Quick answer: Oktoberfest 2026 in Munich runs from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 2026. In Australia, Oktoberfest celebrations are spread across September and October, with different venues picking different weekends. Here is everything you need to plan the date — and the outfit.
Oktoberfest 2026 dates in Munich
The original Munich Oktoberfest traditionally starts in mid-to-late September and ends on the first Sunday of October. For 2026 that means 19 September to 4 October — just over two weeks of beer halls, brass bands, dirndls and lederhosen at the Theresienwiese.
You do not need a flight to Munich to join in, though. Australia runs its own version of the season, and it is getting bigger every year.
When is Oktoberfest in Australia?
There is no single national date. Australian Oktoberfest events are hosted by German clubs, breweries, pubs and community festivals, and most of them land somewhere between early September and the end of October. Many venues deliberately pick weekends around the Munich dates, so the last two weekends of September and the first weekend of October are usually the busiest of the season.
The practical tip: check your local venue's listings early, because the popular sessions sell out — and so do the popular costume sizes.
Key dates at a glance
Planning around the season is easier when you can see the shape of it. Early September is when the first Australian events start appearing and when costume orders begin to pick up. The weekend of 19-20 September lines up with the Munich opening and is the unofficial start of the Australian season proper. The last weekend of September and the first weekend of October are the peak — if your event falls here, order early. Through the rest of October, plenty of venues keep the theme running, and late orders can still make it with Express Post.
If you are organising a group booking for a work event or a birthday, lock the date first and the outfits second — sizes are the thing that runs out, not styles.
Hosting your own Oktoberfest at home or work?
Not every Oktoberfest happens at a beer hall. Backyard parties, office socials and club events are a huge part of the Australian season, and they are the easiest to dress for: a couple of steins, checked tablecloths, and everyone in costume. Set the dress code as "Bavarian" and let guests choose their own level of commitment — full lederhosen and dirndls for the keen ones, an Alpine hat or braided wig for the rest. It photographs brilliantly and costs less than a round at the real thing.
What do people wear to Oktoberfest?
Traditional Bavarian dress is half the fun of the day. For men that means lederhosen — leather-look shorts with suspenders, usually worn with a checked shirt, knee-high socks and an Alpine hat. Browse our men's Oktoberfest costumes for complete sets, or go straight to the lederhosen costumes range.
For women the classic look is the dirndl — a fitted bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron. Our women's Oktoberfest costumes cover everything from traditional dirndl dresses to beer maid styles, and a braided wig or Edelweiss necklace finishes the look nicely.
Going with a partner or a group? Matching couples sets — his lederhosen, her dirndl — are one of the easiest group themes of the year, and Oktoberfest hats and accessories are the quickest way to get everyone else on theme.
When should you order your costume?
Work backwards from your event date. The peak Oktoberfest weekends in Australia cluster from mid-September to early October, and that is exactly when popular sizes start selling out. Ordering one to two weeks ahead gives you time to check the fit and swap sizes if needed.
Left it late? We dispatch weekday orders placed before 2pm the same day from our Melbourne warehouse, so even a mid-week order can usually make the weekend — choose Express Post at checkout if you are cutting it fine.
Oktoberfest 2026 FAQ
How long does Oktoberfest last? The Munich festival runs just over two weeks, ending on the first Sunday of October — in 2026, that is 4 October.
Do Australian events follow the Munich dates? Loosely. Many line up with the Munich window in late September, but plenty of venues run events through the whole of October, so there is almost always another chance to wear the outfit.
Do you have to dress up? No — but most people do, and a costume makes the day. Even a hat and a stein will get you into the spirit if you are not ready for full lederhosen.
Ready for the season? Browse the full range of Oktoberfest costumes and get the date in the calendar.