Oktoberfest might be a few months away but it’s never too early or even late to “prost” and drink in the city that’s famous for its craft beers and artisanal Bavarian foods.
Oktoberfest Overview
This year the festivities of Oktoberfest begin on Saturday, September 21st and end on Sunday, October 6th, lasting over 2 weeks! A little over 7 million people from all over the world will attend this year. Not surprisingly, about 7 million liters of beer will be consumed at the festival.
This event, which started out as a small clubhouse of local brewers in Munich in the early 1800s, has grown into the much-anticipated festival for beer connoisseurs. As its popularity increased over the last few years, cities across the world now hold their own, smaller version of Oktoberfest. But nothing can compare to having a German beer in a German city with “Freunden und Gästen” [friends and guests]!
Oktoberfest Activities
Besides drinking and tasting all the different kinds of beer that Munich has to offer, there are other exciting activities and events planned throughout the week. Opening week festivities include the mayor of Munich tapping the first barrel of beer, which officially starts Oktoberfest, and a street parade of Bavarian costumes and traditional wear, complete with lederhosen for men and dirndl for women. Midweek festival activities continue with a few family-themed days where most carnival rides and attractions are offered at a discounted price. During the last few days of Oktoberfest, sit in and listen to Bavaria’s premier choirs and orchestras as they perform live next to the iconic Statue of Bavaria. And of course, don’t miss out on the closing ceremony where you’ll see the traditional gun salute at the steps of the Bavarian monument.
So pack your lederhosen and some change… just in case you decide to skip out on the yummy food tents and opt instead for the many beer gardens Oktoberfest has to offer.
If this post has made you thirsty enough for German beer, then check out our tour to Munich featuring Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest Experience 4D/3N.
Auf Wiedersehen!
