All You Need to Know About Germany’s Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a global event that around 6.7 million people attend from across the world. It is not just a beer festival, but a celebration of life. For adults, there are lots of attractions like delicious food, rich culture, good music, and hearty dance. You can also enjoy carnival rides, costume shows, and traditional parades. 

People dress up in traditional clothes and pay tribute to German culture. However, with the advancement in social media, this festival is much more than just this. Everybody around the world has an Oktoberfest craze that they enjoy during the last days of September and the initial days of October. 

11 Things Adults Must Know About Oktoberfest

If you want to get the true value for your money and time, you must do your research regarding Oktoberfest. In this way, you can stay updated and well informed throughout the event. 

 

• Dates and Location

Regardless of the name, most of the celebration happens in September because it gets too cold in October. It takes place at Theresienwiese (Wiesn) in Munich and this year, the dates would be September 20th to October 5th. Being a responsible adult, you must book the flights, accommodations, and tent seats far ahead of time as hotels and campsites fill up during the festival.  

 

• Beer Tents – The Heart Of Oktoberfest  

There are 17 large and 21 smaller tents, each offering a different musical atmosphere, menu, and overall vibe for people of all ages. Although all of the tents serve beer and great food, each one has its own specialty. 

Major Tents To Consider:  

Hofbräu-Festzelt: Has a party environment and most of the foreigners visit here. That’s why it’s also called the foreigners tent. 

Augustiner-Festhalle: Family-friendly and uses wooden barrels instead of steel kegs. This makes the drinking experience even more exciting. 

Schottenhamel: The young crowd favorite where the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg each year.

Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke: A lavish eatery serving the finest dishes. It has famous personalities as very important people. 

Armbrustschützenzelt: Hosts the competitions in crossbow shooting.

As there is a lot of beer and everybody is drinking and serving, it is most likely for many people to get overboard with it. Therefore, you must watch your pace while drinking. You must act responsibly and keep a balance of water and beer.

• Tent Rules: Oktoberfest Beer Tent Etiquette for Adults

Having the basic understanding of tent culture helps you to blend in and gives you a chance to enjoy the event in a respectful manner.

• It is better to book in advance for larger groups, especially for evenings and weekends. However, during mid-week, lots of seats are available.
• You can only get beer if you have booked your seat; therefore, it is mandatory to book. 
• Most of the facilities are “cash only.” This means that they do not take cards as a form of payment, so make sure you bring cash.
• Don’t forget to tip your servers well. It should be at least 10 to 15% of the total bill.
• Although it is a drinking festival, you should watch your drinking and should not go overboard with it. 
• It is better to arrive before 2 in the afternoon if you haven’t booked in advance. In this way, you have better chances of getting a good seat. 

 

• Bavarian Outfit: What to Wear

If you dress up according to German tradition, it not only enhances the experience but also shows that you respect their culture. In this way, locals also appreciate your spirit, and you feel more homely. 

For the Men:  

Lederhosen are the traditional clothes for men. They are leather or suede trousers that reach knee length. You can wear a checkered shirt and suspenders to have the typical German look. However, the outfit is incomplete without leather shoes, wool socks and accessories like an alpine hat which is decorated with feathers or pins. 

For the Women:  

Women wear the traditional Bavarian dirndl, which comprises a bodice, blouse,  skirt, and apron. You can wear ballet shoes, pumps, or any comfortable footwear along with it. Make sure you avoid heels so that you can walk and dance for long hours. Also, wearing a dirndl has some etiquette. For example, if you try the knot of the apron on the left, it shows that you’re single. Similarly, if you tie it on the right, it shows that you’re taken.

You can either buy these costumes or rent them from Munich. However, if you buy online, you get more variety and customization options. 

 

• Food at Oktoberfest  

There are lots of delicious German dishes in the food stalls, Beer tents, and surroundings of the Oktoberfest. 

Foods For Oktoberfest:

Hendl: Roasted chicken served with its crispy skin  

Schweinshaxe: Pork knuckles halved and served with mustard and sauerkraut  

Weisswurst: White sausage served with pretzels and sweet mustard

Brezn: Big pretzel served warm, goes along with beer  

Obatzda:  Cheese spread served with cream and onions

Apple Strudel: Warm dessert with vanilla sauce

Kas fantastics: Bavarian style Mac and cheese 

Most of the tents remain open throughout the day. You can enjoy the tent food outside as well. It all depends on your liking and aesthetics. 

 

• Entertainment and Events

Besides the food and drinks, Oktoberfest has lots of entertainment options:

Opening Parade: It has horse-drawn brewery wagons, carrying people in traditional attire. There are nice decorations and music that sets the pace of the event. 

Traditional Costume Parade: It is held on the first Sunday of the fest and shows the cultural diversity of the Germans. 

Other Activities:

There are live bands and music in every tent that have their own specific audience and vibe. You can choose any tent according to your liking and preferences.

Not only can you enjoy hearty music, but also folk dances. There are hundreds of people cheering and dancing in each tent. All you have to do is choose what crowd you want to join. 

You can see many shooting galleries, carnival attractions, Ferris wheels, and roller coasters at the festival. They give you the adrenaline rush, fun and lots of memories with your friends and loved ones.

You can also hear toasts and cheers of “Ein Prosit” throughout the festival, and many people spontaneously join in fun sing-alongs. 

• Fun Without Beer

Oktoberfest is only for beer lovers. For those who do not drink beer, there are many other things to enjoy.

• Weinzelt serves a selection of still and sparkling wines with cheese and meat platters.
• There are many tents serving coffee, cake and other desserts that you can have for a kick of energy. 
• You can see many stalls selling Bavarian crafts, souvenirs, traditional items and charms that you can take home as a memory. 
• Do take photos around the traditional wagons and carnival rides. Even if you’re not dressed in lederhosen and dirndl outfit, you can enjoy seeing other people wearing them. 
• Historical Oktoberfest (Oide Wiesn) is an area with old-fashioned rides and displays of German history. This area does have an entrance fee.

 

• Travel and Accommodation Tips

Spending on Oktoberfest is an investment in yourself. However, you must spend your money in the right way so that you can enjoy it the most. The Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC) receives all the flights for the big festival. From here, you can either use public transport, book a cab, or take a tram. 

If you want to book a place to stay, you must consider your budget and preferences first. For a clean and peaceful stay, book a hotel. Airbnb is also a good option, especially if you’re traveling in a group. For a more affordable option, you can choose between camping and hostels. They are better for those who want to be partying all night long, and don’t care about privacy and rest. 

Tip: You can find the best prices from February or March. Therefore, it is best to book in advance. Also, do check the reviews and testimonials of the accommodation you’re choosing for yourself. 

 

• Safety and Wellness Tips  

Enjoying yourself during the festival is important, but safety comes first.  

• Drink responsibly 
• Eat well before a session of drinking.  
• Drink water between every couple of beers
• Do not mix different types of alcohol.  
• Be conscious of your items; pickpockets are common in crowded areas.  
• Always travel in groups if possible.  
• Public transport is best; do not use personal cars.  
• There are first aid posts on the grounds, and the response time for emergency services in Germany is excellent. Keep emergency numbers on the speed dial. 

 

• Oktoberfest Around The World 

Don’t worry if you cannot reach Munich, because Oktoberfest is now being celebrated in other countries as well. 

• Cincinnati, USA: One of the largest Oktoberfests outside Munich  
• Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada: It is the biggest and most authentic version in Canada.  
• Brisbane, Australia: Blends traditional Bavarian culture with local entertainment.  
• Blumenau, Brazil: Colorful, energetic oktoberfest with a Latin touch.  
• London, UK: Beer halls set up in Hyde Park and Canary Wharf.  

Every place serves a unique variation of German beer, traditional attire, and festive ambience.  

 

• Sustainable Oktoberfest

In recent years, people have been trying to make Oktoberfest work towards sustainability. There are highly efficient waste segregation and recycling systems.  Plastic and disposable utensils are banned, and you must use reusable ones instead. As a visitor, you do your part by using public transport, recycling correctly, and diligently. You should not litter and throw garbage in the surroundings. It’s better to bring a refillable water bottle that you can carry around. 

Conclusion 

You can definitely have a blast at Oktoberfest celebrations because it caters to all kinds of people. Whether you love music, dance, drinking, eating, or history, you can have it all in one place. To enjoy it even more, you should dress in traditional clothes, book responsibly, and follow the rules and regulations. In this way, you can make it a great experience for yourself and other attendees.