Octoberfest is a unique celebration that brings people together to enjoy great food, excellent company, and fantastic beer.

Let's Get Ready to Celebrate Octoberfest!

Octoberfest is one of the world's largest and most beloved festivals. Presented by the city of Munich, Germany, this festival attracts over six million people each year. Octoberfest dates back to 1810 when the city of Munich held a horse race to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Today, Octoberfest is a sixteen-day festival that features carnival rides, games, and traditional Bavarian cuisine. However, one of the most significant aspects of Octoberfest is the beer. So, what makes beer such an essential part of the celebration, and what are some of the traditions associated with it? Let's find out!

Bavarian beer is renowned worldwide, and the Octoberfest is one of the best places to experience it. The beer at the Octoberfest is special, known as Oktoberfestbier, manufactured specifically for the festival. The Oktoberfestbier is more potent than regular German beer, with an alcohol content of around 6-7 percent. Only six breweries are authorized to sell their beer at the Octoberfest, and each brewery must follow strict standards. The beer must be brewed within the city limits of Munich and meet the Reinheitsgebot, which is the Bavarian Purity Law that limits the ingredients to only hops, malt, and water.

One of the most beloved traditions at the Octoberfest is the Sausage Tents. These tents are where you can find some of the best German dishes such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and roasted chicken. The tents typically have seating for over a thousand people, and they are always lively with music, singing, and dancing. The perfect way to spend your evening at the Octoberfest is with great food, good beer, and new friends.

The opening ceremony of Octoberfest is another significant tradition. During the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Munich tap a keg of the first Octoberfestbier, announcing the official start of the festival. The tradition has been going on since 1950. After the opening ceremony, the Oktoberfest fairgrounds are open to the public, and the festivities begin!

Aside from the tents, there are other exciting events that happen at the Octoberfest. Traditional Bavarian clothing such as Lederhosen and Dirndls are worn during the festival; it's also common to wear beer stein necklaces. The people of Bavaria love singing, dancing, and celebrating throughout the festival, and people travel from all over the world to join in the fun.

Octoberfest is a unique celebration that brings people together to enjoy great food, excellent company, and fantastic beer. Octoberfestbier is a proud part of Bavarian heritage, and it's a celebration of a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1810. This festival gives people an opportunity to immerse themselves in Bavarian traditions, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Octoberfest is almost here! 

It's time to break out the lederhosen and get ready for a month of truly amazing craft beers! And where better to find those perfect brews than with The Beer Trap? We have new beer shipments from all over Germany, Austria, Bavaria and the U.S. – just in time for Oktoberfest.  Raise your stein — this year's Octoberfest celebration is going to be epic!