What is the name of the largest beer tent at Oktoberfest?

The Hofbräu-Festzelt is the largest beer tent at Oktoberfest.

It offers nearly 10,000 places when indoor seats, its balcony, outdoor garden and distinctive standing area are counted. The tent is unusual because it has about 1,000 standing places inside near the stage, a feature not shared by the other large Oktoberfest tents.

Hofbräu first appeared at Oktoberfest with its own festival tent in 1955, while the current design dates from 1972. Its name connects it with Hofbräu München and the famous Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, which helps explain why the tent is especially popular with international visitors.

A common mix-up is confusing “largest” with “most historic” or “most traditional.” Schottenhamel is the site of the mayor’s ceremonial first keg tapping, and several other tents have comparable seating totals. Hofbräu-Festzelt wins on overall capacity, helped by its large garden and standing section. Its Bavarian decoration includes hop vines and the angel figure Aloisius, while the menu features familiar festival dishes such as roast chicken, sausages and pretzels.