What’s the Oktoberfest? Here’s everything you need to know about it

What’s your first thought on the Oktoberfest, Germany’s—and probably the world’s—largest food and drink festival? Beer? German food? People in traditional costumes? Oktoberfest is far beyond those. This world’s largest folk festival is a living history and have been part of the truest Bavarian culture for more than 200 years.

Before it evolved into the Oktoberfest we know today, it started off in Munich, Germany, as a royal wedding celebration on 12 October 1810, between Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen called Wiesn. For five full days, the Munich were invited to eat, drink and enjoy parades involving music, shooting displays and a horse race around a meadow on the edge of town.

Because it was so much fun that the citizens decided to carry it on. Activities such as parades of Bavarian costumes, booths selling beer, sausages, and many more activities were added in later years to step up the fun. However, it wasn’t until 1819 that the Oktoberfest became an annual event. And in 1889 when the first brewer started offering the malt drink, beer became a significant part of the festival.

Today, the Oktoberfest is celebrated 16 -18 days running from mid or late September to first week of October with more than six million people attending from all over the world. On top of that, this world’s largest folk festival was not only held in Germany but also in many other parts of the world. People of all ages, ethnicities and nationalities will dress in Dirndl and Lederhosen, drink and eat “Bavarian-style” and simply have a good time.

Want to feel the vibes of the Oktoberfest? No need to fly to Germany as Time Out Bangkok and Federbräu are bringing everything you’d ever dreamed of the Oktoberfest to you this October! Don’t miss your chance to join us on 5-7 October at The Link Asoke-Makkasan to scoop up scrumptious food and cold drinks and enjoy fun activities and live music by artist like Aof Pongsak, Tattoo Color and Stamp Apiwat!