Let me tell you about Oktoberfest

I have traveled back to Germany to launch my son, who just moved to Berlin. After spending a few nights in Berlin, I decided to come to see my family in Munich.

And guess what!?, it’s Oktoberfest time!
The whole city is overrun with people who want to experience this festival and for the most part the weather has been incredible! Big blue sky and the perfect temperature to venture into downtown Munich for this yearly festivity. This year is especially festive because it is the first time since 2019 that the Oktoberfest is happening. (Due to Covid it was paused for the last two years)
I thought I would compile a few fun facts as well as some tips in case you ever go to Oktoberfest.

1. Locals call it “Wiesn” (how to pronounce it) It’s a colloquial way of saying Theresienwiese, the name of the festival grounds.
   

1. Origin: Oktoberfest was originally held in October to celebrate the October 12th 1810 wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festival's name "Oktoberfest" comes from this historical origin. While the festival is called "Oktoberfest," it usually begins in late September and runs for 16-18 days, culminating in the first weekend of October. The dates can vary slightly from year to year.
   
2. Opening Day Ceremony: It all starts the first Saturday of the Oktoberfest, with a parade of festively decorated horse drawn wagons and brewery carriages, as they move to the festival area. It is followed with the Bavarian tradition where the Mayor of Munich will have the honor of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at noon on opening day. The tradition is that he toast and says “Ozapt, auf eine friedliche Wiesn”. (“Tapped, to a peaceful celebration”) Once the first barrel of beer has been opened, then everyone else can get their beers in and officially start Oktoberfest.
   
3. There is a website: www.oktoberfest.de with helpful tips and travel instructions in English.
   
4. Do not plan to drive/or ride a bike: Avoid planning to drive or ride a bike during this time. Parking is a nightmare, and you won't find a spot anywhere close for your car. Moreover, during Oktoberfest, be prepared for strict rules enforced by the police. Surprisingly, even after just one beer, you could find yourself in significant trouble. It's simply not worth the risk!
   Munich boasts an excellent public transportation system, along with plenty of available taxis. Here are instructions on how to get there. Even riding a bike while intoxicated is against the law, and there's a notable police presence to enforce this rule. This strict oversight is for good reason. At Hackerbruecke, you'll spot police buses with DJs and people dancing to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
   
5. What to bring: Bring cash (as well as coins). At moment the Mass cost 13. 19 Euros and the serving staff gets 1.31 Euros - so tips are really important! 10-15% is typical.
   Also, have some coins when you go to the bathroom (this is everywhere in Germany) - usually 50 cents to 1 Euro.
   But I would avoid bringing a purse, so you don’t accidentally leave it, but if you chose to bring one, make sure it is little. Security will check your purse, just like at any other festival.
   

Traditional Attire aka “Trachten”: Many attendees and workers at Oktoberfest wear traditional Bavarian clothing. For men, this includes lederhosen (leather shorts can cost over 1000 Euros), and for women, it's the Dirndl (a type of dress with an apron - costs around 500 Euros). The tradition of trachten is rather new- Unfortunatly we started seeing tourist come in cheap knock offs that look more like Halloween costumes.
Typically you want to dress up to go here, this is a special event and even if you don’t have a Dirndl or Lederhosen, people generally dress up. A button-down shirt and long pants, or a pretty summer dress will do. Do bring a cardigan for the evening, as it does cool off.

Traditional Attire aka “Trachten”: Many attendees and workers at Oktoberfest wear traditional Bavarian clothing. For men, this includes lederhosen (leather shorts can cost over 1000 Euros), and for women, it's the Dirndl (a type of dress with an apron - costs around 500 Euros). The tradition of trachten is rather new- Unfortunatly we started seeing tourist come in cheap knock offs that look more like Halloween costumes.
Typically you want to dress up to go here, this is a special event and even if you don’t have a Dirndl or Lederhosen, people generally dress up. A button-down shirt and long pants, or a pretty summer dress will do. Do bring a cardigan for the evening, as it does cool off.

1. (an Oktoberfest poster from the year I was born)
   
2. Food: Oktoberfest is not just about beer; it's also famous for its delicious Bavarian cuisine. Traditional dishes include pretzels, sausages, roasted chicken, Steckerlfisch (smoked fish on sticks), sauerkraut, Brotzeit bretterl (an assortment of bread, cheeses & meats) and various types of dumplings. You can get a variety of sweets here, candied apples, gingerbread hearts, cotton candy, candied nuts etc.
   

1. Music and Entertainment: Oktoberfest features a wide range of live music and entertainment, including traditional Bavarian music, modern pop and rock bands, and amusement rides like Ferris wheels and roller coasters.
   
2. Families/Kids: There are no kids under the age of 6 allowed inside the beer tents, and any kids ages 6-16 must leave the beer tents by 8 pm.
   Tuesdays are “Familientag” (family day) until 7 pm and on these days you can expect discounts if you are visiting with kids. There is a section called “Familienplatzl” that is a section of the Oktoberfest that is designated for families with kids and is way more chill, with rides and food and even a small beer garden, etc.
   

1. (Oide Wiesn- super relaxed, not too many people, but also not the party mile)
   
2. Also, there is an Old Oktoberfest section, there is a fee to enter, but it is way more relaxed and therefore more pleasant with kids. It is located at the edge of the Theresienwiesen. The locals call it “Oiden Wiesn” and it costs about 4 Euros to enter, it is somewhat of a secret tip, and a wonderful way to escape the craziness of the actual event. If you just want to enjoy the festivities, have a beer, some food and not be caught up in the craziness - this is the place for you.
   

1. (my brother and I posing on his birthday, we are at the Oide Wiesn, where they serve the beer in stones, not glasses)
   
2. Attendance: In a typical year (pre-pandemic), Oktoberfest attracted millions of visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most famous and well-attended festivals globally. In 2019 there were 6.3 Million festival goers. It is expected to have 6 Million people this year.
   

1. (if you see this, follow the arrow to the bathroom)
   
2. Words to know:
   “Prost” - Cheers
   “Dirndl” - Baviarian traditional Dress
   “Mass” - The big glass of Beer
   “Bierzelt” - Beer tent
   “Brezn” - Pretzel
   “An Gudan” - Bon Appetit in Bavarian
   

I hope this helps!

Best wishes,
Chef Pascal