All You Need To Know About Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is one of the world's great beer festivals, and we thought we'd take a look at the origins of this glorious, iconic German festival and how you can get involved in Oktoberfest right here in Australia.

Oktoberfest was originally a German folk festival held in Munich celebrating Bavarian culture and flowing pints of beer.

For some reason the idea of commemorating frothies over a 16-day food, drink and music filled spree has become a worldwide phenomenon. Funny that.

Oktoberfest historically began as a wedding celebration of the marriage between Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen over 200 years ago. The festivities from this wedding lasted for multiple days and consisted of huge feasts, flowing beer and severe hangovers.

While it might be a bit out of your budget to fly to Munich to experience the festivities in person, there are still plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations for you to participate in Down Under, with cities across Australia hosting their own Oktoberfest events each year.

Sydney

Sydney is full of exciting ways to join in the Oktoberfest festivities. "Oktoberfest in the Gardens" runs in most major Australian cities and is one of the largest parties during the Oktoberfest period. In Sydney it typically features massive beer halls, authentic German food stalls, roving performers and silent discos, as well as a range of competitions throughout the evening.

Brisbane

Oktoberfest Brisbane takes place at the Brisbane Showgrounds and is Australia's largest German festival, with tons of entertaining events that will leave you saying "Ich glaub' ich spinne". Oktoberfest Brisbane also features a huge structure that plays host to live music, creating an atmosphere where you can really embrace your inner German. Of course, it wouldn't be an Oktoberfest event without traditional German beers and food as well.

Melbourne

If you're looking for a more rowdy way to spend your Oktoberfest, then "Oktoberfest Oz" is perfect for you. This festival features a deep haus stage, a silent disco hall, an RNB party and live, local music with a German twist. It's held across multiple locations in and around Melbourne, including Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Mornington and St Kilda.

Host Your Own Oktoberfest Party

Grab some German-style beers and host your own Oktoberfest celebration at home! A Berliner Weisse, a traditional German sour wheat beer, is a great way to get into the spirit, with plenty of Australian brewers now putting their own fruity spin on the style, from raspberry to mango.

Lost And Found

This gave us a laugh. Here are some of the more peculiar items that have turned up on the Munich Oktoberfest's lost and found list over the years:

• A set of dentures
• A dachshund called "Wasti"
• An FC Bayern Munich garden gnome
• A gigantic pencil
• A Segway
• A court order
• A signed Playboy magazine
• A fishing rod
• And our personal favourite, an electric wheelchair

Ready to raise a stein of your own? Explore our full range of beers to find the perfect brew for your at-home Oktoberfest.