[bleucamaro]

Went in 2013 and 2015.

The first trip was during the opening. It was fantastic.

The second trip, we ended up going the 2nd weekend, which is "Italian Weekend" when the italians all visit. It is markedly dirtier, ruder, drunker (not a great way). It was still incredible, but I'd recommend to choose an alternate time to go than "Italian Weekend".

That said, the seconde trip we discovered the Teufelsrad (devils wheel), and the Oide Weisn (traditional area). The oide weisn was very much less crowded, a place to relax and rest.

At all the tents, to be served food (and I think beer, can't remember), you must be seated at a table. To be seated at a table you must:
A) Make a reservation - I have no idea how to do this.
B) Get there early, and bum rush to your preferred tent & table, then have a member of your party camp there all day. - We did this, it worked out great, but we had a group of 8.
C) Wait for an opening (can wait up to an hour or more)
D) Make friends with people at a table with an opening, just ask to join them for an hour or so. - This works really well also when you are solo or a couple.