Oktoberfest is almost here — what you need to celebrate

We hope you’re in a festive mood because Oktoberfest is almost here! In just a few days, one of the biggest festivals in the world will commence and all the drinking and revelry that comes with it will kick off. If you’re wondering what all the hubbub is about or you’re trying to figure out how you can get in on the fun, we’re here to help. Here is a primer on all things Oktoberfest and what you need to celebrate, whether at home or while traveling.

When is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is celebrated annually. The dates slightly vary per year, but it starts on a Saturday in mid-September and generally ends on the first Sunday of October, with the end date determining the start date. This year, Oktoberfest is held from Saturday September 16 to Tuesday October 3.

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is meant to celebrate Bavarian culture and beer – lots and lots of beer. (It’s the biggest beer festival in the world!) It owes its existence to the 1810 wedding between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. This wedding celebration was filled with horse racing, feasting and, of course, drinking. It was such a hit that the celebration became an annual event.

Where is Oktoberfest?

The original and main Oktoberfest is celebrated in Munich, Germany, but there are various local celebrations all across the world. In America, the biggest Oktoberfest celebration is held in Cincinnati.

What to bring to Oktoberfest if you're traveling:

Carry-on

Bringing along carry-on is vital for any trip — where is will you pack your clothes and all of your souvenirs? One of the best carry-ons you can buy is the Coolife YD71 3-piece Luggage Set thanks to its good price and customer service.

Travel pillow

It’s no fun spending the first few days of your vacation with a crick in your neck because you slept the wrong way on the plane. To keep this at happening, you should use a travel pillow. We recommend the Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow, which is the best travel pillow we’ve tested as it’s supportive, durable, and adjustable.

Jacket

By the time Oktoberfest rolls around, weather begins making a turn for the cold. Wearing a packable jacket will keep you happy during the festivities instead of nippy. There are many stylish jackets to choose from, one of our favorites being Patagonia’s Better Sweater fleece jacket, which is super warm and soft.

Passport holder

If you’re planning to leave the country for Oktoberfest, you won’t get very far without a passport. To keep it safe, you can put it in a passport holder. Pascacoo sells the best rated passport holders on Amazon, with over 11,000 five-star ratings. Buyers love the holders for their sturdiness and convenience.

Lederhosen

Traditional Bavarian leather breeches, better known as “lederhosen,” are an Oktoberfest staple. No matter if you’re going to the Munich Oktoberfest, a local festival, or celebrating with friends at home, a nice pair of lederhosen is sure to put you in a festive mood. There are many places to shop for high-quality lederhosen online, including Amazon.

Shop Lederhosen at Amazon

What you need to celebrate Oktoberfest at home:

Beer brewing kit

One advantage of spending Oktoberfest at home is that you’re free to brew your own drinks just the way you like them. There are many brewing kits to choose from, but our pick for the best goes to More Beer’s Deluxe Home Brewing Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to start brewing the perfect pint.

Beer glass

If you’re celebrating Oktoberfest at home, why not upgrade your beer glass? With this cute glass, you’ll be able to get the perfect amount of foam with every pour. If that wasn’t reason enough to buy, then you should know it’s also dishwasher safe.

Koozie

Keeping a koozie on hand will keep your drinks deliciously cool for longer. Tahoebay sells the best-rated koozies on Amazon, with more than 5,00 five-star ratings. Buyers love their koozies for their vibrant colors and because of how easy it is to create designs on them.

Cooler

You can’t host an Oktoberfest party with warm drinks. To keep them cool no matter how long the celebration lasts, we recommend using a cooler such as our favorite, the Yeti Tundra 45. We love this cooler because of its temperature retention, secure lock, and conveniently-placed handles.

Fire pit

Space willing, a fire pit will take your backyard Oktoberfest to the next level. The best we’ve tested is the Tiki Patio Fire Pit, which is easy to start, easy to clean, and smoke free.