I'm an American who went to Oktoberfest for the archetypal time. Here are 5 things that amazed me most concerning the German festival.

As a beer aficionado, I've been to my fair portion of beer bazaar throughout the US, multiple of which were "Oktoberfest" themed.

So, whenever I booked a trip to sojourn Oktoberfest in Munich a few years ago, I idea I had a beautiful fine idea of what to expect. However, following fair a few steps into the approximately 100-acre festival, I realized fair how particular it really is.

Oktoberfest was archetypal held in 1810 to commemorate the marriage of Louis I (the crown prince of Bavaria) and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, and is now celebrated all twelvemonth in September and October.

Today, group from about the earth journey to the celebration to commemorate German culture and, of course, beer. In fact, final year's celebration about 6.5 myriad people.

Here are the five things that amazed me most whenever I attended Oktoberfest for the archetypal time.

The locals deteriorate vests alongside their lederhosen, not suspenders

Nearly everyone at Oktoberfest dresses the part — wearing traditional Bavarian lederhosen outfits for men and dirndls for women.

My hubby was sporting the lederhosen we'd continually seen alongside leather suspenders. However, we quickly noticed that many of the men were wearing vests alongside their leather shorts instead.

A affable German local afterward told us that during suspenders are fine to wear, they lean to indication that you're not local.

The tents are really impermanent wooden structures

When I comprehend the term "tent," I lean to think of the big tops at the circus. However, the ones I saw at Oktoberfest put those to shame.

In reality, the huge tents at the celebration are impermanent wooden structures, several of which have two floors.

In total, there are 17 "large" tents and 21 "small" ones throughout the festival, all alongside its own distinctive theme. Each shelter additionally serves the ale of the affiliated brewery.

Chugging and position on tables volition get you kicked out

There's a misconception that chugging is a average item at Oktoberfest. However, this couldn't be additional from the truth.

Locals warned us first on that chugging is a surefire way to get kicked out of a tent. And before long, we saw a bachelor gathering escorted out for this extremely reason.

Another no-no is position on the tables. It's average — and encouraged — however, to remain on the benches to chant alongside to fan favorites like"99 Luftballons," "Sweet Caroline," and "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

But getting atop the tables is a stage too far and volition get festivalgoers kicked out.

People were snorting a mysterious pale powder

When our tablemate poured several pale powder onto the array at 1 p.m., I have to admit, I was a small shocked by his boldness.

But then, he explained that it was Wiesn Koks (aka Oktoberfest cocaine), a drugless, totally lawful substance.

Festivalgoers snort the powder, which is a blend of glucose and menthol, to awaken up between steins.

There's a complete carnival exterior the tents

"Family friendly" and "beer fest" aren't normally words you comprehend together. But for Oktoberfest, it's true. Children under 6 are allowed inner the ale tents before 8 p.m., and several venues equal recommendation particular kid-friendly food menus.

Outside the tents, we established an complete carnival, including roller coasters, games, and the celebrated Devil's Wheel, anywhere a small collection tries to remain on a rotating phase for as lengthy as possible.

However, I propose hitting the rides before in the day. Even if you've been pacing yourself, you never cognize how the glassy-eyed guy throughout the Tilt-A-Whirl volition fare.

Overall, during I knew Oktoberfest was going to be fun, I was blown distant by its sheer measure and the friendliness of everyone we met.

Although I'm hanging up my dirndl for now, it power be coming rear out sooner fairly than later.

This narrative was initially published on September 30, 2024, and most lately updated on September 21, 2026.