Nothing says Fall like Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Starting as a royal wedding celebration, Oktoberfest has transformed into an 18-day festival in which 7 million people from around the world consume more than 6 million liters of Bavarian beer. In 2018, Oktoberfest officially begins on September 22nd and ends on October 7th. It is customary to come dressed Bavarian-style wearing a Dirndl or Lederhosen. These can be purchased in Munich or you can bring them from home.
Oktoberfest has a ton of delicious foods to try. A must-order is the classic “Wiesn-Hendl” (grilled chicken), best enjoyed with french fries. The slow-roasted, butterbasted chicken is irresistible after a few beverages. Freshly-baked and doughy, salt-strewn pretzels are delicious and extremely popular. Also expect to sample traditional sausages and the seemingly endless dessert options available at Oktoberfest. For the foodies, Ochsenbraterei, huge oxen, are roasted each day for hungry visitors – 114 oxen were consumed last year. This is the food and drink that helps put the Volk into Volksfest.
The highlight event is the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade. The parade occurs on the first Wies’n Sunday of Oktoberfest. It starts at 10am and lasts about 3 hours. More than 7,000 performers will participate along the 5 mile parade route. You can travel by air or train to Munich and stay at a hotel near the fairgrounds, or take a cruise that includes Oktoberfest activities. Crystal River Cruise offers an overnight stay in Munich with their Danube River Cruise sailing on September 20th. Tauck River Cruising offers two departures on the Rhine River that combines with two nights in Munich for the festival. Uniworld offers a VIP package with dinner and beer tent access. For families, Adventures by Disney has partnered with AMA Waterways for their Oktoberfest-inspired river cruise including one adults-only departure. The drinking age for beer and wine in Germany is 16 years old, and by 18 you can purchase distilled alcohol and spirits. Children under 6 are allowed at Oktoberfest until 8 pm if accompanied by a parent.
Reserve your dream vacations by contacting Lainey Melnick, the owner of the Westlake-area branch of Dream Vacations, 855-GR8-TRIP, www.855GR8TRIP.com, lmelnick@dreamvacations.com. Lainey has been a part of the Westlake community and an Eanes ISD parent for over 20 years. She is the 2017 recipient of the OPAL Award for Women for outstanding performance and leadership, and leads the Westlake Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Committee.