Join in the celebrations of beer, Bavarian life and traditional food such as sausage, hendl (chicken), käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and sauerkraut, along with Bavarian delicacies such as roast ox tails. A special Oktoberfest beer is brewed for the occasion, which is slightly darker and stronger in both taste and alcohol content, than normal beer.

Where? Munich, Germany

When? Mid-September to early October. The 176th Oktoberfest starts on Saturday 19 September 2009 and finishes on 4 October 2009. 

How Long? Two weeks

Entry cost Free

Opening hours Beer-serving hours on weekdays are from 10am to 10:30pm; on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9am to 10:30pm.

Closing time Generally the festival closes at 11:30pm. The ‘Käfer Wiesn-Schänke’ and the ‘Weinzelt’ are open until 1am. Last call for alcohol is 12:15am.

Cost of a litre of beer Estimated price for a maß (one litre beer stein) is EUR8.

The big tents

The Oktoberfest grounds offer a choice of 14 tents called ‘Fest-hal-le’. Some of these larger tents seat up to 6,000 people in one sitting. Stroll into The Hippodrom – while smaller than the other tents this is a favourite of Munich locals, celebrities and young singles. If had one beer too many and fancy trying something else, sample the stylish sekt (sparkling wine) bar. Later wander over to the Armbrustschützen (Bull’s Eye!) to try the roast chicken, knuckle of pork or traditional sausages with sauerkraut, all washed down by a maß or two.

Highlights

Official opening ceremonies – The Schottenhamel tent is the place to be, at 12 noon on 20 September, if you want to catch the traditional opening ceremonies. Typically, the lord mayor of Munich will have the honour of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer. Once the barrel has been tapped, all visitors will then be allowed to quench their thirst. Arrive early in order to experience the festivities up close and personal.

Grand entry of the Oktoberfest landlords and breweries – This is the official prelude to the opening of the Oktoberfest and involves about 1,000 participants, including the landlords’ families in decorated carriages, the magnificent horse-drawn drays of the Munich breweries, waitresses on decorated floats and all the beer tent bands.

Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade – Don’t miss the two most important events of Oktoberfest. The parade happens every year on the first Wiesn Sunday. A varied succession of regional costume groups in historical uniforms, marching bands, riflemen, thoroughbred horses, oxen, cows, goats, the decorated drays of the Munich breweries, floats displaying typical local traditions and historic carriages all pass by in a seven kilometre-long procession through the streets of the city centre. Ribboned trees, trumpeters on horseback, flag-throwers and a host of other performers transform this traditional Munich procession into a brilliant highlight on the first Sunday of the Oktoberfest.

Open-air Oktoberfest music – A big-band open-air concert of all Oktoberfest bands with some 400 musicians takes place on the second Sunday of the festival.

Tip: A one litre beer stein, known as maß, is pronounced ‘mas’. Once you choose your beer tent you’ll need to be seated before you can order – those without seats aren’t served any beer! Arrive as early as possible, especially if you’re in a large group: on weekdays arrive no later than 2:30pm and on the weekends, go in the morning, otherwise you run the risk of not being able to enter the tents at all because they’re already full!

Climate

In September and October Munich enjoys an average temperature of 16°C with a high of 20°C.

Don’t miss

Munich’s English Garden, a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city: rent a boat on the lake, relax at the Chinese Tower beer garden or enjoy a refreshing tea at the Japanese Tea House. Don’t be surprised to see nude sunbathers catching a few rays. Visit Marienplatz and the Alter Rathausturm, stroll around the beautiful town plaza and witness the biggest cuckoo clock in the world – the Glockenspiel – in action at 11am, 12pm and 5pm.

Did you know?

The first Oktoberfest was held in the year 1810 in honour of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began on 12 October 1810 and ended on 17 October with a horse race. In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and, later, the festival was prolonged and moved forward into September as it allowed for better weather conditions.