Oktoberfest, the world’s largest volkfest with 5 to 7 million visitors, offers so many exciting things to experience than just drinking beer. Wearing tracht (Lederhosen for men and dirndl for women) is the biggest part of the celebration. Other things that are a must to fully celebrate Oktoberfest include visiting beer tents, playing games, participating in competitions, taking amusement rides, enjoying German food, and much more.
Do You Need to Plan for Oktoberfest?
Planning an Oktoberfest trip is easy with a few key strategies. First, choose your dates wisely. Saturdays are best avoided due to massive crowds. Sundays offer a calmer experience, with the first Sunday being particularly stunning due to the Trachten- und Schützenzug parade. Family days are perfect for budget-conscious travelers, featuring reduced ride prices.
Next, secure your accommodation as early as possible. Munich’s hotels fill up quickly during Oktoberfest, and prices tend to climb. Our comprehensive trip planning guide offers valuable tips on finding hotels near Oktoberfest, ensuring a smooth experience.
What to Wear to Oktoberfest?
Men Lederhosen and Women’s dirndl are an easy way to dress up for Oktoberfest in Munich. Around 90% of revelers in the beer halls adorn some kind of Bavarian outfit, and you must wear them to experience the Oktoberfest spirit fully. For even the short-term visitor, an investment in an authentic Oktoberfest outfit can really enhance the experience.
Celebrate to the Fullest: 7 Must-Do Things at Oktoberfest
If you’re lucky enough to be attending Oktoberfest in Munich, hoisting steins of beer is a must, but what else would you do? To fully enjoy the Oktoberfest experience, here is the compiled list of activities that you must not miss.
Attend the Traditional Costume and Hunters’ Parade
The first Sunday of Oktoberfest is a sight to behold. That’s when the granddaddy of all parades, the Traditional Costume and Hunters’ Parade, marks the beginning of festivities. Over 9,000 participants march through Munich, an incredible display of Bavarian culture.
The participants in colorful German Oktoberfest costumes, hunting clubs, mountain troops, and marching bands, all adding to the vibrant energy. It’s a global affair too, with groups travelling from across the world to be part of this spectacle. There are also over-the-top floats representing different villages and clubs.
Pro Tip: Arrive early and grab a spot near the start of the parade to catch these unique floats in all their glory,
Check out the Famous Beer Tents
With 14 large and 21 small Oktoberfest tents, it becomes difficult to navigate which is the best one. While the majority of visitors only get to see 1 or 2 tents during their trip, there are actually 16 large tents that are all special and unique with their food, decoration, beer, activities, etc.
The must visit Oktoberfest tents include Hacker-Festhalle, Schottenhamel, Ochsenbrauerei, and Festzelt Tradition. All these tents offer beer only from Munich six major breweries. Also, they different Oktoberfest beer tents do have different prices for things like beer and food.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to the giants and explore the unique charm of the smaller tents as they offer great experience.
Must Attend the Oktoberfest Opening Day Parade
This vibrant procession, known as the Wiesn Landlord and Breweries Parade, indicates the official start of Oktoberfest. In the parade, the beer tent landlords and representatives from Munich’s six major breweries rode in style on impressive horse-drawn beer carriages.
Led by the adorable Oktoberfest mascot, the Münchner Kindl, the parade winds through the heart of Munich before culminating at the Oktoberfest grounds. Here, the anticipation builds as everyone awaits the ceremonial tapping of the first keg, marking the official start of Oktoberfest.
Pro Tip: Securing a table on opening day is difficult so you must arrive early and get a prime viewing spot along the parade route.
Do Not Miss the Traditional German Food
Oktoberfest might be synonymous with beer, but it offers a range of delicious German cuisine. Forget the limited options of a beer tent. The Wiesn transforms into a foodie paradise during the event.
From sausages and mouthwatering roast chickens to giant pretzels and fluffy dumplings, there’s something to satisfy every taste bud. Don’t miss the tasty soups, noodle dishes, schnitzels, and melt-in-your-mouth roast ox. Food vendors and small beer tents all around Wiesn offer a delightful food selection.
Pro Tip: Save room for a sweet ending and try out the candied nuts and decadent desserts.
Get a 360-degree View of Oktoberfest Grounds through the Ferris Wheel
Don’t miss a bird’s eye view of the Oktoberfest festivities. While the Willenborg family’s Ferris wheel may not be the tallest, it’s the most popular. Built in 1979, it’s become a cherished symbol of the festival, frequently capturing the hearts of visitors.
Soaring 50 meters above the revelry, you’ll witness a breathtaking panorama. During the clear weather, you can see the Alps from there in the daytime. At night, however, the true spectacle begins. The illuminated Oktoberfest transforms into an illuminated sea of lights, offering an unforgettable experience.
Pro tip: Be prepared for lines. The Ferris wheel’s popularity translates to longer wait times, especially in the evenings.
Take these Amusement Rides
Take a break from the steins and experience the festival’s unexpected thrill side with Oktoberfest rides. The Wiesn transforms into a carnival wonderland with exciting rides that cater to every level of daring. Soar through the air on the iconic Chair Carousel, or witness the hilarious tumbles on the Toboggan.
If you are an adventure lover, challenge yourself on the world’s tallest free-fall tower or take a spin on the largest transportable roller coaster on the planet. There’s even the Devil’s Wheel for great fun.
Pro Tip: Enjoy the ride before taking the steins or eating any food. This ensures a smoother experience and allows you to fully enjoy the thrills.
Participate in Okotberfest Games and Contests
Oktoberfest is a full-fledged festival with a fun-filled competitive spirit. Bring out your inner champion and participate in the many Oktoberfest games. Show off your strength in the stein holding competition (Masskrugstemmen) or your teamwork skills in the barrel rolling race (Fassrollen).
Try your luck at the pretzel tossing game (Brezelwerfen) or the polka dance-off. And for the truly adventurous, there’s always the sausage eating contest (Wurst-Essen-Wettbewerb). Don’t forget to dwear your lederhosen or dirndl for the costume contest that is a chance to win big prizes.
Pro Tip: While some games like the stein holding competition test pure strength, others require a bit of planning. Teamwork and a dash of friendly competition can make these games even more enjoyable.
Celebrate Oktoberfest like a True Bavarian
To celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich, you must know how to have fun. Otherwise, it can be nothing more than a wild beer-drinking bar. Have fun by interacting with locals, exploring the beer tents, enjoying the rides, and buying souvenirs from the stalls to take back home. Don’t forget to visit the photo booth to capture yourself in traditional Bavarian clothing. In a nutshell, these are just some of the Oktoberfest celebration ideas, but you need to unlock the real fun key for yourself by exploring the ground.
Image: Unsplash, Chandramohan Sudar
