Oktoberfest is an annual festival that’s held annually in Munich, Germany. The 16-day event attracts over six million visitors each year and celebrates Bavarian culture with food, beer, music and dancing. If you're interested in hosting your own Oktoberfest party, there are a few things you should know. Here's how to organize an Oktoberfest party that will be sure to please your guests, for more info, hire prices or a bespoke ideas list just call or emil us.
How to organize an Oktoberfest party
You don't need to be German to enjoy Oktoberfest! This fun and festive event is celebrated all over the world, and there's no better way to enjoy it than by hosting your own party. Here are a few tips on how to make your Oktoberfest party a success:
Choose a date and time. Oktoberfest usually runs from mid-September to early October, so pick a date that works for you and your guests. If you're planning on serving alcohol, make sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic options as well.
Decorate your space. Get into the festive spirit by decorating your party space with traditional Oktoberfest decorations. Think Bavarian flags, barrels, skittle alleys, signage and a German themed bar.
Serve traditional Oktoberfest food. No party is complete without food, and there are plenty of delicious Oktoberfest-themed dishes to choose from. Think pretzels, sauerkraut, and of course, plenty of sausages!
Don't forget the beer! An Oktoberfest party wouldn't be complete without beer. Make sure to have a variety of options available, as well as some non-alcoholic beverages for those who don't drink alcohol.
And lastly the games and theming which is where we come in! We have a all kinds of props, games and theming available to hire.
Organising an Oktoberfest party in the UK
Although Oktoberfest is a German tradition, it's become increasingly popular in the UK over recent years. If you're thinking of hosting your own Oktoberfest party, there are a few things you'll need to take into account.
First and foremost, you'll need to make sure you have enough beer! You can either buy beer from your local supermarket or, if you want to get authentic German beer, order it online from a specialist retailer. Make sure you have enough glasses too, steins are preferable - plastic cups are fine if you're worried about breakages, you can get plastic steins now as well.
You'll also need some traditional Oktoberfest food to serve up. Think sausages, pretzels and, of course, lots of mustard!
Decorations are key to setting the right atmosphere for an Oktoberfest party. Think about hanging up some bunting and streamers in traditional Oktoberfest colours - blue and white. And don't forget the all-important Oktoberfest flag! We have large stocks of bunting, signage, barrels, bunting stands.
Finally, you'll need some traditional German music to get everyone in the party mood. There are plenty of Oktoberfest compilation albums available to buy or stream online or maybe go the whole hog and book an oompah band!
Games to play at an Oktoberfest Party
Oktoberfest is all about having fun, and there are plenty of games to keep you entertained. From the classic stein-holding contest to nail-driving, there's something for everyone. If you're feeling competitive, make sure to give some of these a try.
- Stein holding contest: One of the most popular games at Oktoberfest is the stein-holding contest. The object of the game is to see how long you can keep a full stein of beer held out in front of you. The person who can hold it the longest without spilling wins!
- Hammerschlagen: If you're looking for something a little more active, try your hand at the nail-driving game. The object of this game is to drive a nail into a piece of wood using only your teeth. It sounds easy, but it's actually quite challenging. We offer this as part of our games and theming package.
- Beer pong: A classic party game where players try to throw ping pong balls into cups of beer on a table. If they make it in, the other team drinks the beer.
- Beer stein race: Participants race to the finish line while holding a full stein of beer without spilling any.
- Oktoberfest trivia: Test your knowledge of Oktoberfest history and traditions with a trivia game.
- Pretzel toss: Players take turns throwing pretzels into each other's mouths. The person who catches the most wins.
- Cornhole: We have an oktoberfest branded cornhole gam, its easy to play but hard to master, its going to be a sure fired hit all your guests.
- Skittles – we have several traditional alleys, made from wood and branded with Oktoberfest logos
- Polka dance-off: Compete to see who can dance the best polka.
- Schnapps roulette: Fill a wheel with different flavoured schnapps shots and take turns spinning it. Whichever shot the wheel lands on, the person must take.
Oktoberfest food
Here are a few of our favourite Traditional German foods – plenty of food for thought here!
- Schnitzel: This dish is made with breaded and fried pork or veal. It's usually served with potatoes or noodles.
- Bratwurst: This is a type of sausage that's made with pork, veal, or beef. It's often served grilled or fried in a bun with plenty of mustard and ketchup. It’s a great way to feed loads of people. There are a few vendors in the UK that offer this from a traditional swinging grill to complete the look.
- Soft Pretzels: These are a must-have at any Oktoberfest celebration! They're usually served with mustard for dipping.
- Potato Pancakes: These pancakes are made with shredded potatoes, eggs, and flour. They're usually served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Apple Strudel: This is a type of pastry that's made with thinly-sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. It's often served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Black Forest gateux: go retro with this classic chocolate and cherry cake, its one of our favourites!
- We are also addicted to curry wurst, you don’t really see it that much over in the uk but its lovely and they have curry wurst shops everywhere in Germany. Its sliced sausage, covered in spicy curry wurst sauce, usually dusted with curry powder and served with chips!
Dressing up for Oktoberfest
So you've decided to celebrate Oktoberfest in style this year? Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out your outfit:
First and foremost, comfort is key. Hopefully You'll be doing a lot of walking (and maybe even some dancing) so make sure you're wearing shoes that won't give you blisters. Also, remember that it can get chilly in the evenings, so bring a jacket or scarf to stay warm.
Secondly, you'll want to make sure you're wearing traditional Oktoberfest clothing. For men, this means lederhosen (leather shorts) and for women, a dirndl (a dress with a full skirt). You can find these items at most costume stores, or even online.
Finally, have fun with it! Oktoberfest is all about enjoying yourself, so make sure your outfit reflects that. Add some personal touches, like wearing your favourite colours or accessories.
Oktoberfest Drinks
Oktoberfest is a great time to stock up and try some German beers, and what goes better with beer than a nice big stein? If you're looking for the perfect vessel to enjoy your Oktoberfest brews, here are a few of our favourites.
The first stein on our list is the classic glass stein. This is a great option if you're looking for something that's both stylish and functional. The glass stein will keep your beer nice and cold, and it also has a handy little lid to help prevent spills.
If you're looking for something a little more festive, then you might want to go for a ceramic stein. These steins are often decorated with traditional Oktoberfest designs, and they're a great way to show your enthusiasm for the holiday. Just be warned that they can be a bit fragile, so you'll want to be careful with them.
Finally, if you really want to go all out for Oktoberfest, then you can't go wrong with a wooden stein. These steins are often intricately carved, and they're definitely a conversation starter. Just be aware that they can be quite pricey, so you'll want to save them for special occasions.
FAQs:
When is Oktoberfest?
The festival is held annually in Munich, Germany. The 16-day event attracts over six million visitors each year and celebrates Bavarian culture with food, beer, music and dancing.
What kind of foods are served at Oktoberfest?
Traditional Bavarian foods such as sausages, pretzels, and roasted chicken are served at Oktoberfest.
What kind of beer is served at Oktoberfest?
The beer served at Oktoberfest is a special type of Bavarian beer called Märzen. This type of beer is usually darker and has a higher alcohol content than other beers.
What is the dress code for Oktoberfest?
The dress code for Oktoberfest is traditional Bavarian clothing. This includes lederhosen (leather shorts) for men and dirndls (traditional dresses) for women.
What is the best way to get to Oktoberfest?
The best way to get to Oktoberfest is by taking public transportation. Munich has an excellent public transportation system that will take you right to the festival grounds.
What are some tips for enjoying Oktoberfest?
Some tips for enjoying Oktoberfest include pace yourself with the drinking, don't be afraid to dance, and make sure to try some of the traditional Bavarian foods.
What is the history of Oktoberfest?
The first Oktoberfest was held in 18 ten to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festival has been held annually since then, with the exception of a few years during wartime.
How can I host my own Oktoberfest party?
If you're interested in hosting your own Oktoberfest party there no easier way than giving us a call, we can transform your party space, office or marquee.
What do I need to do to prepare for an Oktoberfest party?
To prepare for your Oktoberfest party, you will need to purchase some traditional Bavarian foods and drinks, as well as some decorations. You may also want to consider hiring a band or DJ to play traditional German music. Finally, make sure to invite your guests and let them know what to expect from the party.
What kind of foods should I serve at my Oktoberfest party?
Traditional Bavarian foods such as sausages, pretzels, and roasted chicken are always popular choices for an Oktoberfest party. You may also want to consider serving some traditional German desserts, such as apple strudel or black forest cake.