Millions of visitors travel to Munich, Germany, each year to take part in a celebration of Bavarian culture known as Oktoberfest. Although the name implies that the world’s largest Volks-fest (people’s festival) occurs in October, the majority of Oktoberfest actually happens in September, and runs from between 16 and 18 days. For 2025, Oktoberfest begins Saturday, September 20, and runs through Sunday, October 5.
Though it may seem like Oktoberfest is just a beer festival, it’s actually a celebration of community, food, and music. The origins can be traced back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, and the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the royal event outside of the city gates.
The following ideas are some ways to create your own unforgettable Oktoberfest celebration.
Erect a beer tent
Visitors to Oktoberfest in Munich will find massive beer tents, each operated by Munich’s traditional breweries. These are the only official beer providers of Oktoberfestbier. People replicating Oktoberfest celebrations nearer to home can include beers by Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten-Franziskaner, and be sure to serve at least one Märzen-style lager at the celebration.
Offer popular culinary delights
Beyond the bevy of beer available, guests at an Oktoberfest celebration will anticipate traditional and hearty Bavarian specialities. Options include hendl (roast chicken), schweinebraten (roast pork), würstl (sausages), and brezen (pretzels). Side dishes like potato salad, sauerkraut, and red cabbage are also popular.
Wear the right folk attire
Traditional Oktoberfest attire includes lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Lederhosen consist of leather shorts, often with suspenders, worn with a checkered shirt. A dirndl is a dress consisting of a bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron.
Set the scene
Many people wonder why the official colors of Oktoberfest are blue and white, despite these not matching the colors of the German flag. In fact, Oktoberfest builds its color scheme around the Bavarian flag. Bavaria is a state within Germany. It is one of the 16 states that make up the Federal Republic of Germany, and it has its own traditions, dialect, cuisine, and more.
Play Oktoberfest music
Traditional Bavarian oompah bands, polka bands, and other sing-along folk drinking songs are often played during Oktoberfest celebrations.
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