At the Schottenhamel tent, the mayor of Munich taps, the first barrel of beer, shouting "O'zapft is!" ("It's been tapped!"). No beer can be served at the Oktoberfest before this ceremony has been performed. The beer tents are open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 11.30pm, Sundays and holidays from 9am to 11.30pm. However, beer is only served until 10.30pm. The only exceptions are the wine and the champagne tents as well as Kafers Wiesnschanke: they are open until 1am. Especially on the weekends, you should get to the tents early - when they become too crowded, doors are closed.
Downtown Munich (Kaufinger Strasse and the adjoining streets), almost all stores are open during these hours - beyond the fashionable pedestrian zone, however, stores may close at 6 or 6.30pm. Some stores are closed between 1 and 3pm; nowadays, though, this is only seldom the case.
Quick Tips:
Munich's beer garden culture / tradition is unsurpassed. No matter whether you want original Bavarian atmosphere or just a place to relax, you'll find a beer garden that suits you.
E.g. Augustiner Beergarden
The most typical Munich beer garden. Here, the beer is still tapped from wooden barrels. This is where until 1861 live hangings and executions by the guillotine took place. In spite of this macabre history, nowadays there's a lively
atmosphere, especially at the numerous tables reserved for regular customers. The crisp and well-seasoned chicken is particularly recommendable.
Close to the Hackerbrucke (can be reached by any underground)
Best Way To Get Around:
By public transportation.