Are you going to Oktoberfest?
If it's your first time attending Oktoberfest, you're probably wondering what to wear. You should know the history of the dirndl and lederhosen to enjoy it to the fullst.
After all, participating in an Oktoberfest in authentic garb only enhances the experience. This is due to the fact that the attire is traditional Bavarian clothing, which has a fascinating history and is not just an "Men Oktoberfest costumes."
What is Oktoberfest?
The largest beer festival in the world is Oktoberfest. The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to commemorate King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen's nuptials. For the wedding festivities, Munich residents gathered to watch horse races and musical performances.
The German festival expanded from year to year to include carnival booths, rides, agricultural displays, and parades with participants wearing traditional Bavarian garb. The parade is still a significant component of Oktoberfest today!
Breweries began taking part in the parade at the end of the 19th century with elaborate floats displaying beer mugs and kegs. German beer and traditional foods were starting to be sold at booths. These booths eventually grew into the beer halls that are still in use today.
Six million people from all over the world travel to Munich every year for Oktoberfest. Not only is it one of Germany’s biggest attractions, but it’s also an important part of Bavaria’s local culture and traditions.
Attending Oktoberfest is a lot of fun! You can still have a lot of fun exploring the "Wiesn" if you don't like beer, don't want to hang out in the beer tents, or can't find a place to sit.
Where is Oktoberfest?
The yearly Oktoberfest is hosted in Theresienwiese, one of Munich's main festival grounds. Its central location is close to Old Town and is conveniently accessible via public transit (the nearest underground train stations are Theresienwiese or Goetheplatz).
There are 17 huge tents and 21 mini tents during the festival. There is something for everyone, from large beer tents serving local brew to tents with traditional dance floors and brass music to smaller tents with wonderful food.
Oktoberfest is well-known throughout the world due to its popularity. Countries such as the United States hold their own Oktoberfest festivals. It is also celebrated by bars and brewers all around the world, however it is not as authentic as Munich's Oktoberfest.
There is only one Oktoberfest, although there are other festivities in the area. While there is only one Oktoberfest, there are other, smaller, events in Germany that are similar. The Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart, for example, takes place around the same time and includes beer tents, music, rides, and so on. If you can't make it to Munich for Oktoberfest, you may certainly find another celebration to attend.
When is Oktoberfest Held?
Oktoberfest typically begins in the middle of September and lasts for 16 to 18 days, ending on the first Sunday in October. The 187th Oktoberfest will take place this year between September 17 and October 3, 2022.
On September 17 at precisely 12 o'clock, the first beer barrel in the Schottenhamel tent will be traditionally tapped to signal the beginning of Oktoberfest.
General Tips for Visiting Oktoberfest
- Book your accommodations as soon as you plan to attend Oktoberfest with a dirndl apron. As you can expect, this is a busy season to visit Munich, and hotels fill up quickly. Prices are usually greater than usual. Unless you reserve far in advance or are willing to pay a premium, you may need to hunt for a home that is not within walking distance. You can still get there by taking public transit.
- Make a tent reservation if possible. Reservations are frequently made months in advance, and minimum food and beverage purchases are usually required. Some tents are reserved for regulars, while others are solely for locals. If you are unable to get seat months in advance, you can try to book a seat 24 hours in advance.
- Skip the lines at Oktoberfest by booking an all-day guided tour, which including a table reservation in the Hofbräu-Festzelt tent, two beers, a chicken lunch, and a spin on the famed Ferris wheel. You'll not only have a guide who can give you the inside scoop on everything at Oktoberfest throughout the day, but you'll also get to enjoy it with other beer enthusiasts!
- You can enter beer tents for free without making a reservation. Most tents keep a certain number of seats available for walk-ins. However, if the tents are busy, it may be difficult to find a seat and get a beer. This is something I wish I had done.
- If you arrive on a busy day without a reservation and are unable to find a seat, simply enter a few tents to enjoy the ambiance. Then, later, enjoy a beer in a Biergarten.
- Prepare to share a table with others. Unless you've secured a table with a group, you may be seated at a table with strangers. But don't worry, everyone becomes pals during Oktoberfest!
- Do you dislike beer? Not a problem! Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available. While beer is an important aspect of Oktoberfest, it is not the only component.
- On a day trip to Munich, you can attend Oktoberfest. That's exactly what I did. My companions and I got an early train to Munich.
- It had been a long day, but we were glad to have gone to Oktoberfest. We spent the first half of the day visiting Oktoberfest before moving on to other sights in Munich. If you're wondering what else there is to do and see in Munich, check out our Munich guide!
Is There a Dress Code for Oktoberfest?
The clothing code is one of the most often questioned questions regarding Oktoberfest. There isn't one, technically. It is not difficult for many people to avoid dressing up in traditional attire. Nobody will think you're strange if you're not dressed traditionally. I went to Oktoberfest without wearing traditional attire and still had a terrific time.
That being said, dressing up is a fantastic way to make the most of your trip! The Oktoberfest garb we're all familiar with is more than simply a costume; it's genuine Bavarian garb. As a result, it is critical to be respectful and mindful of the customs associated with wearing them.
If you want to dress traditionally at Oktoberfest, keep this in mind.