Whether you attend a local festival or create your own, this is sure to be tons of fun. 

Oktoberfest is an important part of the Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810! Today the festival is celebrated in Munich, Germany. As the largest folk festival in the world the event runs for about 16-18 days in late September to October. Other cities around the world model these celebrations. 

The event begins with the cry of “O’zapft is” (It’s tapped)! What follows is a great deal of good times and good cheer. During the festival people often wear “Tracht”-traditional garments such as dirndl dresses, lederhosen and traditional Bavarian hats.  

Not only is lots of beer consumed, (over 7 million litres!) but there are fun events for everyone such as amusement rides, side stalls, games, folk dancing, parades, horse racing and music. Much traditional food is also consumed during the event.  

 

Munich,,Germany,-,September,21:,People,In,The,"traditon"-beer,Tent

Canada’s largest Oktoberfest festival is held annually in Kitchener, Ontario. This year the festival runs between Sept 27 and Oct 19, 2024. 

For more information visit their website  Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

Want to create your own Oktoberfest themed event? Here are some ideas sure to add to the fun.  

  • Try some traditional folk dancing.  
  • Have a yodeling contest.
  • Make Bavarian hats. 
  • Have each person creates a favourite drink recipe. Share the drink in a “beer” mug. Vote for the best mug of cheer. 
  • Have the kids dress up in homemade costumes and have a parade in the neighbourhood.  
  • Gather the family to make a meal of traditional Bavarian styled foods. 

For more fun ideas check out this website where you can download Oktoberfest themed activities. 

www.oktoberfest.ca/oktoberfest-family-series-event 

 Sources: 

En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktoberfest 

www.oktoberfest.ca 

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