How to party like it's Oktoberfest all season long!
Hey there, fellow beer enthusiasts! Travis Lindner here, brewer and owner of Off Main Brewing in Texas. With Oktoberfest season upon us, it’s time to bring a slice of Bavaria to your backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned party planner or a first-time host, I’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to throw a super fun, and slightly traditional, Oktoberfest bash that’s fun for the whole family.
And don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Oktoberfest beer release at 12 PM on September 21st, 2024! Of course, we hope to see you there, but realize you may not be able to make it for one reason or another. Lucky for you, Oktoberfest is a season – and a state of mind – so you’ve got plenty of time to host something fun on your own or check out the Oktoberfest events breweries around Texas are hosting.
Setting the Scene
First things first, let’s talk decor. Since we’re not in Munich, we must take some extra steps to make it feel like we’re a bit closer. The cool thing about investing in décor is you can reuse it year after year, adding to your collection. Transform your space into a Bavarian wonderland with these must-have items from Amazon:
Oktoberfest Decorations Kit: This kit includes Bavarian banner pennants, decorative lanterns, and Oktoberfest banners. It’s everything you need to set the foundation for a festive mood.
Oktoberfest Balloon Arch: Take the party to the next level, creating a fun and colorful background that exudes Oktoberfest vibes.
Bavarian Flag: Perfect for adding a touch of authenticity to your party space. Fun fact: we have one of these permanently installed at the brewery.
Oktoberfest Photo Booth Backdrop: Capture the fun with a giant fabric photo booth background and funny props. Make sure to install the backdrop a bit off the ground so when party guests are taking selfies, it's not too low.
Oktoberfest Party Favors and Photo Props: Perfect for adding fun and flair to create Instagramable moments with your friends.
Dress the Part - What to Wear to Your Oktoberfest Party
Second to the awesome seasonal beer, our favorite thing about Oktoberfest is dressing up in traditional Bavarian dress – aka “Trachten.” Encourage your guests to embrace these traditional outfits to fully enjoy the Oktoberfest spirit! If you’re in a pinch of time and can’t travel to Germany for some souvenir clothing, here are some great options from Amazon:
Women
Women typically wear a dirndl, which consists of:
Dirndl Blouse: Usually white and short-sleeved. There are traditional and modern styles. I like to select my blouse based on the dirndl dress selected to ensure the styles align.
Dirndl Bodice: Fitted and often laced up the front. These come in nearly every color imaginable. You can't go wrong with a light pink, blue, or green.
Dirndl Skirt: Full and knee-length or longer. If you're throwing an at-home Oktoberfest party in a warmer climate like Texas, I would recommend a shorter skirt length. The fabric is thick and it gets hot pretty quickly.
Dirndl Apron: Tied around the waist, with the bow’s position indicating the wearer’s relationship status (left for single, right for taken).
Edelweiss jewelry is also commonly worn in recognition of the symbolism, cultural ties, and Bavarian aesthetic appeal.
Men
Men wear lederhosen, which includes:
Leather Shorts: Knee-length with suspenders. These come in a variety of shades. I would recommend matching your shorts to your suspenders for simplicity.
Checkered Shirt: Often in red or blue.
Lederhosen Shoes: Often in a medium or dark leather with embroidery.
Calf warmers: Like socks, but not quite. Admittedly, these may be overkill for a Texas Oktoberfest party, but they look cool!
Alpine hat: There's a hat for every kind of event. These Oktoberfest hats are not the fanciest, but they are effective. They're also great for kiddos who need an extra dose of Oktoberfest.
Children
Children’s attire usually mirrors that of adults:
Girls: Mini youth dirndls with similar components as the women’s outfit.
Boys: Youth size Lederhosen with a checkered shirt and suspenders. In my experience, these can run larger than expected, so be sure to look at the size charts and size down if in doubt.
We totally understand the importance of a tee sometimes, especially at Oktoberfest parties in Texas. So if you’re looking for something less fussy, this "I heart beer" tee is a classic and comes in many different colors.
Food and Drink for Oktoberfest Parties
No Oktoberfest party is complete without delicious food and drink. Oktoberfest in Germany is famous for its hearty and delicious traditional foods. Here are some of the most common dishes you’ll find:
Main Dishes
Bratwurst: Grilled sausages, often served with mustard and sauerkraut.
Brathendl: Roast chicken, a staple at Oktoberfest.
Schweinshaxe: Pork knuckle, usually roasted until crispy.
Weißwurst: White sausages made from veal and pork, traditionally eaten with sweet mustard and pretzels.
Side Dishes
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage, a classic accompaniment2.
Kartoffelsalat: German potato salad, often made with vinegar and bacon2.
Brezn (Pretzels): Large, soft pretzels, perfect for snacking
Desserts
Apfelstrudel: Apple strudel, a pastry filled with spiced apples.
Kaiserschmarrn: Shredded pancakes, often served with fruit compote.
Snacks
Obatzda: A cheese spread made from Camembert, butter, and spices, usually eaten with pretzels.
Lebkuchen: Gingerbread cookies, often heart-shaped and decorated. Don’t have time to bake up a batch? Grab this assorted pack of authentic Lebkuchen and display on a cute platter:
One of our favorite ways to experience Oktoberfest at home is creating an Oktoberfest themed grazing table that features the beloved fair food favorites that can be found in Munich. For tips on creating the best grazing table possible, check out this how-to article here. These dishes, paired with a stein of beer, create the perfect Oktoberfest experience.
Here’s what you’ll need to set your own Oktoberfest table:
Pretzel Maker: Fresh, warm pretzels are a must. This Oktoberfest pretzel maker will make it easy to serve up this classic treat.
Don’t have time to make some of your own? These Bavarian pretzels heat up easily and are lovely served with some German mustard.
Beer Steins: Serve your brews in style with these traditional beer steins. You can grab one from us in the taproom or snag one of these 1L Oktoberfest steins on Amazon.
For extra flair, drink your beer out of one of these authentic ceramic steins.
Oktoberfest Beer: Of course, you’ll want to stock up on our very own Off Main Brewing Oktoberfest beer, available starting at 12 PM on September 21st, 2024. It’s the perfect brew to toast to good times and great company!
And don’t forget the table settings! Themed Oktoberfest plates, plastic cups, and napkins add to the event’s aesthetic and easy cleanup.
Fun and Games
You probably didn’t know it, but Oktoberfest can be a very family-friendly event! Of course, the beer tents and large steins steal the show when it comes to Oktoberfest caricatures. But there are plenty of ways to bring the youngsters into the fold.
Having a variety of games, crafts, activities, and kid-friendly food and drinks is a great way to start.
Crafts and Activities: Hands-on activities like making pretzels and decorating gingerbread hearts (Lebkuchenherzen) are both fun and educational.
Keep the party lively with some fun activities and games guests of all ages can enjoy:
Beer Stein Holding Contest: Test your strength and endurance with this classic Oktoberfest challenge
Cornhole Set: A backyard favorite that adds a bit of friendly competition to the mix.
Oktoberfest Selfie Scavenger Hunt: Because if you’re going to the trouble to look cute and throw an Oktoberfest party, there better be some evidence.
Fun Oktoberfest Facts to Impress Your Guests
Knowing some fun facts and history about Oktoberfest can really enhance your experience. It helps you appreciate the cultural significance, like how it started as a royal wedding celebration in 1810. Plus, these tidbits make great conversation starters—did you know Oktoberfest mostly happens in September because of the warmer weather? Understanding unique traditions, like the Mayor of Munich tapping the first keg (at 12pm), adds excitement. All these insights deepen your connection to the event and make it even more enjoyable.
Here are some fun facts to sprinkle into your conversations and impress your guests:
Oktoberfest Origins: Did you know that Oktoberfest started as a royal wedding celebration in 1810? It was held to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese.
Märzen Beer: The traditional beer of Oktoberfest, Märzen, was historically brewed in March and stored in cool cellars to be enjoyed in the fall. This beer is known for its rich, malty flavor and smooth finish.
Munich Festivities: In Munich, Oktoberfest is more than just beer. The festival features colorful parades, horse-drawn beer wagons, traditional costumes, live music, carnival rides, and games.
Final Touches for Your Oktoberfest Party
They say the magic is in the details, and Oktoberfest magic is the kind of magic we’re into. To round out your Oktoberfest celebration, consider these additional touches:
Checkered Bavarian Flag Tablecloths: Add a pop of color and keep things festive with blue and white checkered tablecloths.
German Music Playlist: Set the mood with a playlist of traditional German tunes. You can find plenty of options on your favorite music streaming service.
There you have it, folks! With these tips and a little bit of planning, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a fantastic Oktoberfest party that your friends and family will remember for years to come. Prost!
Happy planning, and we can’t wait to see you at Off Main Brewing’s Oktoberfest party!