2010 is Oktoberfest's 200th birthday. Bigger, longer and more spectacular than ever before, the festivities will be a major celebration of Oktoberfest's rich history. Never been to Oktoberfest? Now's the time.
The 200th anniversary festival is now scheduled to open a day early on 17th September when a historic reconstruction of early festivals will open. Plus, there are going to be horse races every day, remembering the origins of Oktoberfest.
This special year also sees an additional day at the end of the festival - now extended until Monday 4th October. This day will be extra special as most seats in the beer tents will be unreserved.
The draft beer on tap is brewed by Munich's six breweries: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbraeu Muenchen, Loewenbraeu, Paulaner and Spaten-Franziskaner. The Oktoberfest brews are pale ales and are about 6% alcohol. They are brewed slightly sweet to be palatable to all.
All the traditional Oktoberfest beers are served in 1 litre Steins - but you won't hear the locals ordering a 'Stein', at Oktoberfest you order a 'Mass' (Maß) which means 'measure'.
As a rule, everyone at the table drinks together, and all glasses are clinked before drinking. Not making eye contact during this exchange is regarded as rude. The word for cheers is 'Prost!'
Oktoberfest Beer Festival Dates: 18th September - 3rd October 2010
18 September 2010 -
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