Oktoberfest is one of the biggest beer festivals on the planet, and is celebrated with nearly as much gusto in the U.S. as it is in Germany. Though the official festival in Munich occurs during the last 2 weeks of September, you can host your own Oktoberfest anytime through October. Here are some great tips and recommendations to help make your Oktoberfest a smashing success — just make sure that you hold your beer mug by the handle when you clink glasses, so you don’t smash your fingers, too.
The Drinks
It’s just not Oktoberfest without official drinkware, and German glassware is a must. These glasses from Rastal are authentic, top quality, and definitely durable enough for many a spirited “Prost!". If you’re going for a classic O-fest vibe, you’ve got to go with a maß (pronounced “mah-s”) stein. Maß is a German word describing the amount of beer in a regulation mug — 1 liter — and in Germany is also used to describe the mug itself. If you prefer something a bit more, uh, manageable, there are smaller half liter options too, as well as ceramic steins, dimpled mugs and a variety of durable plastic mugs and cups. And there’s always Das Boot…
The Look
Let’s be honest — who doesn't like a good dress-up theme party every now and again? Encourage staff and attendees to embrace their inner German and dress in traditional Bavarian lederhosen, dirndls and alpine hats. If that’s not your cup of tea (or mug of beer?) no worries — you can always get one of those face cutout photo boards for a fun photo op, and sell custom printed t-shirts and souvenir merch like enamel pins, sunglasses and coolies. Bavarian blue and white is a great color option for your merch and your decor, and you can put a fun twist on your logo by swapping out your brand colors with the colors of the German flag. Need inspiration for a unique Oktoberfest design? Check out these completely original (and totally free) design templates that you can add your branding to.
The Fun
Beer is the heart of any Oktoberfest party, but food, music and fun activities definitely add to the merrymaking. Where there's lots of good beer, there should also be good food — pretzels, potato salad and sausage (plus lots of mustard) are menu staples that will keep partygoers fueled. Pretzel necklaces are beer festival necessities, and you can sell them or have a booth where people can make their own. Canopy tents are perfect for housing food stations and merch tables, and can provide much-appreciated respite from the elements. And don’t forget music — traditional German music (may we suggest some oom-pah brass?) is practically impossible to resist dancing to after a couple of beers. But what’s sure to inspire a good time? A little friendly competition. No Oktoberfest is complete without a stein-hoisting competition or a stein race. We’re also big fans of cornhole tournaments, tug-of-war and best beard and mustache competitions. Wooden nickels make great prize tokens that winners can redeem for a free beer.
Just remember, planning ahead is the key to pulling off a great party — especially if you’re using German-imported drinkware. Get your merch (and keg!) orders in plenty early, design some killer event branding, promote the heck out of it on social media and, most of all, don’t forget to give a toast.