As per the latest world census report, 8,019,876,189 are the total number of earth dwellers, but only 6 million people, on average, get to celebrate Oktoberfest Munich. That shouldn’t stop you from celebrating Bavarian traditions, and Oktoberfest parties are a great way to have a magical Oktoberfest. You might not have a giant keg opening ceremony by the Munich mayor and strangers clinking beer steins, but you can still have an oompah band playing your hand, everyone clicking pictures at the photo booth, and your stein hoisting contest. Let’s get into the details of throwing a stellar Oktoberfest party!
Party Ideas for Oktoberfest
Some of the steps are essential to prepare for the Oktoberfest Party, and some need dire attention, while others are extra steps that will make your party extraordinary.
Some of the important Oktoberfest party ideas you need to keep on your list are;
- Oktoberfest authentic beer
- Oktoberfest Bavarian tent
- Oktoberfest theme decoration
- Oktoberfest Games and contests
- Bavarian Oktoberfest Musical playlist
- Oktoberfest dress code
Covering these details can help you arrange a brilliant Oktoberfest party. Let’s begin with the first step.
Step 1: Arranging the Oktoberfest Beer
Beer is the star of Oktoberfest. A special beer known as “Oktoberfestbier” is brewed in Munich following the oldest Beer purity law, and each tent serves a specific beer type. To stick strictly to the Oktoberfest theme, get one of the six beers served, which is:
- Augustiner
- Hacker-Pschorr
- Hofbräu
- Löwenbräu
- Paulaner
- Spaten
If Munich Beer isn’t available, it is alright to alternate with famous local beers that are easily accessible. To take your party to another level, use a keg instead of the bottles for an authentic Bavarian beer-drinking experience.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Not everyone is a beer fan, and some abstain from alcohol consumption. To make your Oktoberfest party idea inclusive for everyone, include some non-alcoholic options. Some of the options to add to the non-alcoholic list are
- Non-alcoholic beer
- Non-alcoholic champagne
- Non-alcoholic wine
- Soft drinks
- Juices
- Coffee
- Water
Step 2: Food to Serve at Oktoberfest Party
Oktoberfest is big on the traditional Bavarian food with the gazillion pretzels, 500,000 roast chickens, and 124 giant oxen consumed; therefore, the Oktoberfest parties are no exception. Keep the menu mainly Bavarian and add all the Beerfest favorites and specialties. Include appetizers, a main course, and dessert options for a balanced meal.
Bavarian Appetizer for Oktoberfest Party
Oktoberfest parties do not vibe if some soft snacks are not offered. Snacks and alot of snacks make a party Bavarian.
Bavarian Pretzels
A pretzel is a staple on any Bavarian menu. It is a type of baked pastry in a twisted knot shape. It is brittle and has a cracky, soft texture. Salt is sprinkled on top, giving it a unique flavor.
German Potato Pancake
Potato pancakes are another hearty Oktoberfest snack that is widely popular among attendees. Adding this dish to your Oktoberfest party menu gives the celebration an authentic flavor.
Oktoberfest Party Main Course Ideas
The selection of main dishes depends on the gathering and the number of guests. Whole roast, pork knuckles, or, in remembrance of Fish Veroni, a fish platter, make great main course dishes.
Roast Chicken (Hendl)
Chicken is spit-roasted until golden brown and crispy after only marinating it with salt and sometimes parsley. Later, the chicken is drizzled with melted butter and served whole after being cut into half with pretzels or mashed potatoes.
All Kind of Sausages
Oktoberfest or Bavaria is generally linked with sausages, and Germany has 1500 types of sausages alone. Blutwurst, bockwurst, bratwurst, cervelat, frankfurter, knockwurst and currywurst are some of the famously known Oktoberfest sausages.
Oktoberfest Party Side and Desserts
Potato salad and sauerkraut are two sides that are alternately served with the main course. Apple strudel, black forest cake slice, dampfnudel, and lebkuchenherzen are famous Oktoberfest desserts.
Step 3: Oktoberfest Decoration Ideas
From a very simple to a well-decorated Oktoberfest party, you can choose what you like. It could be indoor or outdoor, a Bavarian beer tent themed, a Beer garden vibe, or an Oktoberfest picnic party. Set your venue with long communal tables and benches decorated with checkered picnic mats and different Oktoberfest theme cutouts (beerstein, pretzels, or lebkuchenherzen). Set a photo booth for you to get to capture themselves in dirndl and lederhosens.
Here are some Oktoberfest decoration ideas to transport your guests to a Bavarian wonderland:
|
Decoration Ideas for Oktoberfest Party |
Description |
|
Bavarian Banners |
Hang Bavarian flags and banners for flair |
|
Beer Garden Seating |
Use picnic tables and benches for a Biergarten feel. |
|
Traditional Colors |
Decorate in blue and white, Bavaria's colors. |
|
Beer Stein Centerpieces |
Place beer steins filled with flowers as centerpieces |
|
Hay Bales |
Use hay bales as seating or rustic decor. |
|
Alpine Details |
Add alpine elements like wooden signs and fake snow. |
Step 4: Oktoberfest Party Ideas for Adults
Oktoberfest parties for adults include contests and competitions to make them feel involved. There are many games and activities for adults to participate in at the Oktoberfest party, making it family-friendly.
Stein Hoisting Competition at Oktoberfest Party for Adults
The participant must hold the beer steins while stretching their arms straight. Whoever holds the stein for the longest without spilling the beer is announced as the winner.
Pretzel Eating Contest
In the pretzel-eating contest, the participants are to eat a maximum number of pretzels in a given time. Everyone cheers and hoots for the person, making it a fun, entertaining segment.
Mr or Mrs. Best Dressed at Oktoberfest Party for Couples
Dressing is a big part of the Oktoberfest, and to celebrate this angle of Bavarian culture, include the best-dressed contest at your party.
Step 5: Oktoberfest Party Musical List
Prepare a musical list of the top 10 Oktoberfest party songs to let everyone loose and enjoy a few steps on the classic melodies. Some of the Oktoberfest favorites that you can add to your musical playlist are
- Ein Prosit (I salute you)
- Sweet Caroline
- Fliegerlied (The Flyer Song)
- Hände zum Himmel (Hands to Heaven)
Step 6: The Dress Code for the Oktoberfest Party
Call all your friends and family dressed in Bavarian tracht to reminisce about the vibrant Oktoberfest scenes. Keep the dress code for the Oktoberfest: lederhosen for men and dirndl for women.
Summarizing Oktoberfest Party Ideas!
Everyone can't fly to Oktoberfest Munich; in that case, celebrating Bavarian culture with a party is a great alternative. To host a successful Oktoberfest backyard party, certain mandatory arrangements, such as beer, food, games, music, decorations, and a dress code, can guarantee a brilliant celebration of Bavarian culture.
FAQs
How do you throw a good Oktoberfest party?
Oktoberfest party ideas include a Bavarian-themed party decoration, arranging beer music, and setting up games and contests. Throw the Oktoberfest table cloth, set a dance floor, and let the party begin.
What to wear at the Oktoberfest party?
Set a theme for the Oktoberfest party dress-up. Encourage guests to wear lederhosen and dirndl at the party, as these are the official dress codes for the festival.
What are the colors for the Oktoberfest party?
Blue and white- the Bavarian flag colors are the official shades for the Oktoberfest party. Keep your decor synchronized with these shades for an authentic Munich Oktoberfest like experience.