Are You Ready for Oktoberfest 2022?

For beer enthusiasts, Oktoberfest marks one of the most important celebrations of the entire year.  The official Oktoberfest 2022 (the 187th) takes place from September 17 to October 3 at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich.  Visitors to the event enjoy a variety of traditional beer amidst live music, carnival games, a parade, and fireworks.  You don’t need to travel to Germany to be a part of Oktoberfest festivities.  The event is celebrated worldwide, including in many cities throughout the United States.

Why is Oktoberfest in September?

That’s a good question, and it really boils down to weather conditions.  The first Oktoberfest was held in 1910 as part of the wedding celebrations of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.  The party lasted from October 12 to the 17th.  The community loved it so much they decided to hold it every year.  However, five days wasn’t nearly long enough for the merriment.  Each year the festival spanned more days–starting earlier and earlier into September.  The weather for the biggest beer party in your neighborhood is much better in September than in October, so the dates evolved, but the name stayed the same.

What do people wear to the authentic Oktoberfest?

With millions of visitors each year, you’re sure to see just about every style of garb at Oktoberfest.  Yet, traditional wear is still a favorite for dedicated festival attendees.  Women wear dirndls, an apron dress covering a white blouse, tied in one of three ways to show if the woman is married, single, or widowed.  Men can be seen wearing lederhosen: colorful knee-length pants traditionally made from leather with suspenders over a button-up shirt.   

What kind of beer is served at Oktoberfest?

Beer featured at the Oktoberfest in Munich must adhere to Germany’s beer purity law, Reinheitsgebot.  According to the law, brewers may only include four ingredients in their beer:  water, malt, hops, and yeast.  Most of the beers are lighter-colored lagers.  Only six breweries meet the strict criteria:  Augstiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.

If you attend Oktoberfest anywhere else in the world, you are likely to find a variety of beers, from light to dark.  In fact, in the United States, darker beers are often featured at this celebration.  

Are you planning your own Oktoberfest 2022 celebration?

There’s no reason you can’t bring a little bit of Germany right to your backyard to celebrate Oktoberfest with your friends and family.  Stop by The Growler Guys to select your beer, and take home growlers of your favorites to serve at your party. 

Each of our locations carries the best local varieties, from the palest ales to the darkest stouts, along with ciders and kombucha.  Our friendly staff is happy to walk you through the characteristics of every style to help you discover your personal favorites.  Take home the beers you love best in a growler to share with family and friends.  View our online tap list to learn about the selections currently available at a location near you!