from Beer Stein to Masskrug everything you need for your Oktoberfest

The History of Oktoberfest: From a Royal Wedding to the World's Largest Beer Festival

What Is Oktoberfest and Why Is It Celebrated?

Every year, millions of people travel to Munich, Germany, to celebrate Oktoberfest, the world's largest folk festival. Although the name suggests it takes place in October, the festival actually begins in September and ends on the first Sunday in October.

Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Today, it is known around the world for its Bavarian traditions, lively beer tents, traditional music, delicious food, and authentic German beer steins. Let's explore how a royal wedding grew into the world's largest folk festival and one of Germany's most celebrated traditions.

If you'd like to experience Oktoberfest at home, explore our collection of German Beer Steins, German Beer Mugs and Glasses, and Oktoberfest Gifts. For more about the festival itself, don't miss our guide to Oktoberfest beer traditions.

How Did Oktoberfest Begin?

Oktoberfest, or as the people of Munich affectionately call it, Die Wiesn, began in 1810 as a celebration of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The entire city celebrated the royal wedding, which concluded with a horse race.

Historic engraving of the horse race at the first Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany.
Historic engraving of the horse race at the first Oktoberfest celebration in Munich.

 What many people don't know is that the Agricultural Society recognized the festivities as an opportunity to showcase Bavarian farming and agriculture, and the celebration continued for the next two years. In 1819, the city of Munich officially took over the organization of Oktoberfest. No one could have imagined that this local celebration would grow into the world's largest folk festival, famous for its traditions and authentic German beer steins.

What Can You Experience at Oktoberfest Besides Beer?

Although Oktoberfest is famous for its beer, there is much more to experience. Today, visitors can enjoy more than 100 rides and attractions, making Oktoberfest one of the world's largest traveling funfairs. What began in 1818 with a small carousel and two swings gradually grew into a full amusement park. The introduction of electricity in 1886 not only powered the rides but also illuminated the beer tents and the Theresienwiese, the official festival grounds where Oktoberfest is still held today.

Crowds enjoying Oktoberfest on the Theresienwiese in Munich, Germany, with beer tents and amusement rides.
Today, Oktoberfest welcomes millions of visitors from around the world with traditional beer tents, amusement rides, Bavarian food, music, and festive celebrations.

 

Why Is Oktoberfest Held in September?

In 1872, it was decided to bring the Oktoberfest forward to September, because the warmer weather in September made the festival more enjoyable for visitors. Since then, the Oktoberfest traditionally begins on the Saturday after September 15 and ends on the first Sunday in October (except when October 1st or October 2nd falls on a Sunday - then the Oktoberfest is extended until October 3rd, the Day of German Unity). So, the confusing name is not a trick by the residents of Munich to keep the tourists away from the Oktoberfest, but just a rescheduling to be able to enjoy it more.

What Does "O'zapft is!" Mean?

"O'zapft is!" is a Bavarian expression that means "It's tapped!" It marks the official opening of Oktoberfest each year when the Mayor of Munich taps the first beer keg at the Schottenhamel tent. This tradition began in 1950 when Mayor Thomas Wimmer performed the first ceremonial keg tapping. At the same time, he set the unflattering record of needing 17 strokes for the first Oktoberfest beer tapping in history. (The record is only 2 strokes.) After the successful tapping, twelve traditional gunshots signal to the other festival tents at the Wiesn: the Oktoberfest is open, and the beer can now be poured! Even though the festival tents open at 9:00 a.m. on the first Saturday, beer may only be served after the ceremonial keg tapping and the twelve gunshots announcing the official opening.

When Oktoberfest Was Cancelled in History

Oktoberfest is sacred in Bavaria, but over the past two centuries, there were several times when Munich had to do without its beloved Wiesn. The reasons were far more serious than everyday challenges. Wars, epidemics, and financial crises all forced Munich to cancel the festival at different points in its history.

  • 1813: Just four years after the first Wiesn, Bavaria was caught up in Napoleon’s battles and Oktoberfest had to be skipped.

  • 1854 and 1873: Cholera epidemics swept through Munich, claiming thousands of lives, including Queen Mother Therese, the namesake of the Theresienwiese.

  • 1866: The Austro-Prussian War forced Munich to cancel the festival.

  • 1923: Hyperinflation left citizens struggling financially, making Oktoberfest impossible.

  • 1914–1918 and 1939–1945: Both World Wars halted the festivities. After World War II, only small autumn festivals took place until 1949.

  • 2020 and 2021: The Covid-19 pandemic caused the first cancellations in more than 70 years.

Each time, Oktoberfest returned, reminding visitors around the world why it remains one of Germany's most cherished traditions and a lasting symbol of Bavarian culture.

What Is the Historical Wiesn?

Although the traditional horse races ended in 1960, they returned in 2010 to celebrate Oktoberfest's 200th anniversary. To honor the festival's rich history, organizers created the Historical Wiesn in the southern part of the Theresienwiese. Visitors could experience Oktoberfest as it once was, with historical rides, traditional music, authentic clothing, and many of the customs that have shaped the festival for more than 200 years.

A Tradition That Endures

Whether in the past or today, one tradition has remained the same: when raising a Maßkrug (traditional one-liter beer mug) at Oktoberfest, the proper toast is "Prost!"

From royal weddings and horse races to modern beer tents and amusement rides, the Wiesn has endured wars, epidemics, and global crises. Each time it has returned, stronger than before. Oktoberfest is more than a festival; it is a celebration of Bavarian spirit, tradition, and joy.

So, the next time you raise your glass, remember the long history behind this world-famous festival. If you'd like to bring a little piece of Bavaria into your own home, explore our collection of authentic German beer steins, beer mugs, and Oktoberfest gifts. O’zapft is!