It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the lederhosen and dirndls, turn up the oom-pah band and get ready for Oktoberfest. The festival dates back to 1810 in Munich, Germany, when King Maximillian Josef created a state party to celebrate the wedding of his son Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. That first celebration - with horse racing, beer, food, music and dancing - was so successful that the King did it again the next year. And the next. A tradition had been born!.

Today’s Oktoberfest draws millions of people from all over the world. It lasts 16 days, beginning in September and ending on the first Sunday in October. The festivities officially open at 12 noon on the first day when the Bürgermeister (mayor) of Munich taps the first keg of beer and declares Ozapft is! ("the keg is tapped").

Oktoberfest activities in the meadow now include huge Festhallen (beer tents), each with its own special Oktoberfest beer. Brass bands play traditional Trinklieder (drinking songs) day & night. Food vendors sell bratwurst, roast oxen, sausages, sauerkraut, grilled chicken, fish on a stick, & large soft pretzels.