It seems like only two minutes ago that I was lamenting the fact that I was about to miss my first Oktoberfest (in the time that we have lived here), whilst looking like I was smuggling some kind of barrage balloon. The baby arrived a few days after it was all over and done with, probably around the same time the last football pitch sized tent was being taken down… Where has this past year gone?
Anyway, the biggest bier fest in the world starts again tomorrow, and this year, we will be there (without the Small people!) in time for the tapping of the barrel by the Mayor of Munich, which heralds the beginning of the festivities. Until that barrel is tapped, no bier is served, so he had better not be late…
Someone recently asked me whether the whole thing is family friendly, and whilst in some respects it definitely isn’t, if you avoid a few things (like the rowdier tents full of tourists determined to drink their fill, visiting in peak times on a weekend, and bringing loads of stuff with you that you have to lug around) then it definitely is. Sadly it looks like the Oide Wiesn won’t be featuring this year as there’s some big Farmer’s get together, but if you visit in future years, then it’s a definite must with kids, plus the bier tents are really lovely. You should also bear in mind that at the busiest times (mostly on a weekend), pushchairs are not allowed, but it’s generally nicer to visit with kids early on a weekday anyway when there’s no risk of no wheels (indeed there’s usually a family day when the rides are reduced etc.)…
Understandably there will be much more security this year, and larger bags/rucksacks are also prohibited. Do decide on a meeting point if you happen to get separated (I usually scribble my mobile number on my children’s arms somewhere!), and if it all gets a bit too much, head to Bavaria herself (you can’t miss her, she’s like Munich’s Statue of Liberty) climb up the hill behind (watching out for bier “corpses) for the best view, then duck through the woods at the back, where to the right you will find the beautifully tranquil Augustiner Bier Garten. It’s what we tend to do as a family after a day at the Oide Wiesn.
Of course, we had to take our Bavarian Bua to his first local bier fest recently given that he was busy piloting that huge barrage balloon this time last year. I am not sure he will make it to Oktoberfest, but I can confirm he is already a huge fan of the much smaller (and in some respects far more authentic) local Bier/Volksfests… How could you not like somewhere where there are hundreds of new sights and sounds, thousands of people to coo over you, and best of all you can get a brezen as big as yourself?
In case you might find them useful, here are a few of my past posts, Costume and Rifleman’s Parade, My First Oktoberfest, A Night at the Wiesn, and Oktoberfest Secrets. See you tomorrow morning on Instagram?
Trish @ Mum's Gone To says
I keep saying I will come and I’ve missed it again.
Funny how it’s Oktoberfest in September – it’s like May Balls in Cambridge which are always in June.
Emma says
I still need to find out why! :D Thanks Trish x
Jen Walshaw says
I know that my husband would LOVE to go. We have friends that go each year
Emma says
It is worth a trip! Thanks Jen! (:
Cass@frugalfamily says
We’re planning a visit next October (2017) as my son really wants to visit the football stadium so I’ll be doing lots of research next year ;-)
Emma says
Give me a shout (bear in mind though that Oktoberfest is mostly in September, it finishes this year on October 3rd!) :D
Kara says
Oktoberfest is something I would love to visit one year. You are very brave with a baby, but then again they don’t tend to wander off at that age. Have fun and Happy Birthday little man x
Emma says
He’s only been to a much smaller local fest, we might go to Oktoberfest early one weekday morning for breakfast in one of the more family orientated tents though! :) Thank you K x
Liz Burton says
Wow that picture is amazing – look at all those rides!
Hope you all enjoyed it.
Emma says
Thanks Liz, I went with Mr R this past weekend, weather’s been too bad for all of us to go together. We might make it…
A Patchwork Life says
Hope you made up for missing it last year! :) x
Emma says
We had a fair attempt! :D x
Ness says
We went on a day trip back in 2000 and it was brilliant. Our guide said she only took the English tourists during the day and found there wasn’t any trouble then. I remember seeing at one table a young man nod his head forward and collapse onto it. The German chap at the end of our table looked over and said, “Ah, kaput!”
Emma says
Ha! Yes, early in the day is good for a number of reasons, you usually get a table, and there are less drunk tourists about! :D Loved the German comment! :D
Erica Price says
Interesting to see Oktoberfest from a family perspective – I wouldn’t have thought of going with the family.
Emma says
It can be a really good day out, especially if you just head to the Oide Wiesn, that is really lovely.
Elizabeth says
Have fun! And these are great tips if we do want to visit with our son sometime :) Also, mmm beer.
Emma says
Thank you Elizabeth! (: