The summer’s drawing to a close – we know, it’s sad. But don’t fret too much, as perhaps the most fun event to drink up those last drabs of beer garden atmosphere is kicking off tomorrow: Oktoberfest.
Have you ever wondered what it’s actually for, or why it technically starts in September? Are Lederhosen compulsory? Must you have a pint in hand at all times? The huge, merry, carnival-like folksy festival is kicking off in Munich tomorrow (Saturday 21) for its 189th edition, and we’re here to break it down, so here is everything you need to know about Oktoberfest.
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What is Oktoberfest and when is it celebrated?
Oktoberfest is an annual folk festival (the largest in the world, in fact) which takes place every year in Germany from mid or late September until the first Sunday of October (this year, October 6) – it usually lasts between 16 and 18 days.
A celebration of what, you ask? Well, all things Bavaria basically – the food, music and of course, the beer. The whole thing opens when the mayor of Munich taps a keg, and only beers from the original six breweries in Munich (Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten-Franziskaner) are served.
Where is Oktoberfest held?
The festival takes place in Munich every year, at Theresienwiese, a 100-acre fairground space in the city’s Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district, near the Old Town.
What happens at Oktoberfest?
Believe it or not, Oktoberfest isn’t actually considered a beer festival in Germany – instead, it’s a folksy celebration popular among families as well as those after a stein or two.
Interestingly, Oktoberfest originated back in October 1810 in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Today, there’s entertainment on offer (amusement rides, games, dancing) as well as parades from different breweries, ceremonies, plenty of singing, as well as more than enough beer and food to go around.
Do you need tickets?
No, you don’t actually need a ticket to enter Oktoberfest, but you will need cash if you want to buy food or pay for rides inside the event (ATMs inside tend to come with pretty hefty fees). There will be security checks upon entry, so be prepared to queue.
Why is it even called Oktoberfest?
We know – it’s pretty odd that a celebration called ‘Oktoberfest’ kicks off in September, but that wedding we mentioned did take place in October, originally. Over the years the festival has been moved forward to make the most of warmer weather – you can’t beat a stein in the sun, after all.
What is the dress code?
There’s no strict dress code for Oktoberfest, but you’re certain to come across plenty of dirndls and lederhosen.
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