The ultimate guide to hosting a real German Oktoberfest party in your backyard.
Think Oktoberfest is all about beer? Think again. Just as important as those amazing Bavarian lagers are the authentic Oktoberfest dishes that make every Oktoberfest celebrations so special. With good food and good drinks, come good times. And you’ll find everything you need to host a successful Oktoberfest beer garden festival in this quick guide. The best traditional recipes. The top-ten beers. And the greatest Oktoberfest playlist ever. It’s all here. So, let’s get the party started!
Please scroll down to find all recipes, drinks and music
What started in Munich 182 years ago, has spread across the world and is more popular today than ever. Traditionally, Oktoberfest starts in September and last until the beginning of October. The most famous Oktoberfest festival is in Munich at the Wiesn. Let’s recreate the magic of this fun-filled German beer fest celebration in a way that would make King Ludwig l proud.
Welcome your guests by decorating your home in blue and white—the traditional colors of the state of Bavaria. You can theme your surroundings with these Oktoberfest party supplies—including banners, table cloth, cups, napkins, and more. Keep your fine china in the cabinets and use simple and rustic seating and place settings. If the weather is accommodating, host your private beer festival outside in the gardern. Maybe rent a tent for the backyard. Look for a picnic area, perhaps. Or, take it to the streets and get the whole neighborhood together for an Oktoberfest block party.
Most importantly, keep the Oktoberfest beer cold and music going. And don’t forget to launch the opening of your party with the official “O zapft is” cry—which refers to tapping of the first beer keg.
I wish you a wonderful celebration with family and friends. And as always, let me know how it goes!
Yours,
Oma
Click the links for Oma’s recipes!
GERMAN OKTOBERFEST APPETIZERS:
Emmenthaler with Salt and Pepper
Obatzda (spiced chess-butter-spread)
GERMAN OKTOBERFEST MAIN DISHES:
Typical Oktoberfest recipes that brings everyone to the table. So good. So flavorful. So German!
Frikadellen - German Meatball Patties
GERMAN OKTOBERFEST SIDE DISHES:
There’s plenty of room on that plate. Complement your main dish with some of these old fashioned homemade side dishes.
GERMAN OKTOBERFEST DESSERT:
It’s not the end of the party - just the end of the course. A variety of apple cakes to choose from. Change the plate, go back to the table and load it up with one of the apple desserts to give your meal a satisfying finish.
GERMAN AND GERMAN-INSPIRED OKTOBERFEST BEERS:
You don’t have to travel all the way to Munich to find a brewery that pairs well with your Oktoberfest celebration.
Here are Oma’s Top 10 Oktoberfest Beers.
GERMAN OKTOBERFEST MUSIC:
No Party is complete without the perfect soundtrack. From traditional to modern, folk to country, this 35-track German Oktoberfest playlist will get swaying and raising the glasses. Best of all, each track is linked to listen in. If you like it, you can download. Let’s celebrate! Just hit play.
