents. The festival itself runs from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
Is Hofbräu-Festzelt good for families with children?▼
Lunch sessions (10:00–15:00 on weekdays) and the family-discount Tuesdays are family-friendly. Evening sessions and weekends are not — the crowd is rowdy, the music is loud, and standing on benches is the norm after 18:00.
How do I book a Hofbräu-Festzelt table for 2026?▼
Reservations open in January each year on the official site at reservierung.hb-festzelt.de. Tables sell out within hours for the opening weekend and within weeks for evening sessions. Email reservierung@hb-festzelt.de for group enquiries.
What music does the Hofbräu-Festzelt play?▼
Traditional Bavarian brass band (Blasmusik) during the day, switching to international party hits and English-language sing-alongs from around 18:00. The Hofbräu band is famous for "Sweet Caroline", "Country Roads" and "Ein Prosit" rotations.