Why Celebrate Oktoberfest…Melbourne Oktoberfest Activities
Back in 1810 a tradition was born. It is a tradition that has not only been upheld wholeheartedly to date, but has also been embraced by citizens of countries all around the world. Oktoberfest is one of the best-known annual celebrations in the world, and as it never gets any less entertaining, the chances are it is set to continue into the next century!
In Munich, Germany on 12th October 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married the Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese. When all the citizens of Munich were invited to join in the festivities, an unforgettable party ensued. This party went on for five days, with revelers celebrating the matrimony in the fields just outside of the city gates.
Oktoberfest was born
From then onwards, celebrations were repeated each year in Munich, and they earned the name Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest became the world’s largest beer festival, but 5 days was clearly not enough! The festival now goes on for 16 days, during which time more than 6 million people swig back an unfathomable 1.5 millions gallons of beer.
Today, the original Bavarian Oktoberfest has sparked off similar events all around the world, all with the aim of celebrating of these German traditions. While people from all corners of the earth continue fly into Munich each year, many more are attending Oktoberfest celebrations in another of the world’s cities.
There is much fun to be had at Oktoberfest
There are so many good things about Oktoberfest, you probably don’t need much persuasion! But just in case… for one thing, no excuses are needed for a few drinks – at Oktoberfest you can drink as much beer as you can possibly handle and nobody will bat an eyelid.
There is much fun to be had at OktoberfestIt’s so much fun to immerse yourself in a festival atmosphere knowing that people all around the world are sharing this vibe with you… many of whom will be dressing up in dirndls and lederhosen and enthusiastically dancing to German folk music and doing the hand slap dance!
Aside from the obvious – vast amounts of beer – it’s a great opportunity to try out unusual foods and drinks from Europe, including meats of all kinds, from pork or veal sausages to spit-roasted chicken (hendl), duck or goose. Grilled pork knuckles and roasted ox tails are the norm, but if meat isn’t your thing, how about some potato dumplings with red cabbage and apple (blaukohl)? Why not tuck into a pretzel, cheese plate, or delicious German dessert?
Melbourne Oktoberfest activities
Melbourne is a city that welcomes Oktoberfest with open arms, and there are so many options for celebrating it. You’ve got everything from outdoor festivals to German beer halls, local brewers, venues with an authentic German atmosphere, and of course lots of university fun.
Let’s take a look at some of the city’s best options:
Large outdoor festivals
Oktoberfest in the Gardens is at Melbourne Showground on Saturday 13th October.
Dress up and drink to your heart’s content in the city’s largest heated beer hall, eat at authentic German food stalls, watch various performances, dance in a silent disco and be entertained by a diverse mix of acts on various stages. Don’t forget to grab your tickets early!
St Kilda does Oktoberfest in style every year, but this year they’re upgraded the venue and it will be held at Catani Gardens on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October. You can expect to find more than five stages and a whole host of acts gracing them, from live musicians to comedians. There are bigger bars (more beer than ever!), a bigger silent disco than usual, best-dressed competitions and more.
German Beer Halls and local brewers
Hophaus will tell you that their event, Hoptoberfest, is like Christmas, New Year’s Eve and your birthday all rolled into one. Running from 5th – 14th October, they’ve got every delicious bier imaginable on the menu (including imported German biers), live music and DJs, a sausage eating competition and Dachshund races. Get your Lederhosen on and join in the fun!
Every day from 28th September to 22nd October, Munich Brauhaus will be celebrating Oktoberfest. Over six weeks they’ll have 5 official biers on the menu ready to fuel the ‘biggest Oktoberfest party outside of Bavaria’. Eat from their supersized feasting menus, listen to Oom-pah-pah bands and grab your chance to win a trip to Munich.
Bridge Road Brewers in the old coach house hosts Oktoberfest 2018 Ohm-Pah on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October. Sample world-class Beechworth beers, deck yourself out in Lederhosen or Dirndl and enjoy the ohm-pah band’s festive tunes.
St Kilda does Oktoberfest
German restaurants
For an authentic German atmosphere, check out German Club Tivoli for an Oktoberfest celebration on 5th and 6th October. Feast on traditional, homemade German and European dishes and sup on dozens of imported German beers, wines, and schnapps. You can play billiards, darts and table tennis in the Bier Halle too.
Once per week from 6th October until 27th, Cuckoo Restaurant also offers you German traditional food and festivities at their event, Okto Beer Fest. There will be live music, a German costume contest, Bavarian food, and a yummy Schnitzel fest!
University Melbourne
One for the students! University of Melbourne student union gets together on 5th October for Oktoberfest, university style. You’ll pay $35 for drinks, unlimited food and a stein, plus live music… and don’t forget your dirndl and lederhosen, they’re an absolute must here!
Oktoberfest is a seriously fun event in Melbourne, year on year. 2018 promises to be as entertaining as ever, so don’t miss out on the fabulous events happening all over the city. It’s time to master your slap dancing! Enjoy.
German restaurants
Meet Dale Pruser, our fabulous blogger who lives and breathes costumes! With boundless enthusiasm and a knack for turning heads, she’s the perfect guide to unleash your inner alter ego. Dale’s 30+ years experience in the costume and cosplay industry, make her the go-to source for finding the perfect costume. Her passion and knowledge shine through her blog posts, where she shares helpful tips on finding the perfect costume, DIY hacks to make your outfit stand out, and even delves into the fascinating history behind some of the most iconic characters. Her writing is as vibrant and colorful as the costumes she adores. With a twinkle in her eye and a wardrobe bursting with creativity, Dale dives headfirst into the realm of costumes. She lives for those magical moments when you put on a costume and become someone entirely different—whether it’s a mighty superhero, a swashbuckling pirate, or a glamorous 1920s flapper.