
Since 1810
Why it is called Oktoberfest when it happens in September

The meadow at the heart of Munich's Oktoberfest is named after a bride. Princess Therese married Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria on 12 October 1810, and the city celebrated on the Theresienwiese with a horse race and public feasting. The festival returned the following year, grew from there, and was eventually brought forward into September for the milder weather.
Munich's 2026 Wiesn is on now: day 5 of 16, until October 4.


































































