The first time we were packing for Oktoberfest, we thought: “Eh, it’s just another trip—throw in some clothes and let’s go.” Well, it is a bit different.

You’re not just preparing for city sightseeing in Munich —you’re prepping for long hours in beer tents, unpredictable German fall weather, and the biggest Bavarian party of your life.

So, to help you avoid our mistakes, here’s the ultimate Oktoberfest packing list—everything you need to bring (and what to leave at home).

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Close-up of hands holding large Oktoberfest beer mugs, toasting in celebration at a beer garden in Munich, with golden liquid and thick white foam visible in each glass.

Put these Essentials on your Oktoberfest Packing List

Gear, Apps & More

  • Passport or ID – You must be 16+ for beer, 18+ for spirits in Germany (and yes, they might check!).
  • Cash (at least €50–€100 per day) – Most beer tents don’t take credit cards!
  • Debit/Credit Card – to withdraw cash at ATMs
  • Oktoberfest Reservation – If you booked a table, bring a copy of your reservation.
  • Phone & Portable Charger* – Battery drains fast from photos & Google Maps.
  • Travel Plug Adapter*: Germany uses type C and F sockets, so bring a plug adapter that covers these types.
  • Travel Insurance Info* – Oktoberfest is fun, but accidents happen. Get a quote with World Nomads in seconds*
  • Buy an eSIM with Airalo* if you need Google Maps, translation, or rideshare apps (yes, there is Uber in Munich!).
  • If you have an EU SIM card, roaming is free in Germany.

💡 Pro Tip: The MVV app is Munich’s official public transport app—buy tickets on your phone, check real-time schedules, and plan your route hassle-free.
If you’re traveling beyond Munich, you can also purchase the Deutschland Ticket (€58/month) for unlimited regional travel across Germany!

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.
The men usually wear a “Lederhosen” and the ladies a “dirndl” when visiting the Oktoberfest. However, there is no obligation to wear traditional clothes

Oktoberfest Outfit Checklist: What to Wear

Wearing traditional Bavarian clothing isn’t mandatory, but many travelers love to “dress up” for the experience. However, for Bavarians, this isn’t just a costume—it’s traditional attire 🙂

For Men:

  • Lederhosen – Go for real leather (cheap ones look bad & rip easily).
  • Button-up Shirt – White, blue, or checkered—all classic choices.
  • Knee-high Socks (“Loferl”) – Traditional wool socks or calf warmers.
  • Haferlschuhe (Traditional Shoes) – Or just comfortable leather shoes.
  • Bavarian Hat (Optional) – Adds authenticity & style.

For Women:

  • Dirndl Dress – Knee-length or longer (super short Dirndls = touristy).
  • Dirndl Blouse – Lace or cotton, short or long sleeves.
  • Apron – Bow placement matters!
    Left: Single 💃 | Right: Taken, Married, Engaged ❤️ | Center: For younger girls | Back: Widow 😢
  • Small Purse or Wristlet – Large bags are banned!
  • Comfortable Shoes – No heels! Sneakers, flats, or low-heeled boots work best.

Don’t overthink your shoe choice—we usually just go with simple sneakers like Converse. Comfort beats style after hours of walking and dancing on benches!

💡 Good to know: Women can absolutely wear Lederhosen with a blouse instead of a Dirndl—no problem at all!
Find out the 7 best stores to shop a dirndl in Munich

Close-up of men walking in an Oktoberfest parade in Munich, wearing traditional Bavarian knee-high socks with green embroidery, black shoes, and lederhosen adorned with yellow tassels.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing for Oktoberfest

Munich’s Oktoberfest weather in September can be warm, cold, or rainy—all in one day.

We recommend packing:

What to Wear for Different Weather

  • Sunny & Warm Days (20–25°C / 68–77°F)
    Sunglasses and breathable clothing under Lederhosen or Dirndl.
  • Cool or Rainy Days (10–15°C / 50–59°F)
    Layer with a light jacket or warm sweater. Wear warm tights under a Dirndl. Opt for waterproof shoes or a rain poncho—umbrellas aren’t practical in crowds.

Bags & Accessories: Pack Light!

✔ Small Crossbody Bag* or Fanny Pack – Max size: 3 liters (~20cm x 15cm x 10cm).

🚫 Large bags and suitcases are NOT allowed because of security reasons!

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a foldable bag (like this one*) with bunny ears (or a looped strap) so you can hang it on the table while dancing—just keep an eye on it! For extra security, a table clip can help keep it in place*.

Close-up of hands holding large Oktoberfest beer mugs, toasting in celebration at a beer garden in Munich, with golden liquid and thick white foam visible in each glass.

Oktoberfest Health & Comfort Essentials

Whether you plan to drink or not, it’s a good idea to pack a few hangover essentials—Oktoberfest beer is stronger than you think!

  • Pain Relievers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Alka-Seltzer) – Oktoberfest beer is 6%+ alcohol—your head might need help the next morning.
  • Hand Sanitizer* & Tissues – Bathroom stalls run out of toilet paper later in the day.
  • Blister Plasters* (Compeed or Band-Aids) – You will walk and dance A LOT.
  • Mini Deodorant & Face Wipes – Oktoberfest is crowded and sweaty.
  • Earplugs (Optional) – The beer tents get LOUD.
  • Electrolytes (powder or tablets)* – Help your body rehydrate after a long day (and night) of beer and walking.

💡 Good to know: If you forget something, don’t worry—you can find what you need at an “Apotheke” (pharmacy). Just keep in mind that in Germany, medications like pain relievers are only sold in pharmacies, not in supermarkets or drugstores like in the US.

Fun Extras to Bring to Oktoberfest

  • German Phrasebook or Google Translate – Useful for ordering beer and thanking the hard-working waitstaff with a friendly “Danke!”
  • Camera – Oktoberfest is Instagram-worthy!

👉 Want to order a beer in German?
We’ve rounded up the most useful German phrases for your Oktoberfest Visit

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.

What NOT to Bring to Oktoberfest

  • Large Bags or Backpacks – Not allowed inside the beer tents.
  • Umbrellas – They don’t work well in crowded beer tents and can be a hazard.
  • Flip-Flops or High Heels – Beer, crowds, and unstable shoes = disaster.
  • Drones – Not permitted due to safety concerns and restrictions.

Some extra Tips for Oktoberfest

  • Pickpockets exist – Oktoberfest is crowded, so keep valuables in a small, zipped bag close to your body.
  • Bag checks at the entrance – Only bring what you need to avoid security issues.
  • Stick with your group – Phone signal can be unreliable, so agree on a meeting point before heading into the beer tents.

Final Thoughts: Packing Smart for Oktoberfest

Packing for Oktoberfest isn’t complicated, but a little planning goes a long way. Stick to the essentials, dress comfortably, and remember—you’ll be standing, walking, or partying most of the time.

👉 Need help packing smart for the whole trip? Check out our full Germany Fall Packing List — it covers everything from weather tips to footwear that actually survives cobblestones.

Also, consider leaving some space in your luggage for souvenirs. You might want to bring home a beer stein, traditional Bavarian snacks, or Oktoberfest-themed gifts.

Germany isn’t the moon—if you forget something, you’ll likely find it in a local store. Just make sure you have your phone, credit card, passport, and a travel adapter—those are the essentials you don’t want to be without.

And most importantly—have fun and enjoy the experience!

🚀 What’s next?

👉 Looking for a place to stay? Find the best hotels near Oktoberfest for a comfortable and convenient stay during the festival: Best Hotels Near Oktoberfest

👉 Best Oktoberfest Food: Discover the Best “Traditional” Bavarian Dishes You Should Try at Oktoberfest! [Best Bavarian Dishes at Oktoberfest]

👉 Need an outfit? Discover where to find the perfect Dirndl in Munich and stand out at Oktoberfest: Where to Buy a Dirndl in Munich

👉 Don’t want to waste your time with coming up with Insta captions? See our list with 100+ Insta captions for your Wiesn experience: Best Instagram captions for Oktoberfest

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Anna and Anne are the founders of Germany Things To Do. They grew up in Germany and have traveled all 16 regions in Germany from North to South and East to West.

They share their local tips with you to explore the authentic and beautiful parts in Germany.