Each year in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is held during late September. It’s a 16-day festival that brings in 6 million people every year! Oktoberfest begins when the Mayor of Munich taps the first barrel of Oktoberfest beer.
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildurghausen. Although that Oktoberfest was held in October, the festivities were moved to September over time because the weather was better.
And, of course, because it would be easier to do das boot! But you don’t have to be in Germany to celebrate. Check out where to celebrate Oktoberfest this year!

Amanda Jane has been with GMF since 2011. She took a leap across the pond to settle down in Dublin, Ireland. This native Upstate New Yorker started her food adventures with beer and pub food and has since graduated to tasting menus as Three Star Michelin Restaurants. But living in a pub town, she still enjoys a cold Guinness and humble Irish lamb stew.