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 Volksfest (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 began Saturday, Sept. 20 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 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 Saxony-Hildburghausen and the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the royal event outside of the city gates.
Whether one can trace his or her lineage to Germany or not, people of all backgrounds take part in Oktoberfest revelry, even hosting their own fests at home. 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 Oktoberfest bier. People replicating Oktoberfest celebrations nearer to home can include beers by Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbrau, Paulaner, and Spaten-Franziskaner, and be sure to serve at least one Marzen-style lager at the celebration. more. Set up a beer tent with all of the beverages widely available for guests to enjoy.
Offer popular culinary delights
Beyond the bevy of beer available, guests to an Oktoberfest celebration will anticipate traditional and hearty Bavarian specialties. Options include hendl (roast chicken), schweinebraten (roast pork), wurstl (sausages), brezen (pretzels), and many other culinary delights. Side dishes like potato salad, sauerkraut and red cabbage also are popular.
Wear the right folk attire
Traditional Oktoberfest attire includes lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Lederhosen consists of leather shorts, often with suspenders, worn with a checkered shirt. A dirndl is a dress consisting of a bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron. The outfits are not just costumes, but a celebration of Bavarian heritage. Men and women may accessorize with Alpine hats, Haferl shoes and Loferl socks.
Set the scene
Many people wonder why the official colors of Oktoberfest are blue and white, despite this 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. Each style contributes to a festive atmosphere.
