We are just back from Bavaria and spent two days at the O.G. Oktoberfest in Munich. Founder, Dave Hamme, Assistant Brewer, Harrison Holder, and our marketing partner, Sherri Johnson, made the trek to do a little “research” to sprinkle the German spirit into our own hometown Oktoberfest events.

If this beer fest is on your bucket list for 2024, read on! We sharing our “what to know before you go” Guide while the feeling is fresh. In the meantime, these tips will help prepare you for our annual Oktoberfest event coming up on October 14th, 2023. So, grab your steins and lederhosen, because here are 5 things to know to party like a pro at Oktoberfest!

1. Be Part of a Tradition and Watch the Mayor Tap the First Cask

Oktoberfest Munich is held September 16 – October 3rd (it always starts the second Saturday) and there’s not a beer sold until noon on opening day when the Mayor of Munich signals the brewer to tap the official cask. Get to the festival grounds for the parade at 10:45,make your way to the Old-World area and grab a table near center stage. You’ll be front row when the band marches in and the speech begins for this tradition that dates back to 1810 in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria.

If you arrive early at Lost Worlds Oktoberfest, you can witness Cornelius Mayor, Woody Washam, tap the cask of Kellerfest that sets the tone for our festivities on 10/14 that begin at noon.

2. Prost! (Cheers!)

The first and most important rule of Oktoberfest is to embrace the spirit of camaraderie. When you raise your stein for a toast, be sure to make eye contact and say "Prost!" It's not just about the clinking of glasses; it's a symbolic gesture of friendship and good times. Every Oompa band plays endless rounds of Ein Prosit – so know the words! Here they are:

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit
Prost, prost, prost

For a cheat sheet, we’ve got you covered – check the back of our coasters to sing the lyrics!

3. Dress like a local in Trachten

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Oktoberfest experience, don't be shy about donning traditional Bavarian attire (called Trachten). Lederhosen for the gents and dirndls for the ladies make for some amazing photos to remember the celebration. Some tents in Munich have contests, and Lost Worlds is not different. Come dressed and ready to enter!

4. Embrace the Oompah Band and Get on the Dance Floor

The heart and soul of Oktoberfest is the spirited music. A traditional polka dance is where it’s at and if you’re not sure how to do it, take note of those first on the floor. It’s a one, two, three step and you and your partner can twirl about. (stay on your toes!)

5. Sample a Variety of Beers and Food

Oktoberfest in Munich boasts as array of beers, and our celebration in Cornelius is no different! From crisp, refreshing lagers to robust, malty brews, there's something for everyone. Here’s a few fall favorites on tap in September/October:

Oktoberfest Marzen Lager

Goseck Black Lager

Squanto’s Spiced Pumpkin Ale

Morley’s Hefeweizen Ale

Don't be afraid to ask our Adventure Guides for recommendations and be sure to pace yourself so you can enter our Masskrugstemmen, or “beer stein holding” contest. Masskrugstemmen is not a drinking game. It's a test of strength and endurance and the the training starts now.

So there you have it, meine Freunde (my friends)!

Prost!

5 Things to Know about Oktoberfest in Munich... Eins, Zwei, Drei – Let’s go!