It’s Oktoberfest time in Germany and I’m not there to celebrate it this year. I’m feeling nostalgic and thought about how to celebrate Oktoberfest even though I’m not in Münich. If you aren’t in Germany or if you hate overcrowded places then this one’s for you. This post will give you some ideas on how to celebrate Oktoberfest outside of Germany.

Join an Oktoberfest Party

Even if you can’t be in Munich for Oktoberfest this year, you can still enjoy the festivities closer to home. Oktoberfest celebrations have spread worldwide, and many cities host their own Oktoberfest-style parties, especially where there’s a significant German expat community. To find an event, try searching “Oktoberfest” followed by your city’s name on Google or Facebook. If you can’t locate a local Oktoberfest party, consider hosting your own celebration at home.

Enjoy Oktoberfest Beer

Oktoberfest beer, originally known as Märzen, is traditionally brewed in March and has a distinct flavor. Munich’s Oktoberfest features beer from only six approved breweries. For an authentic experience, look for Oktoberfest-style beer or German-style brews at local or online retailers. If Märzen isn’t to your taste, you might enjoy a Radler, which is a blend of beer and lemonade, or opt for a lighter beer like Weiss. In Cape Town, breweries like CBC offer German-style beers. If German-style beers aren’t available in your area, consider substituting with a seasonal autumn brew like pumpkin beer. You could even host a blind beer tasting party as a fun game, awarding a prize for the best beer connoisseur.

Serve Oktoberfest Food

For an authentic Oktoberfest meal, start by finding German food stores in your area. Use Google to search for “German stores near me” to discover nearby shops. Stock up on traditional foods such as sausages (wurst) and pretzels. If you’re lucky, you will find Weisswurst, a Bavarian white sausage often served with sauerkraut. German store also carry Oktoberfest beer. If you can’t find German stores, consider grilling chicken and serving it with chips or preparing a schnitzel with fries. For a healthier option, try a baked schnitzel recipe.

The clothes

To fully embrace the Oktoberfest spirit, consider dressing in traditional German attire. Costume hire stores are your best bet for finding authentic dirndls for women and lederhosen for men. While some costume shops may offer dirndls and lederhosen that look less authentic or overly garish, remember that the fun of Oktoberfest comes from the experience, not just the outfit. If you’re with friends, no one will judge if your costume isn’t perfectly traditional. Additionally, it’s worth noting that not everyone at Oktoberfest dresses up, so feel free to skip this step if it doesn’t appeal to you.

Oktoberfest Décor Ideas

Create an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere with some simple décor. If you have a wooden picnic-style table, use it to enhance the festive vibe. Consider taking it outdoors to add to the ambiance. There are numerous DIY décor ideas available on YouTube and Pinterest. You can craft a decorative wreath with ribbons, set up a pretzel wall, and design a custom welcome banner. For inspiration, check out this Pinterest pin or visit a party supply store for pre-made decorations.

Oktoberfest Music

While hiring a traditional band will probably not be feasible, you can still enjoy authentic Oktoberfest music at home. Search for “Oktoberfest music” on YouTube to find popular songs and festive tunes. For a list of the most popular Oktoberfest songs, visit Big Boy Travel’s guide.

I hope this post provided you with valuable ideas for hosting your own Oktoberfest celebration. Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions or if you’d like to discuss or collaborate online.

Wishing you many happy travels through the journey of life!