Today, over 6 million flock to Munich each year for the world-famous Oktoberfest, dressed in dirndls and lederhosen and raising steins in joyous unity. But what is this beer fest and how did it evolve? There are many fascinating things in Oktoberfest’s history that you never knew. It began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration in Munich and has evolved over two centuries into a global cultural event. The festival holds many untold stories, from horse races and workwear fashion to Albert Einstein’s surprising connection.
You may know Oktoberfest for its overflowing beer steins—millions of liters are poured every year—and giant pretzels served as the ultimate festival treat. While these elements define the celebration today, the origin and evolution of Oktoberfest hide a much richer story.
The world's largest beer festival was actually a marriage ceremony in Germany. In 1810, the citizens of Munich were invited to a multi-day wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese held on the fields outside the city gates. The event was such a hit that it became an annual tradition for what became Oktoberfest.
The highlight of the original event was a horse race, a cherished Munich tradition at the time. The race was proposed as a tribute to the royal couple by Andreas Michael Dall'Armi, a member of the Bavarian National Guard. However, the last official horse race took place in 1960. After that, Oktoberfest grew to include beer tents and various forms of entertainment, which phased it out. To mimic this beloved tradition, Dachshund racing is the key highlight of many Oktoberfests events in the USA.
Oktoberfest has been canceled or shortened more than twenty times. This is primarily due to multiple reasons, such as the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II, as well as epidemics and financial hardships. Recently, COVID-19 caused back-to-back cancellations in 2020 and 2021, which resumed in 2022.
Beer wasn’t always the star of the festivities. Oktoberfest had more to do with agricultural fairs and community fun in its early years. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that large beer tents were introduced, transforming the royal wedding into the beer-centric event we know today.
It’s surprising to hear that Albert Einstein worked at Oktoberfest in 1896 to set up the Schottenhamel beer tent. He assisted his uncle's electrical company, which was contracted to bring lighting to the festival. This little-known fact adds a touch of brilliance to the Oktoberfest’s history.
Oktoberfest often misleads people. While the name indicates October, the festival usually begins mid-September. The royal wedding (the origins of Oktoberfest) was held between October 12 and 17. But in the mid-19th century, organizers realized that Munich’s September weather was far more pleasant than October’s colder, rainier days. That’s why it primarily happens in September and ends on the first Sunday of October. If that Sunday falls on the 1st or 2nd date, it may be extended to include German Unity Day (October 3rd), a nod to modern German history.
In Germany, locals mostly know Oktoberfest as d'Wiesn. It is the short term for Theresienwiese, the fairground where festivities are held. The area was named in honor of the bride and is still used to emphasize its roots as a traditional folk festival tied to the historic meadow.
It is not like your average lager. Only six Munich breweries can craft and serve the Oktoberfestbier as per the strict German Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot). It is originally Märzen-style, with a slightly higher alcohol content and a rich, malty flavor. But today, Festbier is officially poured at Oktoberfest—a lager that’s easier to drink in large quantities and better suited to modern tastes. The beer is specially brewed to complement the hearty Bavarian foods.
The keg-tapping ceremony began in 1950, when Munich’s mayor opened the first keg with the phrase “O’zapft is!” Since then, it has marked the official start of beer service at Oktoberfest. Today, on the very first day of the festival at noon, everyone gathers at the Schottenhamel beer tent, where the first keg is tapped. Only after this ceremonial moment is beer officially served in all the other tents.
Dressing up for Oktoberfest? Dirndl dress and Lederhosen are always the preferred choice among locals and Bavarians. These outfits are significantly associated with Oktoberfest; Lederhosen is even declared the official men's attire to be worn at the event. However, if you look back at the history of the outfits, they were workwear worn by Alpine peasants. With time, nobility began wearing traditional folk costumes at public events to express regional pride. Oktoberfest helped propel this movement and make the garments iconic.
Once, a wedding event over 200 years ago has blossomed into an international phenomenon. Oktoberfest history is rich and multifaceted, with many unknown facts that describe today’s global celebration. It has been cancelled multiple times, but is still honored with great enthusiasm by millions. From its humble beginnings with horse races and no beer stalls to the lively keg-tapping tradition, Oktoberfest’s cultural evolution is filled with hidden stories and fascinating facts.
