Oktoberfest Etiquette: What to Avoid & What is Expected

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, attracting millions of visitors every year. It’s an unforgettable experience—huge beer tents, traditional Bavarian outfits, live music, and endless toasts of “Prost!”

But with the fun comes a set of essential customs that help everyone enjoy the event to its fullest. If you’re attending for the first time, you might be wondering:

Can I stand on tables? (No! Benches are fine, but tables are a no-go.)
Should I tip the beer servers? (Yes! They work hard.)
Can I take my beer mug home as a souvenir? (Nope, that’s stealing!)
Do they accept credit cards? (Rarely—cash is king!)

We’ve been to Oktoberfest multiple times and put together this guide to help first-timers avoid common etiquette mistakes and blend in like a local.

Table of Contents

The Do’s and Don’ts of Oktoberfest Etiquette

✅ Do: Follow Beer Tent Rules

Every beer tent at Oktoberfest has its own atmosphere and traditions, but some universal rules apply:

Find a seat before ordering beer – Servers only serve beer to seated guests. No seat? No beer.
Be friendly & share your table – Oktoberfest tables are communal. You’ll be sitting with strangers, so embrace it and enjoy the conversation!
Order in rounds – Don’t ask the server to bring just one beer at a time—it slows down service.
Clink glasses and say “Prost!” before drinking – It’s a tradition! 😉

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a reservation, arrive before noon on weekdays to find an open table. On weekends, it gets packed—either reserve a table in advance or show up early to snag a spot inside the beer tents.

Three people in traditional Bavarian outfits drinking large beer mugs at a crowded festival tent. — Prost! (Cheers!)

❌ Don’t: Stand on the Tables (Benches Are Fine!)

Standing on the benches to sing & toast? ✅ YES! (We did that – so fun, don’t fall!)
Standing on the tables? ❌ NOPE!

Security will kick you out if you climb on a table—it’s a safety hazard and disrespectful to the festival traditions.

✅ Do: Tip Your Beer Server

Tipping is expected at Oktoberfest! The beer servers work long shifts, carrying heavy beer mugs, so be generous. Also DANKE (Thank you!) is always appreciated.

💰 How much to tip? €1–€2 per beer is standard. If you’re happy with the service, feel free to tip a bit more—it’s always appreciated.

A waiter in a blue vest and leather pants skillfully carrying multiple large beer mugs filled with golden beer and topped with frothy foam at a crowded Oktoberfest beer hall in Munich. — Waitresses and waitors are working HARD – tip them or you won’t get any more beer.

❌ Don’t: Take a Beer Mug at Home

Oktoberfest beer mugs make great souvenirs, but taking one is not allowed!

Stealing a mug = Possible fine + major embarrassment if caught.
Want one? Buy it legally—shops outside the tents sell official Oktoberfest mugs for souvenirs.

Close-up of five people toasting with large beer mugs filled with golden beer at Oktoberfest in Munich. The group is dressed in traditional Bavarian attire, including dirndls and lederhosen, capturing the festive spirit of the Wiesn. — Don’t attempt to steel a mug at the Oktoberfest – buy it legally in a store.

✅ Do: Dress for Oktoberfest

Traditional Bavarian clothing isn’t mandatory, but many people choose to wear it to get into the spirit.

You can, of course, show up in regular clothes—it’s completely fine. But if you want to blend in with the Oktoberfest atmosphere, here’s what to know:

👗 Women:

A Dirndl is the traditional Bavarian dress, but Lederhosen are also an option for women.
If you wear a Dirndl, knee-length or longer looks authentic.
Apron Knot Placement Matters:
Left → Single
Right → Taken
Middle → Virgin
Back → Widow

👖 Men:

Lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders) are the classic Oktoberfest outfit.
Pair them with a checkered or white shirt, knee-high socks, and sturdy shoes.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want a traditional outfit, buy one in Munich instead of online.
Here are 👉 6 shops where you can buy a dirndl in Munich

Two women and a man wearing traditional Bavarian clothing at Oktoberfest in Munich, holding large beer mugs and fresh pretzels while smiling outdoors. The women wear colorful dirndls, while the man wears lederhosen with a checkered shirt and suspenders.

❌ Don’t: Drink Too Fast (Oktoberfest Beer is Strong!)

Oktoberfest beer is stronger than regular beer. It´s about 6% alcohol. One Maß (1-liter beer) equals roughly two regular beers 🍻🍻—so pace yourself!

If you drink too much, you might end up in the “Drunk Tent”—a medical station for those who pass out. Avoid it!

✅ Do: Know How to Toast Properly

Toasting is a big deal at Oktoberfest! Here’s how to do it right:

Look your drinking partner in the eye (German superstition!)
Say “Prost!” (Cheers!)
Clink the bottom of the glass, not the top – Otherwise, you might break it!
Enjoy your beer!

Friends in dirndl and lederhosen clinking large beer mugs in a festive beer hall at the Oktoberfest in Munich — How to “Prost” Properly

❌ Don’t: Bring Large Bags (They Are Not Allowed!)

Large bags and backpacks are banned at Oktoberfest! Security checks all bags at the entrance, and anything larger than 3 liters must be left outside.

✅ What to bring instead: A small crossbody bag or fanny pack for essentials.

💡 Bag Tip: If you bring a large bag, you’ll have to store it at a paid luggage station outside the festival. Save yourself the hassle and pack light:
👉 See our packing list for Oktoberfest here

✅ Do: Respect fellow guests

Oktoberfest is a fun, lively event for everyone, and it’s important to create a positive atmosphere.

Treat others with kindness and respect—whether it’s your tablemates, the staff, or fellow festival-goers. Women wearing Dirndls are not inviting unwanted attention. Always be respectful and mindful of personal space at Oktoberfest.

A friendly and considerate attitude ensures that everyone can enjoy the celebration to the fullest.

Unwanted touching, grabbing, or being overly aggressive is NOT okay.
Security takes harassment seriously—you can be removed from the festival or even fined.

❌ Don’t: Pay with a Credit Card (Cash is King!)

Most beer tents do NOT accept credit cards!
Bring enough cash (€50–€100 per person per day).

💡 ATM Tip: We recommend withdrawing cash in the city before heading to the festival to avoid extra ATM charges.

Bright and colorful Oktoberfest fairground attractions in Munich, featuring a massive Ferris wheel and a lively swing carousel with people soaring through the air under a blue sky.

✅ Do: Make Friends & Join the Singing!

Oktoberfest is all about community and fun!

Sing along to the festival songs – Even if you don’t know the lyrics!
Learn the classic Oktoberfest anthem: 🎶 “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!” 🎶 (A toast, a toast to cheer and good times!)
Meet new people – You’ll likely share a table with strangers, so enjoy the experience!

Final Thoughts: Have Fun & Respect the Tradition!

Oktoberfest is all about enjoying great beer, delicious food, and the lively atmosphere with friends—old and new. By respecting the traditions and being mindful of others, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Keep these tips in mind, embrace the fun, and let the Bavarian spirit guide you!

🚀 Your Next Steps:

👉 Looking for a place to stay near Oktoberfest? Here are some great options: Best Hotels near Oktoberfest

👉 Want to order your beer in German? Read the Useful German Phrases for Oktoberfest

👉 Need a last-minute outfit in Munich? Check out Where to Buy a Dirndl in Munich