Munich’s Oktoberfest: Germany’s biggest bash begins Published Sept. 26, 2012 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MUNICH, Germany -- The Munich Oktoberfest takes place Sept. 22 - Oct. 7 on the Theresienwiese in Munich. Munich's Oktoberfest is one of the biggest historic celebrations in Germany and draws in a large number of visitors. The festival started in honor of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in 1810 at the Bavarian ruling house, during which a horse race and public festival took place. The following year the festival was repeated and expanded by an agricultural exhibit to give Bavarians' agriculture impetus for development and improvement. Approximately six million visitors make their way to Oktoberfest annually to enjoy a variety of beer and Bavarian culture and cuisine. Oktoberfest beer from six major breweries will be served this year in more than 14 large beer tents with a total seating capacity for 100,000 guests. Brass music bands in the beer tents are typical for and popular at Oktoberfest. People can also find more than 200 attractions, rides and sideshows on the Theresienwiesen or Wiesn' grounds. The festival grounds are open 10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. On weekends and on Oct. 3, which is a German federal holiday, the tents open at 9 a.m. and close and 10:30 p.m. There are no parking facilities located in the vicinity of the Oktoberfest grounds. People must take public transportation to and from the festival. Police controls are enforced throughout the festival to prevent people from consuming alcohol and driving.