Not that beer-drinking needs an excuse, but Oktoberfest does kick it up several notches.
Inextricably linked to imbibing copious amounts of the golden brew, the origin is almost forgotten. More than two centuries ago, a royal wedding prompted a people’s festival in the fields in front of Munich’s city gates. The informal party has since grown and grown to spread across the world, but the city of its origin remains the mainstay.
Though it’s called Oktoberfest, festivities including street parties usually begin in mid to late September and go on till early October. During this time, it is common to see locals dress up in traditional dirndl (female) and lederhosen (male) and party through the night at massive beer tents that come up for the occasion. These usually have live bands playing rollicking music and dancing, especially table-top and line-dancing. As the night progresses, the noise and the craziness only increases. A big factor in this craziness is the fact that most beer brands make special beers for the festival with slightly higher alcohol content.
On the other hand, over the last few years, Germany has seen an unusual spike in the demand and consumption of non-alcoholic beers. The trend is fronted mostly by younger generations who prefer a healthier lifestyle, which has prompted almost all premium brands to launch non-alcoholic beers that taste as good as the real brew. To cater to this segment, several tents offer a wide choice of non-alcoholic beers.
Clearly, people go bonkers with beer and merriment and Munich is where it is at. But other German cities have evolved their own specialties to give it a twist and attract visitors. Here’s where to be during Oktoberfest in Germany.
Munich: the home of Oktoberfest
The city of Munich is at the heart and soul of Oktoberfest, with the flagship events held at the sprawling Theresienwiese, where the original one was held in 1810. The venue features a wide array of stalls from restaurants, eateries, and of course, breweries - designed to showcase the breadth of Munich’s offerings. There’s also plenty of fun to be had at the booths, which have games and souvenirs. Rides include the mobile drop or Willenborg’s Ferris wheel, which has become symbolic of the Munich Oktoberfest. Check the Oktoberfest website for any forthcoming events and the Oktoberfest barometer to best plan your visit.
Stuttgart: Cannstatter Volksfest
For three weeks in September and October, the city of Stuttgart is taken over by the dazzling Cannstatter Volksfest. Among Europe’s largest funfairs, the Volksfest has a rich history of nearly 200 years of entertaining visitors from far and near. Festival tents dot the grounds alongside a vibrant flea market and a plethora of local traders. A highlight is the Volksfest parade on the first Sunday of the festival - a grand family-friendly affair complete with costumes and horse-drawn carriages.
Berlin: a glimpse of Bavarian tradition
Oktoberfest transforms Berlin into a hub of traditional Bavarian folk culture, from the music to the food to the beer. Tents and fairs spring up across the city in decades-old tradition - from Zollpackhof, Berlin’s oldest restaurant, to the city’s largest carnival celebration, Kurt-Schumacher-Damm. Don’t miss the roast pork knuckles or the Bavarian beer, and be sure to catch some traditional live music at Spandau Citadel.
Cologne: Kolner Oktoberfest
Since 2004, Cologne has hosted one of the fastest-growing Oktoberfest fairs in Germany. While it’s a comparatively smaller affair, there’s enough fun to be had. The Kolner Oktoberfest takes place in a massive tent where local bands take the stage every night for two weeks and the party runs from night into day. Cologne’s event is, perhaps, less family-friendly than the rest, so plan accordingly if traveling with little ones.
Frankfurt: Frankfurter Oktoberfest
For those looking for a quieter, more intimate Oktoberfest experience, Frankfurt is just the place to be. Lasting four weeks, the Frankfurter Oktoberfest falls back on the festival’s roots with long wooden tables that bring people together in their shared love of beer. Evenings are dotted with live music and the tradition Bayern game of beer glass lifting for those who are more daring. It is a themed event, however, so make sure you pack your German best!
Dresden: Pichmannel Oktoberfest
This is the most popular Oktoberfest in East Germany, so if the happening place is where you want to be, then Pichmannel Oktoberfest in Dresden is just the destination for you. The program features a host of creative events, games, and interactions nearly every day, and many famous German bands have been slated to join the lineup this year around. Unlike many others, this is a ticketed event so make sure to plan ahead and get yours soon for a seamless experience.
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