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Oktoberfest

Raise your stein and don your lederhosen – it's Oktoberfest! Dive into the brew-haha of fun, food, and frothy merriment! Prost!

Saturday

19–4

September–October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOktoberfest Munich (Sat on/after Sep 16, 16-day)

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Hang on to your lederhosen, as we gear up to celebrate the world-renowned Oktoberfest starting on September 21! This magnificent festival, traced back to 1810 in Munich, Germany, started as a royal wedding celebration that turned into an annual public rejoicing. Over time, it evolved into the most prominent folk festival globally, drawing millions of visitors who revel in the exciting blend of Bavarian music, traditional foods, and of course, the best of German beer! Get ready to hoist your steins high and immerse yourself in this cultural extravaganza! Prost!

TIMELINE

Oktoberfest Timeline

Oktoberfest Begins

The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich as a horse race to celebrate the October 12 wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese.

Oktoberfest Becomes an Annual Event

After the huge success of the initial celebration, it was decided that the event would be held every year in Munich, thus solidifying Oktoberfest as an annual tradition.

Parade Introduced

A traditional parade featuring horse-drawn beer wagons, performers and traditional Bavarian music is introduced to kick-off Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Expands Globally

Oktoberfest celebrations begin to pop up all over the globe, including in cities such as Cincinnati, Ohio and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario that host some of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany.

200th Anniversary

The 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich, attracting over 6 million visitors from all over the world.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Oktoberfest

Host an Oktoberfest party

Set up a beer garden in your backyard, complete with checkered tablecloths, Bavarian flags, and wooden picnic tables. Serve traditional Oktoberfest fare like bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut. Don't forget to play traditional German folk music to set the mood.

TAKE

Take part in a beer tasting

Visit a local brewery or organize a beer tasting at home featuring a variety of German beers. Be sure to include classic Oktoberfest brews like Märzen, Weissbier, and Dunkel.

GET

Get festive with traditional outfits

Embrace the fun of the fest by dressing in traditional Bavarian clothing. Lederhosen for men and Dirndl dresses for women will add to the authenticity of your celebrations.

JOIN

Join a sauerkraut cooking contest

Push your culinary creativity by organizing or joining a sauerkraut cooking contest. See who can come up with the most delicious and innovative sauerkraut dish - from sausages, pies to salads, the possibilities are endless.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in traditional German games

Get physical and have some fun with traditional German games, such as Hammerschlagen, where players compete to hammer a nail into a stump. Another popular game is Masskrugstemmen, a beer stein-holding contest that tests endurance and arm strength.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Oktoberfest

The Fun of German Games

Partaking in traditional German games like Hammerschlagen and Masskrugstemmen is not only tremendous fun but also a perfect way to immerse yourself in the Oktoberfest spirit. The friendly competition adds a lively, festive feel to the event and guarantees unique and cherished memories.

A Celebration of Authentic Traditions

One of the best aspects of Oktoberfest is the lively celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions. From dressing in lederhosen and dirndls, dancing to traditional German folk music, to savoring delicious German foods, Oktoberfest gives us all the opportunity to experience the Bavarian way of life at its best.

The Joy of Beer Tasting

Oktoberfest is a paradise for beer lovers who get to sample a delightful selection of Germany's finest brews. Whether it's Märzen, Weissbier or Dunkel, one can indulge their taste buds in the unique flavors of traditional Oktoberfest beer that has been brewed for centuries.

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