The Myth of the Mass at Oktoberfest

The Myth of the Mass reveals some of the secrets of going to the the Oktoberfest. It will run from September 19th through October 4th in 2026. Known locally as the Wiesn, special Oktoberfest beers are brewed by the six local breweries for the occasion and are served in liter mugs. These are priced between €15 and €16. 

Local perceptions of Oktoberfest

Since I live in Munich, people routinely ask me, “Rich, how can you drink beer by the Mass, full liter pours?” Well, quite frankly, I don’t find myself often doing that. While I sadly have to pay for a Mass, I rarely receive one. While Munich Beer gardens have become synonymous with under pours, the top prize has to go to the Oktoberfest. Sure, they lost two years due to COVID. It’s almost understandable that prices have risen just over 15%. Everyone was prepared for it, despite inflation making their Euro less powerful. We pranced off happily ready to pay an average of €13.37 (€15 in 2025) per liter. The problem is, you don’t actually get a liter of beer for this grand price. It’s closer to .70L, what we like to refer to as a Schnitt. This last drink was meant to be a nice pour at half price and has never been utilized at the Fest, at least not in my Wiesn lifetime. As powerful as words can be, photos often paint a clearer picture.

the arrow shows where the head should begin

a rare okay pour

what you get for your money

A big head doesn’t mean a bad pour

As you can see from the arrow on the left photo, the beer is quite a bit less than a full liter. Since most of my clients come from areas outside Germany, they often complain about what they see as a bad pour due to too much head. I calmly explain that the line on the mug is the one liter measure. It has 1L etched on it. Bavarians like a big head. It’s aesthetically pleasing and when properly done ensures a less fizzy beer.  Less gas means you can drink more. So, a 1.5 inch head on a Mass is not only acceptable and fair, it is what we want. What no one wants is to be ripped off. In case you think this is just because they are so busy they don’t have time to do a proper fill, a German friend sent me an article where one of the tappers boasted that he could get 289 liters from a 200-liter barrel.

less than a Mass

friends enjoying their first Wiesnbier

calm before the storm

 fun times at the Wiesn

When a Mass isn’t a liter

No one can deny the Wiesn is fun. Locals were mostly frothing at the mouth for its return. Clients often ask if locals go and I can attest to many going multiple times. As expensive as it is, it is a must for many.  Still, it can be disappointing, especially for first timers. A couple of friends from Bamberg came down specifically to enjoy their first visit and on the very first pour at the Hofbräu Zelt, the guy just looked down in wonder at how much beer was not in “his Mass.” Mine was perhaps the best of the day and you can see the woman sporting it in their first Wiesn photo. We were happy to have a seat and it was early enough to actually enjoy a beer over a conversation. (Please note that ALL beer photos were taken as soon they were brought to the table.)

getting up high for a better perspecive

our table at the Festhalle

after a few Mass, who cares?

the usual bedlam at the Wiesn

Should you go to the Oktoberfest?

We moved onto reservation at the Augustiner Festhalle. It was a prime spot, right in the thick of things. Perhaps a bit too in the thick as the night progressed. People often ask me if they need a reservation at the Oktoberfest and I tell them not really; to go early and during the week. Once you’re in the tent, it could be anytime. People are drinking, singing and they’re drunk. The later it gets and especially on weekends, it gets too crowded and the people are too drunk. Should you go to the Big Show? Why not. It’s a bucket list spectacle to be experienced.  Will I return next year? Probably, but I’ll go last minute when the weather is nice and hope for a better pour.  Maybe I’ll find gold at the end of the rainbow too.

Oktoberfest 2025 dates

* Munich’s famed Oktoberfest will run from September 20th to October 5th in 2025.

First time in Munich, don’t leave home without reading The Pocket Guide to Munich Beer, Beer Gardens & Breweries. 

While the Oktoberfest is generally a once in a lifetime event to be savored, there’s a lot more to Bavaria so close at hand from Munich. Join me for a walk in the countryside and more reasonably priced and better poured beer.

Munich departures:
Enjoy your own group with a Private Tour led by a Munich local.