Origins of Oktoberfest: The History, Traditions, Food, Drinks, and Games

Rees Walther
Sep 16
4 min read

Every fall, millions of people around the world come together to celebrate Oktoberfest, the world’s largest and most famous beer festival. With its origins in Munich, Germany, and tracing back to the origins of Oktoberfest in 1810, the festival has become a beloved event filled with beer, bratwurst, pretzels, music, and lively games. Whether you’re attending an authentic German celebration or just looking for an excuse to enjoy great food and drinks, let’s dive into the history, traditions, and must-try experiences of Oktoberfest!

The Origins of Oktoberfest: A Royal Wedding Celebration

Oktoberfest dates back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The people of Munich were invited to join the festivities, which included a massive public festival on the fields outside the city gates. These fields were later named Theresienwiese in honor of the princess—a name still used today for the Oktoberfest fairgrounds.

The event was such a success that it became an annual tradition, eventually growing into the 16- to 18-day beer festival we know today.

💡 Fun Fact: The first Oktoberfest included a horse race instead of beer tents! The beer-focused tradition started a few years later when Munich’s breweries set up tents to serve guests.

Oktoberfest Traditions: What Makes It Special?

While Oktoberfest has evolved, many traditions remain at the heart of the celebration.

1. The Tapping of the First Keg

Oktoberfest officially begins when the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer, declaring "O'zapft is!" ("It is tapped!"). Only then can the beer start flowing!

2. Traditional Bavarian Clothing

Men wear Lederhosen – Leather shorts with suspenders, often paired with checkered shirts.
Women wear Dirndls – A classic Bavarian dress with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt.

💡 Tip: The way a woman ties her Dirndl apron bow has meaning:

Left side = Single
Right side = Taken
Center = Virgin
Back = Widowed

3. Oktoberfest Music and Dancing

The festival features lively German folk music, polka bands, and plenty of singalongs. Some popular songs include:

🎶 "Ein Prosit" – A traditional toast song played every few minutes.

🎶 "Country Roads" (John Denver) – Surprisingly, a global Oktoberfest favorite!

🎶 "Fliegerlied" – A fun song with simple dance moves.

4. The Beer Tents

Oktoberfest features 14 massive beer tents, each run by a different Munich brewery. Some of the most famous ones include:

🍺 Hofbräu-Festzelt – The most famous tent, run by Hofbräuhaus.

🍺 Augustiner-Festhalle – Known for serving beer from wooden barrels.

🍺 Schottenhamel – Where the first keg is tapped!

Best Beers to Try at Oktoberfest

Only six Munich breweries are allowed to serve beer at the official Oktoberfest. Their brews, called Märzen or Festbier, are stronger, maltier, and smoother than regular lagers.

🍻 Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier – Crisp, golden, and slightly sweet.

🍻 Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen – Deep amber with a toasty malt flavor.

🍻 Spaten Oktoberfestbier – Smooth and easy to drink.

🍻 Augustiner-Bräu Oktoberfestbier – Brewed in wooden barrels for extra depth.

🍻 Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen – Caramel and bread-like flavors.

🍻 Löwenbräu Oktoberfestbier – Balanced and refreshing.

💡 Fun Fact: Oktoberfest beers have a higher alcohol content (5.8%-6.3%), so pace yourself!

Oktoberfest Food: What to Eat with Your Beer

Oktoberfest isn’t just about the beer—the food is just as legendary. Here are some must-try Bavarian dishes:

🥨 Giant Soft Pretzels (Brezn) – Perfectly chewy and served with mustard or Obatzda (cheese dip).🌭 Bratwurst – Juicy, grilled sausages served with sauerkraut and mustard.

🐖 Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle) – A crispy, slow-roasted pork dish with rich, tender meat inside.🍗 Hendl (Roast Chicken) – A classic Oktoberfest staple, served crispy and seasoned.

🥔 Kartoffelsalat (Potato Salad) – German-style potato salad with a tangy vinegar dressing.

🧀 Obatzda – A delicious cheese spread made with camembert, butter, and paprika.

🍎 Apfelstrudel – A warm apple pastry served with vanilla sauce.

💡 Tip: Always pair your food with a Märzen beer for the ultimate Oktoberfest experience!

Oktoberfest Games & Activities

Oktoberfest isn’t just about eating and drinking—there are plenty of fun games and traditions to enjoy.

1. Stein Holding Contest (Masskrugstemmen)

💪 The Challenge: Hold a full 1-liter beer stein straight out in front of you for as long as possible.🏆 Average time: 3-5 minutes (but pros can last over 10!).🔥 Tip: Don’t bend your elbow—it’s against the rules!

2. Hammerschlagen

🔨 The Game: Try to drive a nail into a log using a hammer with the thin side.💡 Tip: The fewer swings it takes, the more bragging rights you earn!

3. The Chicken Dance

🐔 The Tradition: A goofy, fun dance where you flap your arms like a chicken.🎶 Why? Because Oktoberfest is all about letting loose and having fun!

4. Ferris Wheels & Rides

🎡 Oktoberfest has huge carnival rides, including roller coasters, bumper cars, and swings.

💡 Tip: Ride before you drink too much Märzen! 🍻🎢

How to Celebrate Oktoberfest Anywhere

Even if you can’t make it to Munich, you can host your own Oktoberfest celebration!

🎪 Set up a beer tent atmosphere – String up lights and play traditional German music.

🍻 Serve authentic beer & food – Stock up on Oktoberfest beers and German snacks.

🎯 Organize fun games – Try a stein-holding contest or Hammerschlagen.

🕺 Dress the part – Encourage guests to wear Lederhosen and Dirndls.

🎶 Sing along to Oktoberfest classics – "Ein Prosit" is a must!

💡 Bonus Tip: If you run a food truck or restaurant, consider a special Oktoberfest menu featuring bratwurst, pretzels, and seasonal Märzen beers!

Final Thoughts: Prost to Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest is more than just a beer festival—it’s a celebration of tradition, food, music, and fun. Whether you visit Munich or host your own celebration, embracing the spirit of Oktoberfest guarantees a good time.

🍻 Prost! (Cheers!)

👉 Have you ever attended an Oktoberfest celebration? What’s your favorite part? Drop a comment below!