When you think of Oktoberfest, images of giant beer steins, Bavarian music, and lively celebrations immediately come to mind. But did you know that Oktoberfest actually starts in September? That’s right—Germany’s most famous festival kicks off before October even arrives. Wondering why? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the world's largest beer festival, held annually in Munich, and why this celebration of Bavarian culture begins before the month in its name.
Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world, attracting over six million visitors from across the globe each year. It’s an extraordinary celebration of Bavarian culture, where beer, food, music, and tradition all come together in a lively, joyful atmosphere. Held annually in Munich, the festival typically begins in late September and lasts for 16 to 18 days, ensuring that the crowds can enjoy the event during the warmer early autumn weather.
The festival takes place on the Theresienwiese, a massive open space in Munich’s Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district. This location is affectionately referred to as the Wiesn, named after Princess Therese, whose wedding to Prince Ludwig of Bavaria in 1810 originally inspired the celebration. Today, the Wiesn transforms into a vibrant "city within a city," featuring enormous beer tents, carnival rides, markets, and food stalls serving traditional Bavarian delights.
Oktoberfest is much more than just a beer festival. It’s a full sensory experience and a deep dive into Bavarian culture. The festival grounds are filled with the sounds of traditional Bavarian bands, playing everything from lively oom-pah music to folk songs that get the crowds clapping and cheering. Everywhere you look, festival-goers are dressed in traditional dirndls and lederhosen, embracing the Bavarian spirit.
One of the most iconic sights of Oktoberfest is the raised steins of beer as people toast with a cheerful "Prost!" The smell of grilled sausages, fresh pretzels, and other Bavarian specialties wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist sampling the local food. Dishes like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Bratwurst, and sauerkraut are served alongside spätzle, dumplings, and, of course, Brezeln (pretzels).
Oktoberfest started as a grand wedding celebration. In 1810, the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese. The event was such a success that it was repeated the following year, and it eventually became an annual tradition.
Over the years, the festival grew in size and scope. Initially, Oktoberfest was held in October, but as the event expanded, it was moved to September to take advantage of the warmer weather, ensuring that visitors could enjoy the festivities under more pleasant conditions. Today, Oktoberfest usually begins in mid to late September and runs until the first weekend of October, with the final day now coinciding with German Unity Day (October 3rd), a national holiday celebrating the reunification of Germany.
The official start of Oktoberfest is marked by a grand opening ceremony. On the first day of the festival, a parade featuring traditional costumes and horse-drawn beer carriages winds its way through the streets of Munich, making its way to the Wiesn. Once there, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer in a highly anticipated ceremony. With a shout of "O'zapft is!" (meaning "It's tapped!"), the festival is officially underway, and only then can beer be served to the public.
One of the highlights of Oktoberfest is, of course, the beer. But not just any beer—Oktoberfest beer is a special brew made specifically for the festival. It’s a strong lager, known for its smooth, malty flavor and higher alcohol content, usually around 6% ABV. This beer is served in the famous one-liter steins called Maß, and it’s brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian purity law of 1516 that limits beer ingredients to water, barley, and hops.
Only six breweries within the city limits of Munich are allowed to brew beer for Oktoberfest, and each produces its own version of the special festival lager. These breweries include Augustiner, Löwenbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, Spaten, and Hofbräu. Each beer tent at the festival is operated by one of these breweries, giving visitors plenty of options to sample their favorite brews.
While Munich is home to the original and largest Oktoberfest celebration, the festival’s popularity has spread worldwide. Many cities across Europe, the United States, Australia, and even Asia now host their own Oktoberfest celebrations, featuring Bavarian food, beer, and Gemütlichkeit (the cozy, warm sense of community). These festivals may not be as large as the one in Munich, but they carry the same spirit of togetherness, joy, and, of course, delicious beer.
Whether you're planning to attend Oktoberfest in Munich or another city, the experience is sure to be memorable. With its rich history, vibrant traditions, and unique atmosphere, Oktoberfest remains one of the most celebrated cultural festivals in the world.