Oktoberfest is a worldwide phenomenon, a Bavarian beer festival celebrated in countries across the globe.
But many say nowhere is it more fun than in its original home of Munich. The festival attracts some six million celebrants every 12 months, in line with a festival website operated by Munich’s Department of Labor and Economics.
As a non-Bavarian German, I visit Munich usually and have learned just a few things about attending the festival, known simply because the “Wiesn.” Here’s my advice.
What to wear
The dress code for a lot of is the standard Bavarian dirndl, for ladies, and lederhosen, for men. In stark contrast to other parts of the world, you will not be accused of cultural misappropriation here — in actual fact, the locals invite international visitors to decorate in traditional costumes.
Revelers, wearing leather lederhosen, have fun Oktoberfest in Munich on Sept. 21, 2024.
Johannes Simon | Getty Images News | Getty Images
These outfits can be found at any budget, from inexpensive wear-once costumes to vintage and bespoke clothing rentals.
A few things to keep in mind: Lederhosen is plural, so one pair of leather trousers is just a lederhose. These are Bavarian-style outfits, not German as many travelers consider. Travel north, and you’ll not see them — aside from Oktoberfest, after all.
From ordering to tipping
Beer shouldn’t be served in steins, as many consider, but in glasses called a “mass,” which is one liter of beer. The servers carry as much as six mass in each hand, weighing roughly 12 kilograms (26 kilos). Servers are paid a percentage of the beer and food they serve, plus suggestions. So tip well, please.
A waiter brings beer to a table during Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany on Sept. 22, 2024. The world’s biggest beer festival ends on Oct. 6, 2024.
Kirill Kudryavtsev | Afp | Getty Images
To get their attention, servers wear a clothespin with their name on it, but additionally they answer to the relaxed address of ‘du’ — which suggests “you” — in German.
Revelers hold the mass by the handle in order that they can easily clink glasses and drink to toasts. When the band calls out: “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit. Oans, zwoa, driel g’suffa!” — which translates to “A toast, a toast to fun and friendliness. One, two, three, drink up!” — merrymakers are expected to complete their glasses and reorder.
Why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September?
The inaugural Octoberfest was held in October of 1810 in Munich to have fun the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Through the years, the festival grew right into a 16-day celebration which was often affected by rain in October. By 1905, the festival shifted to late September and all the time ends on the primary Sunday in October.
At other times, they practice “Schunkeln,” linking arms and swaying to the music.
Women: when you wear a dirndl, watch where you tie your bow. Ties on the suitable traditionally mean you might be single and open to flirting.
Greater than beer
Oktoberfest is all about beer, which is specially brewed for the event and quite strong (above 6%). But there’s also wine, Apfelschorle (a beverage manufactured from carbonated water and apple juice), alcohol-free beer, soft drinks and water.
A waitress carries a tray of food at the beginning of the Munich Oktoberfest celebration.
Felix Hörhager | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
Across the Wiesn, there are myriad food stalls, serving gigantic pretzels, called brezen, meats like bratwurst, weisswurst and schnitzel, plus fries, curries and so rather more.
Munich must-do’s
Inside easy walking distance from the Theresienwiese — which suggests “”Therese’s meadow,” which is where the festival is held — travelers can visit the Sendlinger Tor, a former city gate, and the Viktualienmarkt, a stunning market.
A Bavarian brass band player, outside Munich’s Beer and Oktoberfest Museum.
Alexander Hassenstein | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The historic old town can also be nearby, which is home to the previous royal palace, Residenz Palace, the world-famous Hofbräuhaus, and the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum.
For a day trip from town, the jaw-dropping Neuschwanstein Castle is a 90-minute drive from Munich. Salzburg, in Austria, is lower than two hours away by train — a beautiful city, as is the picture-postcard-perfect town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, north of Munich.
In any case that beer, a day relaxing among the many snowcapped Alps at Lake Starnberg might be considered too.
Oktoberfest world wide
Those that cannot make it to Munich, worry not. There are unbelievable festivals world wide to experience the tradition, fun, and food and drinks.
Considered one of the most important celebrations is in Hong Kong. The Marco Polo German Bierfest has all the festival’s trappings, plus views of Hong Kong Harbour.
People pose for a photograph during “Oktoberfest Zinzinnati” in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sept. 16, 2021.
Jeff Dean | Afp | Getty Images
In the US, a big festival occurs in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in South America in Blumenau, Brazil.
Those not keen on crowds can try one other annual German celebration — the Spring Festival. It’s held in the identical place, Munich’s Theresienwiese, but has fewer tents, and in some ways might be just as much fun.
