Celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is a one-of-a-kind experience in a city that is both modern and old. Last year, guest writer Michelle Onorato and her husband flew to Bavaria for the 200th anniversary of this chug-a-lug-festival and shares the inside brew, as it were, with fellow wanderlusters. So, dust off your suitcase and prep your passport for its official stamp because this famed festival only comes around once a year and Bavaria is calling!
1. Play Dress Up! A time-honored tradition during Oktoberfest is to wear local Bavarian costumes. A traditional men’s costume, called Tracht, consists of articles of clothing like Lederhosen and the Gamsbart, which is a hat sporting a tassel. Women get to play sex kitten for the day with their Dirndl costume, which consists of a blouse, corset, skirt, apron, and choker necklace. These bright-colored costumes are fun, fabulous, and are worn throughout Munich, not just at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds where Oktoberfest is held. Tip: Before you travel, purchase a costume from an affordable website like eBay as the costumes in Munich will cost around €150 – 200 each.
2. Bring on the Beer! Drinking beer is permitted only inside beer tents and each beer tent represents a different brewery. Part of the fun and chaos of Oktoberfest is exploring the different tents and trying to find a seat. An experienced Oktoberfest-goer gave us a fantastic tip when searching for an open seat. He said to “ask a waitress if there are any seats available in their section as they work on tips and want to keep their tables full.” 
His tip worked wonders as we were able to find seats and join in on the fun. Inside the beer tents, Bavarian brass bands entertain party-goers by playing popular pop, rock and folk music which crowds dressed in Bavarian costumes sing and dance along to. During the band’s breaks, new-found friends share jokes and laughter as beer glasses clank to the random shouting of “probst” which is the German word for cheers!
3. Go for a Spin! Hop aboard the iconic Ferris wheel and get a far-as-the-eye-can-see view of the Theresienwiese fairgrounds. After dark, this beer festival lights up and sparkles, making the views from above look twice as magical. On the Ferris wheel, capsules are filled with strangers, a.k.a. your new, slightly-sloshed friends who make the ride much more entertaining as you come full circle and take-in the merriment of Oktoberfest.
4. Wear a Gingerbread Cookie! Who says food can’t be fashion? Lebkuchen are iced gingerbread hearts with sweet sayings like “Princess” or “I love you” that loved ones buy for each other to symbolize that someone’s got a crush on you. Oktoberfest-goers wear these terms of endearment around their necks showcasing this sweetheart tradition…..literally! Afterall, Oktoberfest was started 201 years ago to celebrate the wedding of sweethearts Princess Theresa von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and the future King Ludwig I.
5. Have a Feast! Avoid a beer overdose by filling your tummy with authentic Bavarian-style foods such as sausages, pretzels, roast chickens, and potato dumplings. Beer at Oktoberfest is brewed stronger than what you find in the US, so use caution when drinking and be sure you eat to help absorb the liquor. Inside beer tents, you can order complete, hearty meals like a roast chicken or pork knuckle or buy a giant-sized pretzel. Outside and around the fairgrounds, you can eat your weight in festival-food and nosh on a wide variety of regional favorites.
TRAVELER’s TIP: Contrary to its name, Oktoberfest occurs during the last few weeks of September through the beginning of October since the weather is warmer. The grand opening of Oktoberfest begins with a parade and the beer festivities officially commence after the mayor opens a barrel of beer at noon. It’s a family friendly atmosphere, but solo travelers will feel like one of the crowd and it’s also the perfect place for a great girlfriends’ getaway.
Michelle Onorato is a Jersey Girl who loves to travel. By day, she’s a
Business Systems Executive for an autism service provider and by night
she’s a travelholic, who represents the female perspective on Guy and Girl
Travels.
Have we whet your appetite for that special brew?
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