I’ve done my summer holidays for the year, so now I’m looking forward to October, November and December and thinking about what I can do during those months. One of the main things (and most well known) has to be Oktoberfest.

Now you have a few options, you can go the whole hog and book flights to Germany (why not?!) or you can find a local celebration, such as the London Oktoberfest celebrations. Either way – you’re going to have fun. And drink beer.

But you already knew that right? 

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So how do you go about getting ready? Well first things first, you need a costume. Yes a costume. If you’re going to do it, do it right.

I found this website Oktoberfest Dirndl that sell more varieties of Oktoberfest themed outfits you could ever wish for. I got a bit obsessed once I’d started looking through all the outfits, because I couldn’t decide which was my favourite, and then I had like 8 different dresses in my basket and it all got a bit sad, because I knew I could only pick one.

Well I could’ve picked two, but I don’t know whether I’d  be able to justify it, given I’d only wear it once a year. 

Here are some of my favourites:

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You need to find a group of awesome people to go with! Whilst you could go on your own, or as a couple – you’ll get the most out of an event like this when you’ve got a big group of friends surrounding you. So send out the invites, make a Facebook group… get everyone jumping on your bandwagon basically. The more people you’ve got the more fun you’ll have.

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What should you book? 

If you’re headed to Germany then getting into the tents is free, and sitting down at the tables is free too. But that’s where it ends! Drinks, food, and any touristy bits you might buy will cost money (and it won’t be cheap).

 

For the London festival, depending on the day you go and the tier of ticket you take – will alter the price. For example, there are VIP tickets, for reserved seating and tables, etc. If you haven’t reserved a specific table – then it may be worth turning up early to make sure you get a good spot!

Remember that there are around 14 different tents to choose from (if you’re going to the original one in Germany) so choose wisely when you arrive! Each tent has it’s own unique feeling and atmosphere, and will serve slightly different food and drink too. For a way more in-depth explanation of the tents, this blog post has loads more info and goes into much more details!

When does the festival actually start?

The original Oktoberfest in Germany begins in September and ends in October (figures, because of the name and all!) on the first Sunday in October, or on October 3, whatever is later. It lasts for at least 16 days.

The next dates are:

  • 2014: September 20 – October 5
  • 2015: September 19 – October 4
  • 2016: September 17 – October 3

Don’t forget about the food! 

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Yes, there is beer! But there is also food! And great food at that! Don’t forget to get your fill of the food, and make sure – for every glass you drink, you’re consuming a little food too. No one wants to end up too drunk that they can’t enjoy the full experience (you did pay to be there after all!) so make it a balancing act if you can.

One last piece of advice…. 

Book your hotels in advance, because the city is full to the brim during the festival! Look for somewhere nearby too – so you’re not having to hail a cab whilst you’re drunk! 😉