Dust off your lederhosen or dirndl, dig out your dancing shoes and get ready for steins on steins— Oktoberfest in the Gardens is back for 2025, taking over The Domain this October. There's nothing like a bratwurst in one hand and a pretzel in the other, and here at Urban List we are already prepping to embrace the carnival atmosphere.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t stress—this guide has you covered with key dates, ticket prices, costume tips, and insider hacks, so the only thing left on your to-do list is stocking up on Hydralyte (and maybe some Gaviscon) for the morning after.
Thirsty for details? Skip to:
- When & Where Is Oktoberfest in the Gardens Sydney 2025?
- Tickets, Prices & What’s Included
- Costumes, Food & Insider Hacks
When & Where Is Oktoberfest in the Gardens Sydney 2025?
Oktoberfest in the Gardens takes place Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 at The Domain, kicking off at 1pm. This spacious parkland venue is truly one-of-a-kind—nestled at the corner of Art Gallery Road and Hospital Road (where the festival's main entrance can be found), you’ll be surrounded by lush botanic gardens, offering a festive escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Up to 16,000 partiers are expected this year, so it's sure to be a blowout. Whether you’re there for the culture, the music, or just a good excuse to toast with friends, Oktoberfest in the Gardens has everything you need for a proper Bavarian blowout—no passport required.
Insider intel
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Gates open at midday, but if you want to avoid the peak crush between 3 pm and 7 pm, consider arriving early or timing it closer to golden hour for fewer crowds and better photo ops.
Tickets, Prices & What’s Included
First, second, and final release allocations have already been exhausted, with a huge crowd expected this year. Luckily for latecomers, the bonus release is now open until Saturday, 25 October—but don’t sleep on it, these are guaranteed to sell out fast.
GA enthusiasts, you’ll have full access to all the festival action: multiple stages with live entertainment and DJs, roving performers, competitions, sideshow alley, silent disco, wood-chopping demos, thrill rides, and even a Berghain-inspired Rave Cave (no stressing about entry here). Don’t miss the iconic festival halls, where you can eat, drink, and be merry to the lively tunes of oompah bands, accordion players, and on-stage games.
Feeling fancy? VIP passes get you priority entry, access to the VIP garden and undercover areas, a commemorative acrylic stein, two drink vouchers, a buffet lunch packed with German favourites, private toilets and bar, and plenty of seating. Talk about living the high life.
Insider Intel
- General admission is priced at $89.90, while VIP tickets go for $154.90.
Costumes, Food & Insider Hacks
No Oktoberfest is complete without traditional dress—but if you’re not of Bavarian heritage, tracking down a lederhosen or dirndl can be tricky. Luckily, Oktoberfest in the Gardens has you covered: order through Blossom Costumes and score 5% off all orders over $49, plus free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150. Otherwise, a quick online search will point you to plenty of costume retailers.
If you’re after something a little more authentic, Schnucki Dirndl and Lederhosen is Australia’s only traditional German dress shop, offering size and gender-inclusive options with top-notch quality. They’re based in Brisbane but ship Australia-wide—so get your orders in early. For a local spot, Snog The Frog in Surry Hills has plenty of outfits to hire, perfect if you’re not ready to commit.
Each Oktoberfest is unique, with a stacked lineup of travelling food and drinks vendors alongside local caterers and food trucks. Expect all your German favourites: massive pretzels, gingerbread hearts, pork hocks, pomme frites, and of course, bratwurst. On the drinks front, there’ll be German and craft beers, cider, schnapps, wine, sparkling, and spirits galore—plenty to toast to an epic day in true Bavarian style.
Getting to Oktoberfest in the Gardens is easiest by public transport. Jump off the train at St James, Martin Place, or Circular Quay, or catch the ferry and enjoy a short stroll from Circular Quay to The Domain—bonus points for scenic snaps along the way. If you’re driving or Ubering, heads up—Art Gallery Road will be closed to inbound traffic from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Leave the lederhosen on, stein in hand, and remember: calories don’t count at Oktoberfest. Tickets are almost gone, so grab yours before it’s too late.
Insider Intel
- Bus timetables, maps, and trip planning info are all on Transport NSW, and trains run extra late for the event, with the last city-bound service at 12:30 am.
Room in the calendar? Check out:
- Everything You Need To Know About Laneway Festival 2026
- Sculpture by the Sea 2025: Route, Parking, Sunrise Hacks
- Welcome To The Deep North: Sydney’s New Festival Is Taking Over the Beaches
Image credit: Oktoberfest In The Gardens | Instagram
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