Oktoberfest Tents
There are currently fourteen large tents and twenty small tents at the Oktoberfest. The tents are wooden non-permanent structures which are constructed for and only used during the festival. The beer served in each is in the accompanying table.
Marstall - one of the larger tents, it is the first tent that many visitors see. As the successor to the Hippodrome, the Marstall has had a firm place at the Oktoberfest since 2014. Traditionally, in the evening, the Oktoberfest band Münchner Zwietracht plays Oktoberfest classics. Only in the evening can you experience the exuberant party atmosphere here. Experience has shown that the big bar at the back of the balcony is the most crowded.
Armbrustschutzenzelt - translates as the "Crossbowman's Tent", a competition that has been a part of the Oktoberfest since 1895.
Hofbrau-Festzelt - The Hofbräu-Festzelt is one of the largest beer tents of the Oktoberfest. The brewery Hofbräuhaus, the tent's sponsor, has been active in Oktoberfest since 1955. The current tent was built in 1972. The counterpart to the famous Hofbräuhaus, this tent is especially popular with Americans, Australians and New Zealanders.
Hacker-Festzelt - one of the most beautiful tent on the Wiesn, they have a rock band that plays during the brass band's evening break. This tent markets itself as Himmel der Bayern (Heaven of the Bavarians). It has a roof that can be opened during nice weather, a revolving bandstand, and hosts the official Oktoberfest closing ceremonies when the lights are dimmed, the sparklers are lit.
Schottenhamel - oldest beer tent of Oktoberfest. THE OLDEST, MOST TRADITIONAL BEER TENT,was founded by Michael Schottenhamel (1838–1912), a carpenter from Upper Palatinate, when, in 1867 and newly married to an innkeeper's daughter, he moved from his guesthouse "Drei Mohren" in Luitpoldstrasse to a small shack behind the king's tent with room for 50 guests. On the first Saturday of the event, no beer is allowed to be served until the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg, at exactly high noon. Only then can the other tents begin to serve beer. The tent has the capacity for 10000 people.
Paulaner Festzelt has been an integral part of the Oktoberfest since 1895. The Paulaner Tower with the rotating beer mug on top, which is next to the ferris wheel, is the most popoular photo opportunity for Oktoberfest visitors. In the bright tent, guests have a clear view of the Oktoberfest band, as well as, the grand illuminated beer mug above the band.
Schutzen Festhalle - this is a mid-sized tent. Situated under the Bavaria statue, the current tent was newly built in 2004.
Kafer Wiesn - the smallest of the large tents at the Oktoberfest, it is frequented by celebrities, and is known for its especially good—and expensive—food. In contrast to the other tents it is open until 12:30 am, and it can be very difficult to gain admittance.
Weinzelt - translates as "wine tent". This tent offers a selection of more than 15 wines, as well as Weißbier.
Lowenbrau Festhalle - above the entrance is a 4.50-meter (15 foot)-high lion who occasionally drinks from his beer. This is overshadowed by yet another tower where an even larger drinking lion sits. The tent with its 5800 seats inside and 2700 seats in the beer garden shines in festive splendor in the evening thanks to its 16,000 light bulbs (now LED lamps).
Braurosl (Hacker-Pschorr) - translates as "brewer's Rosemary". Named after the daughter of the original brewery owner (Pschorr), this tent has the usual brass band and yodeler. On the first Sunday of the festival, this tent hosts the hugely popular gay and lesbian party, Rosa Wiesn.
Augustiner Festhalle - this tent is considered by many locals to be the best tent, due to the fact it sells the favourite local brew, Augustiner, from individually-tapped wooden kegs rather than stainless steel vats used by the other tents. This marquee has been on the Theresienwiese since 1903 and is known around the world. The festival beer from the Augustiner Brau brewery is still tapped from 200-liter wooden barrels to this day.
Ochsenbraterei - true to its name, this tent offers a great variety of roasted ox dishes. Tradition is upheld in the Ochsenbraterei - just as the Bavarian white-blue sky is held up by the hand-painted figures in traditional costume in the marquee. What makes our tent special is the culinary offer as well as the ambience, which has been designed by the Haberl host family for more than forty years.
Fischer Vroni - translates as "Fisher's Veronika". Another of the smaller tents. Fisch is the German word for fish and this tent carries a huge selection on its menu. The main dish is Steckerlfisch, which is grilled outside of the tent.