Oide Wiesn means “old Oktoberfest”. It is a relatively new addition to the festival, and people who visited the Theresienwiese before 2010 have not witnessed it. This part of the festival was inaugurated to celebrate the completion of 200 years of the world’s biggest folk festival. For visitors who have attended the festival for years, it seems nostalgic. The historic Oide Wiesn within Oktoberfest has three tents and multiple rides that were once part of the fairground. Oide Wiesn was supposed to be a one-time event. Still, it became a permanent part of Theresienwiese starting in 2011, except when the Bavarian Central Agricultural Festival (ZLF) is scheduled every four years.
Highlights of the Old Oktoberfest |
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-Free entry after 9 p.m – 50% off for the disabled -Kids under 14 are free – The ticket covers the free cultural program.
-Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. -Friday, Saturday, & Monday, October 2, from 10 a.m. until midnight -On the public holiday & Sundays from 10 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
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Main Attractions at Oide Wiesn
The place is best known for its vibrant tents, traditional carnival rides, a museum, and cultural shows. The tents at Old Oktoberfest are traditionally decorated and entertain guests with folk brass music.
Oide Wiesn Tents
There are three main Beer marquees in the Old Wiesn. All three have different characters and offer different beers.
1. Volkssängerzelt Schützenlisl
- Capacity: 1780 seats
- Beer: Augustiner Beer
Everyone knows the Volkssängerzelt Schützenlisl tent as a “folk music spot,” which premiered at the festival ground in 2022. It is hosted by Lorenz Stiftl, who has run smaller tents since 2002, carrying forward a lively tradition. Stiftl took over the Schönheitskönigin tent’s structure, so the look hasn’t changed much.
Traudi Siferlinger directs the music, showcasing 22 artists in 2024. The day splits into afternoon folk singers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and evening bands like Bast Scho, performing eight nights. The program and song booklets are available for sing-alongs. Though not as loud as Schönheitskönigin, Schützenlisl is livelier than Festzelt Tradition.
2. Festzelt Tradition
- Capacity: 8226
- Beer: Augustiner-Bräu
Festzelt Tradition is the largest beer tent at Oide Wiesn, with 5,000 seats inside and 3,040 in the beer garden. The tent first time appeared at the festival in 2010 and became permanent in 2011. It has a relaxed, traditional atmosphere, ideal for a Bavarian experience. Brass music plays daily from 10 a.m., led by the Münchner Oktoberfestmusikanten.
Traditional dance groups perform folk dances and goaßlschnoizer starting at 1 p.m. A small parade crosses Oide Wiesn at 2 p.m. The tent serves Augustiner Bräu beer from wooden barrels and Franziskaner wheat beer. The menu includes steckerlfisch and organic chicken. A soda garden and children’s bathrooms make it family-friendly. The atmosphere encourages dancing on the dance floor instead of on benches.
3. Boandlkramerei Tents
- Capacity: 2844
- Beer: Augustiner-Bräu
Boandlkramerei is the musicians’ tent at Oide Wiesn, hosted by Peter Schöniger since 2024. Previously, a sausage stand operator at Oktoberfest since 1992, Schöniger now runs this lively tent. Boandlkramerei, meaning “bones trader,” draws from a humorous Bavarian tale about cheating death with cherry schnaps.
The tent serves traditional dishes like chicken giblets, duck legs, and vegan options reflecting a “back to the farm” ethos. Its music program, curated by Winfried Frey, enlists brass bands, folk groups, and artists like Oimara and Keller Steff. Despite controversy over its licensing, Boandlkramerei has a vibrant ambiance.
Museum Tent at the Oide Wiesn
- Capacity: 548
- Beer: Spaten
The museum tent at Oktoberfest balances history and celebration. Since 2010, it has been part of the historic Oide Wiesn and showcases Munich’s cultural heritage. The tent, once run by Munich’s showmen foundation from 2013 to 2017, showcases exhibits like a 1950s trailer from the Oktoberfest press office until 2003, vintage organs, tractors, and the original Ox sandwich entrance from Ochsenbraterei.
Visitors can interact with a 1905 shooting gallery and a 1945 carousel. A redesigned beer garden with a historic bowling alley and bar has ample seating. Finding seats among these fascinating displays, even during peak times, isn’t hard.
Oide Wiesn Rides for 1.5 Euros
The Oide Wiesn at Oktoberfest is a charming step back in time with its nostalgic carnival rides. These rides and activities blend history with fun, perfect for all ages.
- Classic Rides– Old Oktoberfest features the 1919 “Kettenflieger Kalb” carousel and the “Calypso” round ride. A historic ship swing and a children’s carousel add to the old-school vibe.
- Affordable Pricing– Each ride costs just 1.50 euros, which is reasonable.
- Interactive Games– Dicke Berta, a hammer-striking game, is also open to test muscle strength, alongside the other activities available at throwing and shooting booths.
- Distinctive Attraction– The 1928 Motodrom, the world’s oldest traveling steep wall, is a daring display that tests drivers’ skills.
Children’s Attractions at Historic Oktoberfest
The Oide Wiesn at Oktoberfest offers children a fun and educational experience. Free admission includes face painting, playful activities, and learning about showmanship. Kids aged six and up can join from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. They can get makeup done on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. or watch a balloon artist.
The Munich Marionette Theater performs several shows daily, captivating children of all ages. Kids can explore dialect with the Förderverein, learn about barrel organs, penny-farthings, historic vehicles, or ride crazy bikes in the velodrome. A search game teaches showmanship history, rewarding winners with a Wiesn diploma and a small prize.
Oktoberfest 2026 Updates to Encourage More Visitors
With projected attendance dropping from 447,356 visitors in 2024 to 372,001 in 2025, Oide Wiesn saw nearly 17 percent fewer visitors. In response, organizers rolled out several changes, including a 12 tickets for the price of 10 promotion, entry via the main Oktoberfest grounds, and QR codes replacing traditional wristbands.
Summary
Visiting Oide Wiesn at Oktoberfest feels like stepping back to the 1800s. You’ll find historic rides, like the 1919 Kettenflieger Kalb, costing only €1.50. The Festzelt Tradition serves Augustiner beer in stone mugs, paired with brass music and folk dances.
The Museum Tent displays old Oktoberfest posters and artifacts. It is less crowded than the main festival, making it easier to enjoy. Kids love the free puppet theater and activities. With a €4 entry fee, it’s a unique, family-friendly way to experience Bavarian tradition.
