The Wiesn has been around for over 200 years, and during that time it has evolved into the world’s largest folk festival. Internationally, it is best known for its hearty fun: millions of liters of beer flow annually through the festival tents, where people dance on the benches to the music. Yet Oktoberfest is much more than just a party. It’s about customs and tradition, which is particularly evident in the southern part of the Theresienwiese. Here, spread over 3.5 hectares, you’ll find the Oide Wiesn, where the historical aspect takes center stage and things are a bit more laid-back.
From an anniversary event to a permanent fixture
In 2010, the Oktoberfest celebrated its 200th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the “Historische Wiesn” was held, kicking off with a cannon salute and a traditional costume parade. There was a festival tent, a museum tent, and nostalgic rides, as well as game booths and delicacies. In addition, horse races took place every day, just as they had at the first Oktoberfest in 1810. The organizers’ expectations were far exceeded: Instead of the hoped-for300,000 visitors, a total of 600,000 people came to the “Historical Wiesn.”
The anniversary event was a resounding success and subsequently became an integral part of the Oktoberfest. Now it just needed a name, and citizens were invited to submit their suggestions. Urwiesn, Minga-Wiesn, Altmünchner Wiesn, S’Wieserl… The ideas were varied, but in the end, the choice fell on Oide Wiesn. Since 2011, it has been part of the regular Oktoberfest under this name, though every four years it must make way for the central Agricultural Fair, which takes place on the southern part of the Theresienwiese on that cycle.
Away from the Wiesn madness
“Gmiatlich”—that’s how most visitors describe the Oide Wiesn. And it’s precisely this cozy atmosphere that they appreciate about the festival. There’s less partying and adrenaline than at the main festival grounds, but also fewer crowds and fewer drunk revelers. The Oide Wiesn is separated from the rest of the festival grounds by a fence, and admission costs €4 during the day. That might deter partygoers from wandering over here. On the other hand, the rides cost only €1.50, and after 9 p.m., admission to the Oide Wiesn itself is free.
Families with children, in particular, appreciate this quieter section and the fairground vendors’ reasonable prices. You can take a spin on the chain carousel from 1919, try out the last bumper car ride with wooden posts, and win great prizes at the can-tossing game. Of course, there are also stalls with delicious treats and gingerbread hearts to take home as souvenirs. But everything is on a smaller scale and more laid-back than at the festivities next door.
Tents at the Oide Wiesn
But of course, you can also party in true Bavarian style at the Oide Wiesn. Three festival tents are at your disposal, where Bavarian music is played and people dance. Beer is served in stone mugs, along with home-style cuisine. In the museum tent, on the other hand, there’s even more history for you to explore, with exhibits from the City Museum and the Munich Showmen’s Foundation. There’s also a children’s program here every day from Monday through Friday, where the little ones can either get their faces painted or be entertained by clowns.
The Oide Wiesn now covers 3.5 hectares in the southern part of the Theresienwiese and is open daily starting at 10 a.m. during the Oktoberfest. Admission costs €4, and you can purchase tickets either on-site, at the tourist information office, or online . You’ll receive a stamp so you can leave the grounds and re-enter later without having to pay again. Admission is also free after 9 p.m.
📍 Location: Southern part of the Theresienwiese
📅 Dates: Saturday, September 19 through Sunday, October 4
🕐 Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fri & Sat 10 a.m. to midnight
💶 Pricing information: €4 admission, free after 9 p.m.
