Can You Enjoy Oktoberfest Without Drinking Beer?

Oktoberfest in Germany has a reputation for beer—but don’t let that stop you if you’re not a drinker. We’ve been to the festival in Munich multiple times, and to be honest, we don’t drink much either. Sometimes we’ll have an alcohol-free beer, a Radler (beer with lemon soda), or just an Apfelschorle.

And you know what? We still had a blast.

Oktoberfest in Munich is first and foremost a Volksfest—a people’s festival. That means music, food, rides, dancing, and good vibes with or without a beer in hand.

So yes, you can totally enjoy Oktoberfest without drinking—and we’ll show you how.

Note: This website contains affiliate links marked with * and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate partner programs. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

Table of Contents

1. The Festival Grounds Feel Like a Giant Carnival

Even if you never step foot inside a beer tent, you’ll still get the full Oktoberfest experience just by wandering the Theresienwiese, the festival grounds.

There are colorful rides, fair games, food stalls selling roasted nuts and candy apples, live music everywhere, and people walking around in Dirndls and Lederhosen—it honestly feels like a mix between a traditional fair and a street party.

We love just walking around with a snack in hand and soaking up the energy.

💡 Tip: If you’re sensitive to crowds, go during the day. Mornings and early afternoons are quieter and more family-friendly.

A young boy dressed in traditional Oktoberfest clothing, wearing mini lederhosen, knee-high socks, and a vest, walking hand-in-hand with adults in Bavarian attire at the Oktoberfest festival in Munich.

Want something a bit more traditional? Check out the Oide Wiesn, the “old Oktoberfest” tucked away at the far end of the grounds.

It’s calmer, more authentic, and feels like stepping back in time—with folk music, vintage rides, and lots of locals.

Close-up of chocolate-dipped and glossy red candy apples with wooden sticks, topped with sprinkles and nuts—popular sweet treats at Oktoberfest desserts. — Delicious Sweets at Oktoberfest

2. Come for the Food—It’s a Feast

If you’re not drinking, let the food be your Oktoberfest highlight—it’s seriously that good.

Each tent has its own full kitchen and menu, so you can sit down, enjoy the music, and order a proper meal—no beer required. You can absolutely order just food and a soft drink—no one’s going to question it.

Some of our favorites:

½ Hendl (roast chicken) – crispy skin, juicy inside
Käsespätzle – Germany’s version of mac ‘n cheese
Obatzda – a cheesy dip with pretzels, perfect for snacking
Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) – if you’re hungry
And yes, there’s Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes) for dessert

👉 Want to know what’s on the menu? Check out our Oktoberfest food guide →

Crispy roasted pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe) served with potato dumplings, sauerkraut, and a mug of beer—iconic Oktoberfest food.

3. What to Drink if You’re Not Drinking Beer

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to drink alcohol to have a drink in hand. Every Oktoberfest tent offers a variety of non-alcoholic options, and no one blinks an eye if you’re not drinking beer.

Here’s what you can order instead:

Apfelschorle – sparkling apple juice (our go-to!)
Spezi – half cola, half orange soda (very German!)
Zitronenlimonade – refreshing lemon soda
Stilles Wasser – still water (ask for “still” if you don’t want bubbles)
Alkoholfreies Bier – alcohol-free beer, available in most big tents
Radler – a mix of beer and lemonade, lower in alcohol (optional if you’re okay with a little)

💡 Fun fact: Germans order these drinks all the time, even outside Oktoberfest. You’re not missing out—you’re just choosing what feels best for you.

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.

4. The Music and Atmosphere Are the Best Part

Even if you don’t drink, you’ll still leave Oktoberfest with sore cheeks—from smiling so much.

Every big tent has a live brass band playing everything from traditional Bavarian songs to crowd favorites like Sweet Caroline and Take Me Home, Country Roads. People are clapping, singing along, dancing on benches (yes—benches, not tables!), and just vibing together. It’s contagious in the best way.

You can absolutely enjoy this totally sober. In fact, some of our most fun moments were completely alcohol-free—just soaking in the music, people-watching, and laughing along with the crowd.

💡 If you’re nervous, go earlier in the day when it’s less rowdy. You’ll still get the festive energy but with a more relaxed pace.

Heart-shaped gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchenherzen) decorated with icing reading “Ich liebe Dich,” in German language, meaning I love you, a sweet Oktoberfest souvenir.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Drink to Enjoy Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest isn’t just about beer—it’s about celebrating Bavarian culture, coming together with people from all over the world, enjoying music, dancing, and eating really good food.

Whether you’re skipping alcohol for personal, religious, health, or just “I don’t like beer” reasons—you’re not alone. We’ve done Oktoberfest without drinking, and honestly? It was just as fun.

So go. Dress up, sing along, eat too much roast chicken, and soak it all in. You belong here—beer or no beer.

💌 Planning your first Germany trip? Grab our free itinerary planner + Oktoberfest checklist →

🍴 Curious what to eat? Check out the best food & drink to try at Oktoberfest →

🍺 Still figuring out your festival plan? Read our full Oktoberfest itinerary →