Oktoberfest Games - Top Contests For Adults

The largest Volkfest in the world, Oktoberfest in Munich, has a fun side besides carnival rides and beer tents. It’s a celebration of Bavarian traditions with competitions that bring people together. 

These activities are when folks test their skills, share stories, and enjoy the moment. Oktoberfest contests bring this energy to life. Beer-holding challenges, motif competitions, and other fun challenges bring out the best in every contestant. Each game sparks joy and builds memories. People cheer, compete, and connect following certain game rules.

All the Prominent Oktoberfest Contests

The OG Oktoberfest has few contests and competitions, but many on-ground activities. Smaller versions of the Bavarian beerfest, like in the USA, Australia, and other parts of the world, include their own Oktoberfest competitions to make the event fun and interactive. 

Oktoberfest Motif Competition

The Oktoberfest motif competition is about creating the festival’s official poster. It’s been running since 1952, organized by Munich’s Department of Labor and Economic Affairs with muenchen.de. The winning design gets plastered on posters, mugs, and merchandise. It’s a big deal for artists.

How to Participate?

Anyone with design skills can enter—graphic artists, students, or hobbyists. You submit one poster design online. Registration opens around late November and closes mid-December. You need a valid email, and if you’re participating as a team, each member must submit a name, phone number, and short résumé. Designs must meet technical requirements, like PDF/X format with a JPG preview.

What are the Rules?

• One design per person or team.

• No economic ties to jury members, their companies, or employees.

• Designs go through a screening for content and technical quality.

• Public online voting picks the top 30 designs, then a jury of nine experts and six city council members chooses the winner.

• The poster must include “Oktoberfest München” with the event dates and avoid associating your name with the design beforehand.

• Prizes are €2,500 for first, €1,250 for second, and €500 for third.

Why It Matters

Winning means your art represents Oktoberfest globally. The winning poster for the 190th edition of the festival depicts a woman waitress wearing a dirndl with a radiant smile, holding a tray full of pretzels and beer steins. The poster symbolizes the hard work the waitress does at Oktoberfest to make it a success. 

Masskrugstemmen (Stein-Holding Contest)

Masskrugstemmen tests your strength and stamina. You hold a one-liter beer stein filled to the brim, arm straight out, for as long as possible. It sounds simple, but it’s brutal. 

How to Participate

Events happen at various Oktoberfests, often with free entry. In Munich, check tents like Schottenhamel for schedules. Some, like Oktoberfest Pittsburgh, have official U.S. Steinholding Association events. You usually sign up on-site, but spots can be limited—Pittsburgh caps at 18 men and 18 women per event. Bring beer tickets or register online if required.

What are the Rules

• Hold the stein by the handle, thumb off the top.

• The arm must stay straight, parallel to the ground, not to the side.

• No spilling; any drip disqualifies you.

• The off-hand stays at your side, not supporting the stein arm.

• Minimal leaning or arching; the elbow can’t cross behind your ankle.

• The longest hold wins are often 3-6 minutes, though records like Ernie Achoa’s 18+ minutes in 1995 are legendary.

Why It’s Fun

It’s a crowd-pleaser. Spectators cheer as arms shake and faces grimace. Winners get prizes like beer, mugs, or festival swag.

Fingerhakeln (Finger Wrestling)

Fingerhakeln is intense. Two competitors face off, pulling with one finger—usually the middle—across a table. It’s like arm wrestling but for your finger. It’s serious in Bavaria, and athletes train hard.

How to Participate

No entry ticket needed at Munich’s Oktoberfest, but check with organizers for specific tents or events. Participants are grouped by age and weight. It’s mostly for men to show off their strength. Sign up at the festival or contact organizers beforehand.

Rules

• Hook a leather loop with one finger, usually the middle.

• Pull your opponent across a line on the table.

• No other body parts can aid the pull.

• Injuries like dislocations are common, so it’s not for everyone.

• Matches are quick, often best-of-three.

Why It’s Unique

This Oktoberfest competition is raw and traditional. You don’t see this at every festival. Winners might get beer or small prizes, but it’s about bragging rights.

Dachshund Dash

The Dachshund Dash is adorable. Wiener dogs race an 80-foot course, often in costumes. It’s a hit with families.

How to Participate

Free to enter, but you need pre-registration and a $15 admission ticket. Two people per dog—one at the start, one at the finish. Your dog’s name gets called twice; miss it, and you forfeit. Check out festivals like Oktoberfest in Fort Worth for details.

Rules

• Max six dogs per heat.

• Use a toy or treat to lure your dog, but don’t throw it.

• Dogs race 80 feet; the fastest wins.

• Costumes are encouraged but optional.

Why It’s a Blast

It’s chaotic and heartwarming. Crowds love cheering for these little racers. Prizes vary, but they are often festival goodies.

Other Notable Contests

Oktoberfest has more games, which make the whole celebration fun, like 

• Hammerschlagen (hammer a nail into a stump with the fewest strikes)

• Barrel rolling (push a keg through a course, fastest wins) 

• Costume contests

• sausage-eating

• pretzel-tossing

Each tent or event might have its own spin, so check schedules. Most are open to adults, with kids’ versions like pretzel tosses at family-friendly festivals.

Wrapping It Up!

Oktoberfest competitions are a mix of skill, strength, and fun. The motif competition lets artists shine, while Masskrugstemmen and Fingerhakeln test your grit. The Dachshund Dash brings smiles. Everyone loves how these contests feel rooted in the Bavarian spirit, not just gimmicks. If you’re at Oktoberfest, try one. You might not win, but you’ll feel the festival’s pulse. Check the event's official website for updates on Oktoberfest games and rules.