How to Prepare for Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a celebration which spans 16 days in late September in Munich, Germany and is the largest festival of its kind in the world. Nearly six million visitors attend the event each year. If you are travelling to Germany for this festival it is important to be prepared for both the customs and extreme amounts of eating and drinking which accompany Oktoberfest.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Prepare for Oktoberfest

1. Learn about the history of the event so you have an understanding of what you are celebrating. Check out Infoplease.com for a brief history as well as the upcoming dates of the celebration in Munich (see Resources below).

2. There are thousands of Oktoberfest celebrations all over the United States, usually at German restaurants, clubs or churches. But if you feel up for some international travel consider a trip to Munich for the biggest party of them all.

3. Try cooking some German food such as schnitzel or a sauerkraut. This will also help learn what foods you will like at the festival. If you are going to a pot luck celebration, this will be a good way to practice your recipe before the event.

4. Learn to polka. You will impress everyone at the festival when the music starts.

5. If you want to wear a traditional Bavarian costume, a local shop will have costume and the accessories you need, or browse the Internet for cheap Lederhosen.

6. Hydrate. A lot of German beer is consumed at this festival, so it is a good idea to drink a lot of water and be well hydrated before the event.

Tips & Warnings

• When considering traveling to Munich for Oktoberfest, be sure to prepare your travel plans far in advance, as area hotels and lodging are booked up quickly. Try to book 6 months to 1 year in advance if possible.
• If you want to attend what is sure to be the biggest Oktoberfest of them all, plan ahead and travel to Munich for the 2010 Oktoberfest, which will mark the 200th anniversary of the event.
• Whether attending a weekend long or 2 week long festival, be sure to pace yourself. If you have too much fun on the first night, you might miss out on the rest of the events.

Resources

• More about Oktoberfest at Infoplease.com