Oktoberfest becomes overwhelming with millions of people gathered on the same festival ground. Every year, it attracts millions of visitors and music lovers from all over the world. Oktoberfest is no longer just a folk festival that originated in Munich, Germany; it’s a Global event. It’s a mixture of fascinating culture and modern norms. Before you plan your itinerary, it is best to know about everything you can do at Oktoberfest to get the true value for your money and time.
Top 10 Must-Have Experiences at Oktoberfest
Whenever you visit Munich for Oktoberfest, there are a few things that you must not miss. Whether you do it for your Insta feed or you want a break from your hectic routine, Oktoberfest is the way to go!
1. The Opening Parade
Oktoberfest kickoff is a must-go event. On the first Saturday of the festival, the ‘Parade of Tent Owners’ marks the beginning of the celebrations. There are beautifully decorated carriages that symbolize the history of the Bavarians. Owners of breweries and hosts of the beer tent are dressed in costumes. You can also find local Bavarian bands and a festive atmosphere with thousands of people watching. The mayor announces, “O’zapft is!” (It’s tapped!), which is a signal that allows the beer to be served in the tents.
2. Drink Beer in Beer Tents
There are different big and small Oktoberfest tents in Munich, Germany. Each tent has a specific beer and a specific crowd, and therefore caters to its guests accordingly. You can choose a tent that serves your favorite beer or resonates with your personality and vibe. There are seventeen large and twenty-one smaller beer tents, each offering a unique atmosphere. The must-visit Oktoberfest tents are;
- Hofbräu-Festzelt: If you are a party freak and love to dance, this is your tent to go. It is open to an international crowd and offers standing spaces.
- Schottenhamel: It is mostly a crowd favorite as it hosts the opening keg ceremony. Not only is it popular with the younger crowd but also has great activities.
- Augustiner-Festhalle: Popular for serving Augustiner beer, it serves the beer from wooden barrels. The vibe is very traditional and inviting, making you feel like you are at a Bavarian home.
- Kafer: Serves gourmet food and mostly hosts celebrities, politicians, and VIPs. It has a cosy and contemporary vibe showing class and quality.
3. Wear Traditional Clothing
By wearing traditional clothing at Oktoberfest, you get to experience the true Bavarian culture. Although it is not necessary to wear lederhosen and dirndl, it gives you a true sense of festivity. The locals look at you differently and appreciate you respecting their culture. Several tents have dress codes and therefore, it gets easier for you to enjoy each one of them. You don’t have to worry about any dress code limitations.
However, when shopping for these dresses, you must invest in the right place. Always look for places that sell local, authentic dresses at competitive prices. If you are buying online, make sure you look at the reviews and testimonials to make sure the quality is good.
Women should practice tying their aprons because it shows their social status. They can expect people to show interest and offer proposals based on the impression of their apron knots. Also, you can add accessories like Alpine hats, feathers, edelweiss pins, and more.
4. Feast on Authentic Bavarian Food
The food served at Oktoberfest is equally important as the beer. Each tent has a selection of Bavarian delicacies. This festival is known for food, drinks and merriment. Some of the must try dishes are;
- Hendl: Succulent, juicy half chicken that has been spit-roasted until golden brown and crispy.
- Schweinshaxe: Juicy, slow-roasted pork with a crisp skin.
- Weißwurst: A blend of veal and pork sausage served with sweet mustard and pretzels.
- Breen (Pretzels): Huge and soft pretzels that go well with beer.
- Obatzda: A cheese spread that contains spices and butter and goes perfectly with bread
- Kaiserschmarrn: It is a lightly sweetened pancake which is a favourite among people who have a sweet tooth.
There are food stalls outside the tents that offer sausages, roasted nuts, and candied fruits. You can munch on these snacks while you enjoy the festival.
5. Ride the Ferris Wheel and Classic Carnival Attractions
If you want to take a break from the beer tents, Oktoberfest Fairgrounds (Theresienwiese) has a variety of traditional funfair rides and games. The most common ride options are;
- Ferris Wheel: Along with an adrenaline rush, it gives you a great view of Munich city.
- Olympia Looping: The largest roller coaster in the world, having five loops. It keeps your heart beating faster and gives you the thrill you crave.
- Wilde Maus: Another roller coaster for people of all ages. It has sharp turns and a tight winding track.
- Traditional rides: Include the Teufelstad (Devil’s Wheel- a horizontal spinning disc) and the swing carousels like The Wellenflug.
There are shooting galleries and ring toss stalls that give you a great time and opportunity to make memories.
6. Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest)
It is a part of the Oktoberfest grounds that offers a traditional old Oktoberfest experience, just like it used to be hundreds of years ago. If you are a fan of history and prefer less crowded places, you must visit here. There are fairground attractions and historic rides that you can enjoy. They also offer exhibitions on Bavarian customs, crafts, history, and folklore, dance, and music.
You’ll find a lot less people and a much more chilled atmosphere here. You can also enjoy watching the traditional Schuhplattler dance and listening to Alphorn at the cultural tent. This place requires a small entry fee (approximately €4) but is highly recommended.
7. Sing and Dance Along
Every beer tent is filled with a lively atmosphere of fun. There is usually a brass band playing classical and contemporary music with some hit songs. When the party picks up, you can see people dancing on the benches later in the evening. Everybody vibes with the crowd and there is an authentic party spirit in each individual.
8. Try the Local Beverages
With so much beer flowing at Oktoberfest, it’s hard to think of anything else. But if you don’t drink beer or want to have something else, there are some great options as well.
- Radler: Beer and lemonade mix that is cold and refreshing
- Weinschorle: Wine spritzer
- Apfelschorle: Sparkling water with apple juice (non-alcoholic)
- Schnapps: Sweet or herby spirit or brandy shots, a great post-meal drink
You can also get fruits and liqueurs, especially in wine tents like Weinzelt, at many booths, along with German wine and sparkling wine.
9. Attend the Traditional Costume and Riflemen’s Parade
This parade, which takes place on the first Sunday of Oktoberfest, is one of the largest and most colorful cultural parades in Germany. There are 9,000+ participants from all over Bavaria and other regions. You can also see cultural people from all parts of Italy, Eastern Europe, Austria, and the rest of Germany. It has a 7 km route located in the city center of Munich. The parade celebrates the amazing range of German folk customs and is an absolute treat for all the attendees.
10. Make Long Lasting Memories With Souvenirs and Photos
As there are so many things to do at the Oktoberfest, it is impossible to forget even after years. However, it is best to take some photos and souvenirs so that you can remember and relive the event through them. The best photo options are to take photos with the October sign at the entrance and on top of the Ferris wheel. And it would be great if you took photos dressed in traditional clothes. Some of the souvenir ideas are;
- Oktoberfest beer mugs are the best souvenir. You must get the limited edition from each tent
- Traditional hats or feathers
- Heart-shaped gingerbread cookies
- local crafts or beer steins from the Oide Wiesn
Conclusion
Beer is just one feature of Oktoberfest. Its main spirit is celebrating Bavarian heritage, culture, and community. From singing in beer tents to enjoying local cuisine and dancing to music, each experience is special. There are a variety of things to do for locals, newcomers, and frequent visitors. This festival is not just to celebrate and respect the Bavarian history and culture but also to have a great time as an individual.
