Oktoberfest (Munich)

Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival and folk celebration, attracting over 6 million visitors annually to Munich's Theresienwiese. Dating back to 1810, this 16-18 day festival celebrates Bavarian culture, beer, and traditions.\n\nThe festival features 14 large beer tents and 20 smaller ones, each operated by traditional Munich breweries including Augustiner, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Spaten, Franziskaner, and Weissbier. Only beer brewed within Munich's city limits according to the German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) can be served.\n\nTraditional Bavarian food includes hearty dishes like Hendl (roasted chicken), Schweinsbraten (roasted pork), Weisswurst (white sausage), and giant pretzels. The festival atmosphere is enhanced by traditional oompah bands, folk dancing, and visitors wearing lederhosen and dirndls.\n\nBeyond beer and food, Oktoberfest features a large funfair with traditional rides, games, and attractions. The opening ceremony includes the ceremonial tapping of the first barrel by Munich's mayor, declaring "O'zapft is!" (It's tapped!).\n\nReservations for beer tents are highly recommended, especially for weekends. The festival runs from mid-September to the first weekend in October, combining the best of autumn weather with Bavarian gemütlichkeit (coziness).