Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is likely the most popular beer festival in the world, with the image of leiderhosen-clad Bavarians clutching 1-litre steins of German beer pretty much known all over the globe.

The first weekend of Oktoberfest regularly exceeds a million visitors, despite existing for over 180 years now.

This year’s Oktoberfest ¬ the 182nd edition! – began last weekend with the Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter tapping the first beer barrel in the Schottenhamel Tent and pouring a beer for the Bavrian Prime Minister, Horst Seehofer.

Oktoberfest runs from 17 September until 3 October, with stalls and tents opening at 10am every day, serving beer until midnight. The first Sunday of Oktoberfest includes the Costume and Riflemen’s Parade, which dates back to 1835 and includes thousands of costumed performers from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland and Croatia as well as a huge number of decorated carriages and plenty more. There are other displays and events at Oktoberfest, such as the gun salute and an open air concert from traditional German oompah bands. There is also a section of the Oktoberfest site called Old Wiesn where visitors can enjoy a beer and Bavarian culinary delights with live music and plenty more too.

There are 14 beer tents to choose from at Oktoberfest, so you’re sure to find somewhere to enjoy traditional Bavarian beer and food. The Stiftl tent is famous for its chicken and poultry dishes, while the Münchner Knödelei tent is known for providing old-fashioned Bavarian dumplings served with cheese, beetroot, mushrooms and more. The Café Mohrenkopf tent has its own bakery and the Weinzelt tent allows visitors to have a break from beer and enjoy a glass of wine instead.

Oktoberfest’s popularity lies in its simplicity and its joyous atmosphere. This isn’t a festival with pretenses of being anything other than great fun for all those who visit. Grab a stein, pour yourself a cold one and enjoy yourself!