Oktoberfest is a popular beer festival in Munich, which is traditionally held in late September – early October. This festival is one of the most famous among such events. About 5-6 million people visit it annually.
The word “Oktoberfest” translates as October festivities. Initially, the holiday was held in October, but later the festival administration decided to move it to the end of September, since it is at this time that Indian summer most often occurs in Germany.
The Oktoberfest schedule is flexible. It starts on Saturday and ends on the first Sunday in October. If the first Sunday falls on October 1-2, then the holiday is extended until October 3 (the official holiday of German Unification Day).
Based on this schedule, it turns out that in 2017 Oktoberfest in Munich will be held from September 16 to October 3. And further, the holiday will take place on September 22 – October 7, 2018, September 21 – October 6, 2019, September 19 – October 4, 2020.
Traditionally, Oktoberfest is held on Theresa’s Meadow in the center of Munich. Entrance to the festival is free, however, if you want to get inside one of the famous beer tents or onto the VIP podium to watch the festive procession, you will have to pay money.
Oktoberfest in Munich includes:
– parade procession and opening of the first barrel on the first day of the festival;
– costume procession on the first Sunday of the festival;
– rides, including roller coasters;
– performance of orchestras and ensembles.
And of course, the main highlight of the festival is the beer tents, the largest of which can accommodate up to 10 thousand people!