HOSTING 6 MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR, WORLD’S LARGEST FOLK FESTIVAL, OKTOBERFEST IS THE BIGGEST BEER FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD. STAG WEEKEND IN OKTOBERFEST HAS PROVEN VERY POPULAR
Held annually in a meadow just outside thecity centre, Munich is the home for Oktoberfest, and this major German city has so much to offer from bars, clubs and strip joints that there is something for everyone, no wonder it is known as ‘Toy Town’! The festival actually starts in late September and runs into early October so the weather is generally pleasant!
An Oktoberfest stag weekend would be ideal for a large group or a small bunch of lads, accessible and affordable. Munich makes a great destination for more than just the fantastic beer. The modern location and inexpensive prices mean you can live like a king, if only for the weekend. For a true luxury stag do, visit one of the many breweries Germany is famous for and take a private tasting tour. Clubs are happy to stay open as late as you want, so don’t be surprised if the sun is up before you head back to your hotel.
It all started with a horse race which the national guard staged for the people on 17th August 1810 to mark the wedding of the Ludwig Crown Prince of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The race was such a success that it was staged again the following year on the Theresienwiese – the meadow named in honour of the Princess. From 1870 onwards the number of stalls began to increase and in 1896 the very first beer tents were erected which sold only beer brewed in Munich – a tradition which has remained to the present day. Due to lack of space the horse races with which it all began were staged for the last time in 1936.
As you soak up the beer with some traditional German delicacies there is a lot of hearty, traditional German food on offer in all of the tents at Oktoberfest, including wurst, roasted chicken, pork knuckle, goulash, smoked fish and giant pretzels. As the event has become more and more international, organisers are beginning to cater to the dietary needs of visitors and you’ll now find some meat-free options available, like Käsespätzle, a traditional noodle bake. Make sure that you eat regularly over the course of the long day.
With some song and dance, the mood becomes increasingly festive. People beginning to sing, swinging their beers and dancing on their benches. This is allowed and is quite normal. Popular drinking songs include the repetitive ‘Ein Prosit’ and ‘Fliegerlied’. Also, no Oktoberfest is complete without partaking in the Chicken Dance, which has been a festival tradition for over twenty years. Join in the fun yourself, but remember to never dance on the table, which is actually against the law!
Oktoberfest is a huge carnival complete with rides, vendors and games, so even if you don’t enjoy drinking beer, you’re sure to have a great time. Ride the ferris wheel, rollercoaster, ghost train or test your skills shooting with airguns or popping balloons with darts. Kids of all ages (including big ones), flock to the Oktoberfest carnival for entertainment of all kinds.
7 Must-Do Things During Munich Oktoberfest
1. Oktoberfest Carnival – This is held on the other side of the beerfest grounds and is a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids. Enjoy games, food, rides and the most popular spinning wheel.
2. Oktoberfest Opening Day Parade – This is quite a spectacle and not to be missed. Many great views of the parade may be right in front of the hotels in Munich, Germany as the parade winds its way through the streets of Munich on its way to Oktoberfest.
3. Das Wiesnzetl – This features a genuine Oktoberfest tent located in Lowenbrau Keller. Another option if you have trouble finding a table in one of the tents at Munich Oktoberfest.
4. Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade is a not to miss entertainment. Colorful traditional German costumes, lively music and endless fun are awaiting Oktoberfest guests.
5. Oide Wiesn is a special German delicacies tent located at the grounds of Munich Oktoberfest allowing its visitors to sample traditional German foods, dance to Bavarian music and admire at colorful costumes.
6. Krinoline Merry Go Round – hop on one of a kind vintage German merry go round to really soak up the fun of the Octoberfest and enjoy your times as a family.
7. Schichtl Variety Show – you can’t visit Munich Oktoberfest and not see this spectacular cabaret show that you will not witness anywhere else in the world.