After Labor Day, it might seem like a long wait until the next holiday. Who wants to wait until Halloween to host their next bash? The good news: You don’t have to! Mid-September to early October is time to celebrate Oktoberfest.
This German festival is all about good times, beer and tasty German food. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate?
Now if you’re new to the festival, don’t you worry. We’ve got plenty of Oktoberfest party ideas to get you going.
What Is Oktoberfest?
Before you go gung ho on your Oktoberfest party ideas, you might find yourself asking what is Oktoberfest anyway?
Oktoberfest has been a German tradition since 1810. It began as a celebration of the marriage of Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. That year, Bavarians were treated to days of beer, food and entertainment. It was such a success that the tradition continued.
While Oktoberfest is a bit different these days (it starts in September for one), it’s still a time for celebration, sipping beer and enjoying the company of friends old and new.
How to Celebrate Oktoberfest at Home
When it comes to celebrating, we’ve got plenty of Oktoberfest party ideas. All you need is some beer and plenty of gemutlichkeit—that’s how Germans describe the feeling of friendliness and warmth.
Bring on the Food
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Whether your personal Oktoberfest lasts for 16 days (that’s the way they do it in Munich) or just an afternoon, you’ll want to serve up plenty of German food.
There are a lot of traditional dishes to choose from when it comes to planning your Oktoberfest menu, but there are a few options that everyone will be hoping for as they pull on their dirndls and lederhosen.
Bratwurst:If you’re hosting an Oktoberfest celebration, sausage is a must on the menu! Make sure you’ve got plenty of sausage options, including brats with mustard and currywurst.
Sauerkraut:Sauerkraut is a must whether it’s topping a grilled brat or just served up alongside sauerbraten. You can find some great options at your local grocer (The Brinery makes fantastic kraut) or you can try making your own sauerkraut.
German desserts:Many folks have fond memories of their Oma making apfelkuchen or strudel. Be sure to have a few of these options at the ready on your dessert table.
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This hearty stovetop entree has been a family favorite for years. The variety of vegetables makes this dish attractive. Cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
This is one of our favorite main dishes. Because we raise our own pork and beef, the meat we use is always freshly ground. For variety, these meatballs can be cooked with a sweet cream gravy or steamed with tomatoes. But we prefer them with homemade sauerkraut. —Iona Redemer, Calumet, Oklahoma
Until I entered kindergarten, we spoke German in our home and kept many old-world customs. We always enjoyed the food of our family's homeland. Mom usually prepared this for my birthday dinner. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey
I work full time, so this slow cooker roast beef is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this simmering slow cooker pot roast that I know will be fall-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Load butternut squash shells with an Italian turkey sausage and squash mixture for a quick and easy meal. Even better, it's surprisingly low in calories. —Katia Slinger, Columbus, Georgia
I created this tasty quick-and-easy sauerkraut and sausage dish so I can throw it together in no time on those extra-busy nights. — Mary Lyon, Spotsylvania, Virginia
A rich sauce coats this hearty combination of potatoes, carrots and bratwurst chunks. I adapted a baked stew recipe that appeared in a newspaper. This is so comforting on cold winter evenings. —Susan Holmes, Germantown, Wisconsin
I've always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a bit of preparation, but my family and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the effort. —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington
Mom brewed her own sauerkraut and, of course, the cabbage was from our big farm garden! Blending the kraut with spicy sausage and apples was Mom's favorite way to fix it, and I still love this country dish. —Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland
I love this pot roast recipe because it's so easy to prepare and serve. You can put this "meal in one dish" together to cook, then practically forget about it until dinnertime. Coleslaw is a great accompaniment. —Vera Melvin, St. Ann, Missouri
Baking a meal in a pumpkin is such a fun fall idea! To serve the dish, cut the pumpkin into wedges, giving each person both pumpkin and stuffing. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
I double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
You’ll want to make stuffing more often once you try these savory, elegant chops. Just a few ingredients give them such fabulous flavor! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
When the executive decision was made to marinate veggies in a tasty bourbon sauce and serve with grilled bratwurst, this recipe made our VIP party list. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
This was one of my Grandma Schwartz's recipes. Grandpa Schwartz was a German butcher and this was one of his (and our) favorite meals. It's an extra-special beef entree when served with mashed potatoes made with butter and sour cream. —Lynda Sharai, Summer Lake, Oregon
Crushed gingersnaps, lemon and vinegar give the marinated slow-cooked beef and gravy their appetizing sweet-sour flavor. —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
Pork and apples are such a good match, and this down-home supper is proof. I really like that the lean cut of meat is tender and juicy, but healthy, too. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Try this comforting pork stew recipe that's easy to put together, but tastes like you've been working hard in the kitchen all day. It's even better served over polenta, egg noodles or mashed potatoes. —Nancy Elliott, Houston, Texas
I love Reuben sandwiches, so this recipe was a dream come true! We especially like it with my husband's homemade sauerkraut.—Susan Stahl, Duluth, Minnesota
The golden crusted pork chops are accompanied with a rich mushroom sauce. This scrumptious entree is loved by my family and makes a terrific company dish. This is wonderful served with mashed potatoes. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
A friend who raises pork shared this pork chop recipe with me. The lightly breaded chops with simple glazed apples on the side make a mouthwatering meal. —Mrs. Burlin Jones, Beloit, Wisconsin
We always have plenty of pork sausage around, so when I need a quick supper, I use this handy recipe. The colorful vegetables give the hash a bold look to match its flavor. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Familiar ingredients make this dish comforting for me. The cheddar cheese is the same kind my family has used for years to make grilled cheese sandwiches. And the croutons remind me of Thanksgiving dinners. —Eliane Oneyear, River Forest, Illinois
When the family's coming or we're expecting guests for dinner, I often serve this flavorful grilled pork roast—and it's always a winner! Chopped apple and sweet honey complement the rosemary and garlic. —Christine Wilson Sellersville, Pennsylvania
On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
I like this dish featuring kielbasa and veggies for two reasons: It's so hearty, and it’s a one-pan meal. That’s a win-win dinner! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
This delightfully delicious recipe came from my Aunt Helen. I serve it alongside ham or turkey for the holidays or on its own with a salad and rolls.—Darlene King, Estevan, Saskatchewan
I made this for my son’s 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Finding healthy recipes the family will eat is a challenge. This elegant squash is one we love, and it works with pork or chicken sausage, too. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
I began serving a version of this dish as a side with grilled salmon. I added sausage and rice—or noodles—to make a complete meal-in-one. —Debby Abel, Flat Rock, North Carolina
Come home to warm comfort food! This vegetable beef stew is based on my mom’s wonderful recipe, but I adjusted it for the slow cooker. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan to each bowl for a nice finishing touch. —Marcella West, Washburn, Illinois
Just pour these ingredients over your pot roast and let the slow cooker do the work. Herbs and spices give the beef an excellent taste. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices as a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma
To ring in the New Year, we invite friends for dinner. A menu featuring tender prime rib is festive, yet simple to prepare. A pepper rub and mild horseradish sauce complement the beef's great flavor. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Cooking up original recipes is a hobby of mine. My version of classic cabbage rolls is delicious served over rice or noodles. —Irma Finely, Lockwood, Missouri
My grandmother used to make this, and I adapted it for my slow cooker. You’ll love its convenience and great taste. —Lois Stanley, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas
People Clinking Mass Beer Glasses At Oktoberfest In Munich
This is one celebration where the drinks are even more important than the food. To host a proper Oktoberfest party, you need to have a cooler or fridge stocked with plenty of German beer.
At Oktoberfest in Munich, you’ll find just a few select brewers including Hacker Pschorr, Hoffbrau and Lowenbrau. You can find most of these beers stateside along with some American versions of classic Oktoberfest brews. Our recommendation: Try some of each!
If beer isn’t quite your thing—or you just want options—there are plenty of other German drinks to enjoy. In fact, Germany is home to a pretty robust wine region known for excellent Rieslings and Gewurztraminer. And don’t forget about liqueurs like schnapps.
To host an authentic Oktoberfest celebration, you’ll want to make your backyard feel as much like a German beer garden as possible. Lucky enough, beer gardens are casual and easy-going so you don’t have to do much to make it feel like Munich.
Here’s what we recommend for getting into the spirit for the celebration:
Beer garden-style seating: At most beer gardens, you’ll find wooden tables just like this.
Steins: Sipping beer from a can or bottle? Not at Oktoberfest! Have guests bring their own and see who has the most over-the-top drinkware or stock up on some basic steins to use year after year. If you want to steer away from glass, try these custom cups; they make great party favors.
Blue and white decor: Bavaria’s national colors are blue and white. Incorporate them in plates, napkins and other decorations like bunting and tablecloths. And who could resist this Biergarten sign?
Fun and Games
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While your guests will be plenty busy eating soft pretzels and sipping from their steins, it never hurts to have a few activities at the ready.
Cue up a playlist: No, you don’t have to listen to polka for your entire party, but mix a few German tunes into an upbeat playlist for your party. Whatever you do, make sure to play “Ein Prosit,” a classic drinking song. Everyone will be singing along by the end of your fest.
Try a game of hammerschlagen: Get into the spirit of Oktoberfest with this truly German game. Players try to hammer their nail into a stump in the fewest whacks. It’s not just any ol’ hammer, though. This game calls for a cross pein hammer, one with a wedge end, which makes the game much more challenging.
Deal a hand of sheepshead: Americans know it as sheepshead, but this card game is derived from Schafkopf, Bavaria’s national card game.
Prost!
With the right Otoberfest party ideas, dishes and drinks, you’ll be all set for a successful backyard bash. So raise a glass and say prost! (that’s German for “cheers!”) as you dig into that schnitzel.
