When is Oktoberfest 2026? Dates and events in Sydney
Munich runs 19 September to 4 October, but Sydney keeps going until the Domain festival on 31 October. Every key date in order, what each one costs, and where to eat around them.
Oktoberfest 2026 runs from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October in Munich. In Sydney, the season stretches further, finishing with Oktoberfest in the Gardens at The Domain on Saturday 31 October. That gives the city about six weeks of steins, pretzels and brass bands.
This guide lays out the key dates in order, what each event costs, how to get there and where to eat before or after. Times are Sydney time.
Oktoberfest 2026 dates at a glance
| Date | Event | Where | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 19 Sep, 8pm AEST | Munich opening, the first keg tapped | Theresienwiese, Munich | Noon in Munich is 8pm in Sydney |
| Sat 19 Sep to Sun 4 Oct | Munich Oktoberfest | Munich | The official festival window |
| Thu 24 Sep, 5:30pm to 9pm | Official German Oktoberfest | Munich Brauhaus, The Rocks | Member event run by the German Australian Chamber, tickets from $169 |
| Sun 4 Oct | Munich closes, daylight saving starts in NSW | Munich and Sydney | Clocks go forward an hour |
| Sat 31 Oct, 1pm to 9pm | Oktoberfest in the Gardens | The Domain, Sydney | 18+, Sydney’s biggest Oktoberfest event |
The Munich dates come from the City of Munich’s official Oktoberfest page. Sydney event dates were checked against each organiser in September 2026.
Why Oktoberfest starts in September
The first Oktoberfest in 1810 celebrated the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese. It really was held in October. Later the festival moved earlier to catch warmer late September weather, and the tradition stuck. It still ends on the first Sunday of October, or on 3 October if German Unity Day falls later.
For Sydney that means the official window lands in early spring, just as the evenings warm up. It is good beer garden and waterfront weather.
Oktoberfest in the Gardens 2026, the big Sydney event
Oktoberfest in the Gardens returns to the Phillip Precinct of The Domain on Saturday 31 October 2026, from 1pm to 9pm. Organisers expect up to 16,000 people, and entry is strictly 18+.
Expect German beer, wine and cider, pretzel stands, bratwurst and pork knuckle, plus oompah bands, DJs and roving performers. General admission tickets were listed at $79.90 and VIP at $159.90. The first three ticket releases have sold out, so later releases are the ones left.
Getting to The Domain
Public transport is the only sensible option. St James and Martin Place stations are both a short walk, and Circular Quay is about 15 minutes on foot through the Royal Botanic Garden. Parking on site is limited, although the Domain Car Park has extra spaces. The Botanic Gardens event listing has the latest access notes.
What to wear
Dirndls and lederhosen are part of the fun, and most people make at least a token effort. Hire shops fill up in the last week of October, so book a costume early. Comfortable shoes matter more than an authentic outfit, because you will be standing on grass for most of the afternoon.
Oktoberfest 2026 across Sydney restaurants and bars
Between the Munich opening and the Domain festival, most of the action happens in pubs and restaurants. German venues in The Rocks, including Munich Brauhaus and Löwenbräu Keller, lean hardest into the theme with steins, tasting paddles and Bavarian platters. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday nights in late September, because both fill quickly.
Not everyone wants a full Bavarian beer hall. A lot of Sydney groups simply want a table, a round of cold beers and good food on the Oktoberfest weekend. For next year, the Oktoberfest page at Dine with Elements is where the dates, the restaurants and the deal get updated once they are set.
It runs across the harbour and the suburbs, from Walsh Bay and Pyrmont to Belmore, Haberfield and Darlinghurst, so the same plan works whether the crew is in the city or out west.
Where to eat before or after Oktoberfest in the Gardens
The Domain event finishes at 9pm, and plenty of people want dinner rather than another pretzel. Walsh Bay sits about 2.5km from The Domain, which is a 30 minute walk past Circular Quay or a short taxi ride.
Elements Bar and Grill Walsh Bay is on Pier 8/9 at 23 Hickson Road, right on the water. It works well for a steak dinner once the festival wraps up.
Across Darling Harbour, Elements Bar and Grill Pyrmont at 3 Harris Street is the easier pick if you are heading west afterwards.
If you want to stay close to the German venues, the guide to dining in The Rocks covers the streets around Munich Brauhaus and the walk down to the harbour.
One thing to plan around: 31 October is also Halloween, and our own Steak or Treat menu runs that weekend. Tables go early on that night, so book before the festival rather than after it.
How to plan your Oktoberfest weekend in Sydney
- Watch the tapping live. The Munich opening is at 8pm Sydney time on Saturday 19 September, which makes it a natural start to a Saturday night.
- Pick one big event. The Domain festival on 31 October is the headline. Everything else is a warm up.
- Book tables early. Friday and Saturday nights in late September fill first, especially for groups.
- Remember daylight saving. Clocks go forward on Sunday 4 October, which catches out anyone watching Munich coverage that night.
- Plan the trip home. Organise transport before the first stein, and drink water between rounds.
Frequently asked questions
When is Oktoberfest 2026?
Munich Oktoberfest 2026 runs from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October. In Sydney, Oktoberfest in the Gardens is on Saturday 31 October 2026 at The Domain.
When is Oktoberfest in the Gardens Sydney 2026?
Saturday 31 October 2026, from 1pm to 9pm, in the Phillip Precinct of The Domain. It is an 18+ event.
How much are Oktoberfest in the Gardens tickets?
General admission was listed at $79.90 and VIP at $159.90. VIP includes priority entry, reserved seating, a commemorative stein and drink vouchers.
What time does Oktoberfest start in Sydney time?
The first keg is tapped at noon in Munich on 19 September, which is 8pm AEST in Sydney.
Why is it called Oktoberfest if it starts in September?
The original 1810 festival was held in October. It later moved earlier for better weather, but it always finishes in early October.
Where can I celebrate Oktoberfest in Sydney without a ticket?
German venues in The Rocks run Oktoberfest menus through late September. Dine with Elements restaurants have joined in during past years; the next deal will be posted on the Oktoberfest page once it is set.
Booking for Oktoberfest
Grab the crew, pick a venue and sort the table before the weekend fills up. Book online with Dine with Elements, or call 1300 ELEMENTS (1300 353 636) for groups of ten or more.
Frequently asked
When is Oktoberfest 2026?
Munich Oktoberfest 2026 runs from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October. In Sydney, Oktoberfest in the Gardens is on Saturday 31 October 2026 at The Domain.
When is Oktoberfest in the Gardens Sydney 2026?
Saturday 31 October 2026, from 1pm to 9pm, in the Phillip Precinct of The Domain. It is an 18+ event.
How much are Oktoberfest in the Gardens tickets?
General admission was listed at $79.90 and VIP at $159.90. VIP includes priority entry, reserved seating, a commemorative stein and drink vouchers.
What time does Oktoberfest start in Sydney time?
The first keg is tapped at noon in Munich on 19 September, which is 8pm AEST in Sydney.
Why is it called Oktoberfest if it starts in September?
The original 1810 festival was held in October. It later moved earlier for better weather, but it always finishes in early October.
Where can I celebrate Oktoberfest in Sydney without a ticket?
German venues in The Rocks run Oktoberfest menus through late September. Dine with Elements restaurants have joined in during past years, and the next deal will be posted on the Oktoberfest page once it is set.
