Oktoberfest is a global phenomenon, a Bavarian beer festival celebrated in countries around the world.
But many say there’s no better place to be than home in Munich. The festival attracts around 6 million participants each year, according to the festival’s website, run by the Munich Bureau of Labor Economics.
As a non-Bavaria German, I regularly visit Munich and have learned a thing or two about attending the festival known simply as “Wiesen”. This is my advice.
what to wear
The dress code for many is a traditional Bavarian dirndl for women and lederhosen for men. In stark contrast to other parts of the world, you won’t be accused of cultural appropriation here. In fact, locals encourage international tourists to wear traditional costumes.
Revelers in leather lederhosen celebrate Oktoberfest on September 21, 2024 in Munich.
Johannes Simon | Getty Images News | Getty Images
These costumes are available for all budgets, from inexpensive one-off costumes to vintage and custom costume rentals.
There are a few things to keep in mind. Lederhosen is plural, so a pair of leather pants is simply Lederhosen. These are Bavarian style clothing and not German as many travelers believe. If you travel north, you won’t see them, except at Oktoberfest.
From order to tip
Beer is not served in mugs, as many believe, but in 1-liter beer glasses called “mass”. The server holds up to six masses in each hand and weighs approximately 12 kilograms (26 pounds). Servers are paid a percentage of the beer and food served, plus tips. Please tip well.
A waiter brings beer to a table during Oktoberfest on September 22, 2024 in Munich, Germany. The world’s largest beer festival will end on October 6, 2024.
Kirill Kudryavtsev | AFP | Getty Images
To get attention, servers wear clothespins with their names on them, but they also answer the relaxed call of “du,” which means “you” in German.
Drinkers can easily clink their glasses by the handle and drink until toasty. When the band calls out, “Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit der Gemtlichkeit. Ohns, zwoa, Driel Guffa!” — which translates to “Cheers, cheers to fun and friendliness. One, two, three, drink it up!” Please!” is translated. — Merry people are expected to finish their glasses and reorder.
Why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September?
The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich in October 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Over the years, the festival grew into a 16-day celebration, often affected by rain in October. By 1905, the festival moved to late September and always ends on the first Sunday in October.
We also sometimes practice “Schunkerun”, which involves folding your arms and swaying your body in time with the music.
Women: If you are wearing a dirndl, be careful where you tie the ribbon. A tie on the left traditionally means you are single and open to having an affair. Married women or women in relationships tie a ribbon on the right side. The waitress tied their hands behind their backs.
more than beer
The highlight of Oktoberfest is beer. The beer is specially brewed for this event and is very strong (over 6%). However, there is also wine, Apfelschole (a drink made with carbonated water and apple juice), non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and water.
A waitress carries a tray full of food at the beginning of Oktoberfest in Munich.
Felix Herhager | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
There are countless food stalls along the Vienna River, serving giant pretzels called bresen, meat dishes such as bratwurst, weisswurst, and schnitzel, fries, and curries.
Must-see spots in Munich
It’s within walking distance of the festival in Theresienwiese (meaning “Therese’s Meadow”), where you can visit the former city gate, Sendlinger Tor, and the beautiful Viktualienmarkt market.
A Bavarian brass band player outside the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum in Munich.
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The historic Old Town, home to the Old Royal Palace, Residenz Palace, the world-famous Hofbräuhaus and the Biel and Oktoberfest Museum, is also nearby.
For a day trip from the city, check out the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle, a 90-minute drive from Munich. Salzburg, Austria is less than two hours away by train. It’s a beautiful city, as is the postcard-perfect town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber north of Munich.
After drinking lots of beer, you can also consider spending a relaxing day among the snow-capped Alps at Lake Starnberg.
Oktoberfest around the world
If you can’t make it to Munich, don’t worry. There are amazing festivals around the world where you can experience tradition, fun, food and drink.
One of the biggest celebrations is held in Hong Kong, complete with all the festive decorations and views of Hong Kong Harbour.
People take photos at Oktoberfest Zinginati on September 16, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Jeff Dean | AFP | Getty Images
Large festivals are held in the United States in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in South America in Blumenau, Brazil.
If you don’t like crowds, why not try another annual German festival, the Spring Festival? It takes place in the same location as Theresienwiese in Munich, but with fewer tents and in many ways just as fun.
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that tying the dirndl on the left side indicates the wearer is single.