Oktoberfest was such a fun experience and definitely something I'm glad we got to experience while…read morein Munich! There is so much more to it than just the beer tents -- tons of food stands, rides, games, merchandise, music and people dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing.
We went on a Thursday, which I would definitely recommend if you want to experience Oktoberfest without quite as much craziness as the weekend. It was still very busy and crowded, but manageable for most of the day. Around 8 PM, we definitely noticed the atmosphere starting to change -- the crowds became more rowdy and there were a lot more very drunk people. If that's not your scene, I would recommend going during the day and leaving earlier in the evening.
We went on a couple of the rides, which were a lot of fun, although the cost can add up pretty quickly between rides, food and drinks. Definitely bring plenty of cash, as many places require it.
For anyone who isn't a beer drinker, there are also places throughout the festival where you can find wine, liquor and mixed drinks. One thing we learned is that some places charge a deposit for the glass, so don't throw it away or walk off with it! You return the glass afterward to get your deposit back.
Overall, we had a great time at Oktoberfest. It's crowded, expensive and gets a little wild later at night, but it's also such a unique experience. Going on a weekday and earlier in the day was perfect for us, and I would absolutely recommend experiencing Oktoberfest at least once!