How to Oktoberfest like a Local
This time of year, people flock from all over the world to attend one of the largest and most famous drinking festivals in the world – Oktoberfest. While most people think of Munich when they hear Oktoberfest (and it is the most famous location), these actually happen all over Germany, to include places like Stuttgart. It is an insane experience that deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list, whether you enjoy beer or not! That being said, there are a few ways to enjoy the festival like a local, as opposed to ending up a drunken mess.
1. It starts in September
Some people are surprised to find that Oktoberfest runs more in Septemeber than it does October but that’s the reality. Typically the last 2 weekends of Septemeber and the 1st of October (give or take a week depending on the city) is when you will find them. Be sure to try and plan ahead and book your rooms and tables as far out as you can to save on price and location
2. Hydrate
I can’t tell you how many people end up slumped against the wall by 11am because they just can’t hang. Hydrating is important whenever you drink but when your beer only comes in a 1 liter glass, you really need to have a bottle of water in between them if you want to last all day. Most of these beers are around 6% ABV so you aren’t chugging Miller Light!
3. Hit the smaller tents and booths to eat
Whether you order a meal in the famous tents or eat finger food wandering around the festival, eating is as much a part of the festival as the drinking. Grab a chicken, brat, pretzel, or all three! Some of the smaller tents have better food options and even specialty meals than the meat, potatoes, and kraut you may have at some of the massive tents. Be sure to walk around and see what all of your options are so you don’t miss out! Back to that pretzel, you reall shouldn’t miss out on a pretzel to go with your beer at Oktoberfest.
4. Dress Appropriately
People who AREN’t in Liederhosen and Dirndls at the festival actually stand out more as the majority of people dress up in the traditional look. Dirndls can run up to $1000 if you go high-end but there are several stores that you may be able to buy them at for under $100 in Germany (TK Maxx, C&A) or even some online. The average ones you will see are probably around $200. Just watch out for the ones that are too “halloween-y” or even too sexy. These dresses lend themselves to cleavage naturally, but skipping the undershirt or having a super short skirt are easy clues on an out-of-towner. Skip the heels in favor of solid footwear to keep your feet happy with all the walking and protected from slipping off tables or stepping on broken glass. Dirndls include an apron, and where the bow is tied is code for whether a woman is single or not. A knot on the left means that a girl is single & knot on the right means she is taken, so don’t even try!
5. Pick the right tent
There are 10-15 Beer Tents at the different festivals and some (cough Hofbrauhaus) draw more tourists than others. No matter which tent you pick, everyone will end up dancing on the tables by the end of the night but it is worth deciding what kind of crowd you are looking for before buying your tickets for a table (and if you have a group and want to stay in a tent, tickets are almost essential)
6. Make Friends
If you didn’t book tickets ahead of time, or your group was too small to buy them, you will absolutely need to make friends to find a place to sit! Our first Oktoberfets in Munich, we waited in line at the Hofbrauhaus at 8am and ended up at a table with people from Switzerland because they had room for two and we asked to join. We ended up spending the next 4 hours eating, drinking, and singing with them! Don’t be afraid to ask anyone if you can join. You may get turned away a few times first but someone is sure to take you in eventually! Similarly, if you have a table and have space, be sure to let other people join you!
7. Sing!
One of my favorite parts about Oktoberfest is how everyone sings along – to everything! You will hear everything from classic german folk songs, modern pop, to motion picture soundtracks – one time the entire tent burst into a rendition of My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion! One thing you will hear a lot is “Ein Prosit”-the most popular drinking song at Oktoberfest, and kind of like an intermission between songs. When you hear it, be sure to stand up, hoist your mug, sing along, clink bottoms, then (if you’re feeling fiesty) chug! Lots of people will stand on their tables and chug as everyone cheers along. If you do this – refer back to #1 and hydrate after so you don’t end up passed out on the table!
8. Don’t steal the mug
The mugs don’t leave the tents so don’t think that you are the special one who is finally going to make it out with one. Just buy a regular souvenir one at the stores they have if you really want one — or anywhere in Germany!
9. Bring Cash
Don’t expect to get much attention if you try and pay with a card. These waitresses are HUSTLING and don’t have time to deal with card readers. Stick with cash and leave your cards at home. Bring a little extra cash too because things arent cheap and you will be paying a little extra for the “Experience.” You may also pay a deposit or “pfand” for the glasses or plates you get. Don’t worry, you get this back when you return everything in whole condition.
10. Be Nice!
Be patient and kind to your waitresses – first because you always should but also because they are working harder than any waitresses youll ever see. Just watch them run around carrying 6-8 liters of beer at a time! Also, if youre not, they can have you kicked out. So don’t be a jerk. Try and be kind to the other guests too – don’t try and cut people in line sneakily to get into tents or the bathrooms – you are no more special than anyone else. Being friendly and nice at the fest really just makes everything better – it always comes full circle. You never know who could be an angry drunk either, so this way you avoid pissing off any large dudes looking for a fight (although generally, I don’t see much fighting at these events because everyone is too busy making friends and being fun!)
Keep these 10 tips in mind as you plan your next visit to Oktoberfest (Wiesn, or Volksfest as some are also called)!
Xx
Kali