There are a number of beer festivals in Germany. These range from small local events to large-scale celebrations. While Oktoberfest and Starkbierzeit are the most common, you can also find festivals like Fruhlingfest and Wasen. Regardless of which festival you choose, you’re sure to have a great time.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest beer festivals in Germany are a tradition and a celebration of German heritage. They attract millions of people each year. Aside from drinking and enjoying the festivities, there are games and rides to enjoy.
The first keg is tapped at the beginning of the festival. This is also the time the famous “O’zapft is” is uttered. It is also the time the first litre of beer is served.
One of the most popular aspects of the festival is the live music. There are many bands performing. Some of these include the polkas, marches and other popular music.
Another event is the “Queen of all Rides” – the Ferris wheel. These are the most popular of the ride attractions. In addition to the Ferris wheel, there are 80 other rides.
There are also many different types of food to be enjoyed at the Oktoberfest. Typical food includes brats, potato dumplings, sauerkraut and other traditional Bavarian dishes.
The music at the Oktoberfest is also quite impressive. Many of the musicians are accompanied by the requisite floats and horse teams. Various bands from all the tents will come together at the statue of Bavaria.
The festival itself lasts for 16 days. It starts in late September and runs through the first weekend in October. Traditionally, the first weekend of the festival is a parade called the Costume and Riflemen’s Procession.
Other attractions at the Oktoberfest include a crossbow shooting range and a Ferris wheel. There is a traditional brass band concert on the second Sunday of the festival.
One of the most defining characteristics of the Oktoberfest is the comradery of its attendees. Many visitors from around the world attend the festivities, enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.
Bremen Freimarkt
The Bremen Freimarkt is one of the most famous festivals in Germany. This 17 day event draws 4 million visitors annually. There are plenty of traditional foods, rides and entertainment at the fair. It’s also famous for late night partying.
The festival is held at the end of October into November. It is the largest and most popular in Northern Germany.
Visitors can try roasted almonds, toffee apples and bright red fried pastries at the marketplace. Besides this, the market has an assortment of wares including handmade crafts.
The Marksmen’s Parade is a huge draw and attracts a crowd of over 1.5 million people. The parade is considered to be the longest in Europe. Besides the parade, there are half a dozen beer tents and many more activities.
The Festival also features a variety of music performances. It also has a concert program featuring water and light installations in the harbour. You can also enjoy a tour of the brewhouses.
The festival is one of the oldest and most popular in northern Germany. It has been held since 1035. In the past, it was only open to members of the Bremen guild. However, in the 19th century it became a funfair.
The festival includes a lot of traditional German food. It’s a great place to spend time with your family. Also, the carnival rides are sure to be a hit.
In addition to the festival, there is a large number of other Fests in the area. They are like carnivals, but with more attractions. Several of the Fests are held at different times of the year. Some are held during the summer, while others are held during fall.
Fruhlingfest
Fruhlingsfest is a beer festival in Germany that’s held every year half way between Oktoberfest. It’s a fun fair that offers big beers, rides, food, games, and live music. While it’s similar to Oktoberfest, it’s less touristy and more laid back.
The Fruhlingsfest is located in Theresienwiese Park in Munich. To get there, take the U-Bahn to Hackerbrucke or the U4 and U5 lines. If you arrive early, you may be able to get a free steinkrug.
This beer festival is a fun fair and entertainment venue for locals and visitors alike. You’ll find wooden kegs, rides, and live music. Many locals come to see the Dirndl parade.
Like Oktoberfest, Fruhlingsfest is free. Visitors can also sample German specialties.
There are two large beer tents for visitors to enjoy. One tent serves Augustiner, a white wheat Bavarian beer.
In addition to the beer tents, there are numerous food and merchandise booths. Locals dress up in traditional German costumes and come out to show off their Dirndl.
Musicians play German and American tunes, and you can even watch oompah bands. Some of the best beers at Fruhlingsfest are the Augustiner. They’re made by a monastery in Munich since 1328.
You can’t bring credit cards to the event, so make sure to carry some cash. For families with kids, there are special discounts. Don’t forget to bring a thin gym bag to put your things in.
At Fruhlingsfest, there are fireworks shows on Fridays and Saturdays. You’ll also find two large musical displays. These are played on local radio station Radio Charivari.
Fruhlingsfest is also the site of the largest flea market in Munich. There are more than a thousand vendors at the festival.
Wasen
Wasan is a small town in Baden Wurttemberg, Germany, that has a very special and unique beer festival. The festival is called Cannstatter Wasen, or sometimes just Wasan, and it is located near the Black Forest.
Although the Wasan Beer Festival is not as famous as the Oktoberfest in Munich, it is still a fun event to attend. There are fun rides, a huge flea market, and plenty of entertainment. Plus, the festival offers about 2000 different types of beer from 300 breweries in 90 countries.
One of the most interesting things about the Cannstatter Wasen is the funfair. It is one of the largest funfairs in Europe, and it features seven large beer tents, a tavern, and a flea market. You can also go on chair-o-planes, and enjoy autoscooters.
Another event at the Cannstatter Wasen is the Volksfest. This is an old German tradition, and it involves a parade that goes through the city. It includes musicians, historical groups, and professional period groups.
The festival is held on the first Sunday of the month, and you can expect some fireworks. It is a fun and colorful festival, and it’s a good chance to see all the old-fashioned stuff, including horse drawn breweries, clowns, and face painting.
There are many other German festivals, too. One of the biggest is the Stuttgart Beer Festival, which has been taking place since 1818. The festival attracts millions of people each year, and it is the second largest beer festival in all of Germany.
Other popular festivals include Annafest Forchheim, the Gaubodenvolksfest in Straubing, and the Bergkirchweih in Erlangen. Each has its own specialties. In Straubing, you can sample roasted chicken from the Festzelt Gockelesmaier tent.
Starkbierzeit
A strong beer festival in Germany is called the Starkbierzeit. This is a local event that has its origins in the mid-17th century. In a nutshell, it is a festival of music, dancing, food, and beer. The event usually takes place during Lent.
Starkbier is a strong beer that has a taste of toffee. It has a high alcohol content that makes it almost as powerful as wine. Some people call it “liquid bread”.
Starkbierfest is one of the most popular beer festivals in the world. It is a cultural celebration that is pure in its heart. During this time, the festivities include musical performances, comic performances, and plenty of good beer.
Starkbier has a rich flavour, and the name comes from its nutty, caramel, and toffee taste. Traditionally, it is served in a 1-litre stein. Its alcohol content ranges from seven to fourteen percent. Typically, it is served in ceramic steins.
Starkbier is brewed at a number of different breweries. Those based in Munich are the most popular. For instance, the Augustiner Keller has a starkbier named Maximator.
Another popular brewery is Paulaner. Their Salvator beer is still brewed today. Historically, the monks at the Paulaner monastery brewed a special type of beer during Lent. They were fasting, and needed something to keep their spirits up.
The Oktoberfest is another large beer festival in Germany. It is held in Munich during the same time as the Starkbierzeit. At the Oktoberfest, the waiters wear traditional costume. Each waiter carries at least ten steins.
Oktoberfest is a tourist attraction. It is usually held from two to eleven o’clock in the afternoon. Tickets are available online. To attend, you must purchase tickets in advance.