When most people picture Oktoberfest, they imagine beer steins, roasted chicken, and the sound of brass bands playing familiar folk tunes. But in recent years, something has changed: traditional Bavarian music has been pushed aside in many tents. Instead, you’re more likely to hear English pop hits, party anthems, or even Spanish summer songs echoing through the beer tents. And the guests love it. Every year, the most beloved song is chosen as “Wiesn-Hit”.
Oktoberfest and its Hitsongs
For locals and traditionalists, this shift feels like a loss. After all, Oktoberfest has always been about celebrating Bavarian culture—not just through food and beer, but through its music. The sound of a hearty “Ein Prosit” or a lively polka used to set the mood, giving the Wiesn (Oktoberfest) its unmistakable character. Today, those moments are becoming rarer, and many fear that Oktoberfest could lose part of its authenticity.
The festival organizers are aware of this problem. There is a growing effort to bring back more songs in Bavarian dialect to strengthen the presence of traditional music in the tents. The idea is not to exclude international hits entirely—they are part of the fun, too—but to restore balance so that visitors, especially those coming from abroad, can still experience the real sound of Bavaria.
New Bavarian Songs
For travelers, this means Oktoberfest might feel a little different. Alongside the usual sing-along classics like “Country Roads”, “Sweet Caroline”, “Sara perché ti amo” and “Angels”, you may hear more regional bands, folk songs, and even new Bavarian-dialect tracks designed to get the especially younger crowd going. It’s a small but important step to keep Munich’s world-famous festival rooted in its traditions, while still being the global party it has become. Plus, it is not only about Oompah Music, the festival organizers want modern Bavarian folk, which is often really danceable to be part of the fun.
Choose Your Type of Music
If you’re looking for the authentic sound of Oktoberfest—brass bands, folk tunes, and Bavarian sing-alongs—head to:
Augustiner-Festhalle – Known for its slower pace and a stronger focus on traditional music.
Ochsenbraterei – A family-friendly tent with plenty of folk tunes throughout the day.
Armbrustschützenzelt – Brass bands keep the Bavarian spirit alive, especially in the afternoons.
Festzelt Tradition (on the Oide Wiesn grounds) – The ultimate spot for pure folk music, dances, and an atmosphere that feels like old Munich.
Here, you’ll find the atmosphere more relaxed, with locals swaying along to polkas and waltzes, and fewer loud party anthems.
If you prefer beer tents with party-atmosphere, go to:
- Hofbräuzelt (the most touristy tent, but also with a party-atmosphere)
- Hacker-Festzelt (“Himmel der Bayern”, young people, party-vibes)
- Löwenbräu Festzelt (international visitors, international songs, especially in the eveneing)
- Schottenhamel (feels more like a beer-tent-club in the evening)
Bottom line
Whether you want the full-on party with international hits or the authentic Bavarian brass band feeling – Oktoberfest offers both. The key is choosing the right tent, because your Wiesn experience will sound very different depending on where you sit.