Oktoberfest How To

Homemade Oktoberfest: How to Make it a Success

In our teens and thirties, frequenting the same bars and nightclubs can get a little repetitive, so we look further afield for entertainment. We can celebrate and let our hair down around the world at major events and festivals, creating memories to last a lifetime. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

One such festival is Oktoberfest. Currently, six million beer lovers from all over the world attend this annual ‘Volkfest’ (beer festival). A whopping two weeks will be spent at the stalls this year, consuming beers in all forms and a range of local foods; games and dizzying rides will be available.

Oktoberfest has inspired similar events in many countries, so why not celebrate wherever you are? In Australia, there are plenty of beer festivals to celebrate German style. Here are a few ideas for celebrating Oktoberfest at home:

Bring your friends together for a memorable ‘German party’

The taste of German food can be quite enticing and cooking it can be a lot of fun. How about a buffet of German delights? Involve some friends in the preparation, saying that they’ll learn something new and it’s all part of the fun.

Try your hand at:

• Sausages (Würstland Weißwurst), roasted chicken (Hendl), or grilled fish (Steckerlfisch)

• Potato and bread creations like Knödel (dumplings), Brezen (pretzel) and Reiberdatschi (potato pancake).

• Cheesy creations like Käsespätzle noodles and spicy cheese spread Obatzda, or;

• The famous sauerkraut (fermented cabbage known for its health benefits)

While enjoying Deustchland’s delights, you can also enjoy some of the country’s most well-loved folk songs and enjoy a home beer tasting session with some of the country’s best-known beers.

German beer is a mouthful in more ways than one! Trying to pronounce Aktien Brauerei Kaufbeuren Jubilaums Pils, Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Hell and Aktien Brauerei St. Martin Dunkler Doppelbock may get your tongue more twisted than a ‘Brezen’!

Adorn yourself in Lederhosen

Make sure your celebrations are authentic by wearing lederhosen! The traditional German clothing will no doubt be adorned by many festival-goers, and you can really immerse yourself in the old German culture this way.

In men’s lederhosen, shorts are usually brown or leather, which are worn with strapping braces, a top, and a hat. Dress in a stylish gingham shirt and make sure your socks are knee-high!

For the ladies, it’s shorter shorts or a frilly skirt with petticoat, but sexier. With this, you can wear braces or a pretty dress. A pair of stockings is much more appealing than a pair of socks!  Take a look at our guide on how to dress like a German.

 

Get down to a beer festival or German beer hall

After Australian universities celebrated Oktoberfest, pubs and restaurants followed suit, and huge Oktoberfest events like Oktoberfest in the Gardens began in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.  Why not check out Melbourne BeerFest in Catani gardens st Kilda.

It’s no secret that Australians love beer, so it’s not surprising that so many local brewers offer German-style beers during Oktoberfest. Brewers Feast at Abbotsford Convent could well be the craft beer festival you’re looking for. This is if you like the idea of the finest Victorian craft beer, gourmet food or live music.

There are plenty of opportunities to get into the German spirit during German beer hall celebrations, which take place throughout the whole month:

You can celebrate Oktoberfest at Munich Bauhaus in South Wharf Street with German-inspired foods, beers, competitions, and party packages. Make sure you book in advance to avoid missing out!

Hofbrauhaus is another one that boasts a range of hand-selected beers and promises you ‘the finest Bavarian food, Bier, fun and fröhlich.’

Bust your best Bavarian moves on the dance floor

You may raise an eyebrow at the idea of learning German dancing, but it’s actually lots of fun!  Innumerable clubs and dance studios are ready to bend over backwards to teach you Bavarian dancing.

There are even some entertaining YouTube tutorials if you want to learn the ‘Schuhplatter’ (slap dance) at home; what better excuse is there than Oktoberfest to get into your Lederhosen and show off your best slap dance?

You don’t have any Lederhosen? You don’t have to worry! Creative Costumes has you covered… drop by our store or check out our online store for the perfect traditional German clothing. With our wide range of high-quality costumes, you’re sure to be a big hit!