First, the bad news. Oktoberfest 2020 has been cancelled due to worldwide pandemic.
Now, the good news. You now have more time to learn about Oktoberfest and begin planning for 2021.
10 Things You Should Know About Oktoberfest BEFORE You Go (Munich, Germany)
Editor’s Note: This post is part of my ongoing Travel Series on Europe. Click here for more posts on this European trip including France, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.Â
#1 – What Oktoberfest Is And Why It’s Celebrated:
2020 is not the first year Oktoberfest had to cancel due to a world-wide pandemic. In fact, the festival has a long and eventful history.
Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a wedding party/horserace in honor of King Ludwig and his princess Theresa.
It was such a hit that the idea has been repeated every year since (with a few notable gap years due to wars, pandemics, and the death of a monarch or two).
By 1892 beers in glass steins and bratwurst became synonymous with Oktoberfest as the festival had evolved to resemble what it is today – a way to celebrate Bavarian culture (and the local breweries of Munich of course).
#2 – Oktoberfest Is Not Just For Boozers (It Has Something For Everybody):
Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest is not purely just for boozers, drunkards, and alcoholics.
As mentioned above, it’s a broader family-friendly festival celebrating Bavarian culture and there is something to do for everybody, both young and old, drinker and non-drinker.
Aside from the beer halls, the large fairgrounds host a large amusement park, dozens of Bavarian restaurants and dessert bars, and even some souvenir shops.
#3 – Where It’s Located (And How To Get There):
Oktoberfest is located in the park/fairgrounds known as Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s meadow” named after King Ludwig’s bride), southwest of the city’s center.
The grounds are a walking distance of about 1.5 km from Munich Central Station (Munchen Hbf).
The walk is twenty minutes from Munich Central Station
The surrounding neighborhood has some cool murals, so keep your eyes peeled
The entrance to Oktoberfest
#4 – Where To Stay For Oktoberfest:
If you are planning on drinking (and why wouldn’t you be?), I’d recommend staying somewhere close-by so as not to have to drive.
My hotel of choice was the ideally located Aloft Munich.
#5 – How To Get Into The Festive Mood (And Figure Our Your Favorite Oktoberfest Beer):
You don’t have to go in cold.
There are 6 local Munich breweries that participate in Oktoberfest and run their own beer halls: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.
“Six ways to do it right” – These are the 6 Munich breweries that participate in Oktoberfest
So how do you know which beer is going to be your favorite? Or which beer hall to spend your time at?
Well, there’s good news.
The Oktoberfest beers can be readily found throughout Munich through a combination of wholly-owned restaurants, beer gardens, breweries, and independent eateries – even the markets at the train stations serve these beers – so you’ll have ample opportunities to try and decide which beers you like before you attend Oktoberfest.
This is my personal favorite!
#6 – How To Dress For Oktoberfest:
This one is important. Dressing-up inside of the beer halls is a thing, take it seriously.
If you are not wearing the complete lederhosen (for men) or dirndl (for women) outfits, you are pretty much a looser and you will never be one of the “cool kids” at Oktoberfest.
It doesn’t matter what country you are from or what you look like, the whole point is dressing for the occasion and getting into the Bavarian spirit.
Don’t worry, there are many stores where you can get the correct attire at the very last minute for cheap (if need be).
#7 – How To Get A Seat: Option 1 – Reserve A Place At Oktoberfest
By now, you should know which beer you like and have your outfit ready to go.
Next, you’ll need to get a seat at the beer hall of your choice.
The first option is, make a reservation. Yes, this can be pricy, but you’ll at least be guaranteed a seat at a table (and thus, service).
With this method, you can also book a bunch of seats together for you and your friends.
#8 – How To Get A Seat: Option 2 – Just Wing It (Go For It)!
If you don’t want to spring for a reservation, you can try to just “wing it”.
As with anything, the early bird gets the worm so you’ll want to get there as early as possible, or alternately, as late as possible before closing.
It is possible you will find a spot, but you’ll need to have some amazing luck. Beware: You could end up walking aimlessly with no service.
If you do try this method and you can’t find a spot, see option #3.
#9 – How To Get A Seat: Option 3 – Ease Yourself Into The Festivities By Trying A Beer Garden
The beer halls [of course] are going to be more crowded with a younger, more hard-drinking crowd. I’ve found a good way to ease oneself into the festivities is to try a less-crowded and quieter beer garden (outdoors).
These beer gardens are still run by the breweries and are found just outside of the beer halls. The crowd is older (and wiser) and the service is faster.
#10: – Try New Beers And Beer Halls!
By now, you should have taken my advice in #7, 8, and/or 9, and you be at least several beers deep into the festivities.
Time to head back into the beer hall!
In fact, pick a couple and check them all out. You’ll find each beer hall is a bit different with a totally different vibe, crowd, and beer.
BONUS: #11 – Brush Up On “Hey Caroline” and “What’s Up”
FHOP Tip: Be sure to brush up on Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Four Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” songs. Seriously, Germans love to sing these songs at Oktoberfest. No matter which beer hall you choose, you’ll probably hear these songs playing once an hour for full-throated drunken sing-alongs. This may sound terrible, but it really couldn’t be any more awesome.Â
10 Things You Should Know About Oktoberfest – BEFORE You Go (Munich, Germany)
Oktoberfest is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
I wish I had known these things before I went my first time, but I’m glad I can share them with you.
Oktoberfest may be cancelled this year, but there’s always time to plan for 2021.
Cheers!
