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Author Topic: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?  (Read 9368 times)

Cheeks

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #25 on: July 01, 2019, 10:30:24 AM »
As long as you are going all-out, treat your wife to a dirndl.

You can buy them online from Germany, or get one once you are there.

There are several websites, but I am choosing this one to post because based on the name of the store, they might be relatives of mine.

https://www.stockerpoint.de/

Yes, was looking at them yesterday with my daughter.  Whole thing is a surprise so I need daughter’s help with the appropriate outfit.  :)
"I hate everything about this job except the games, Everything. I don't even get affected anymore by the winning, by the ratings, those things. The trouble is, it will sound like an excuse because we've never won the national championship, but winning just isn't all that important to me.” Al McGuire

Coleman

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #26 on: July 01, 2019, 10:31:01 AM »
Chicos...there is only one German song you need to know...Ein Prosit. It is very easy, almost as easy as Ring Out Ahoya. Have it memorized before you get over there....

Cheeks

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #27 on: July 01, 2019, 11:31:40 AM »
Chicos...there is only one German song you need to know...Ein Prosit. It is very easy, almost as easy as Ring Out Ahoya. Have it memorized before you get over there....

Thanks
"I hate everything about this job except the games, Everything. I don't even get affected anymore by the winning, by the ratings, those things. The trouble is, it will sound like an excuse because we've never won the national championship, but winning just isn't all that important to me.” Al McGuire

Galway Eagle

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #28 on: July 01, 2019, 12:52:29 PM »
A buddy of mine is from Bavaria and told me there's better festivals you can go to at the more medium sized cities than hitting up the massive one in Munich.
Maigh Eo for Sam

Coleman

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #29 on: July 01, 2019, 01:15:41 PM »
On the Germany Bavaria dynamic...I would say it is similar to Texas and the USA. No one would say Texas isn't part of the USA, but it does have a very distinct culture of its own and people are very proud of their own unique heritage and culture. Bavaria's culture is Alpine more than anything else, and in some respects it is more similar to Austrian culture than northern German. You won't see lederhosen in Hamberg, just like you won't see cowboy hats in Boston.

Bavarian dialects are different (but mutually intelligible) from German spoken in other parts of Germany (though similar to that spoken in Austria). It is the only part of Germany that is even somewhat religious, although that isn't as true as it used to be. Historically it was very Catholic while much of Germany was Protestant. It also has its own center-right political party, the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (which dominates Bavarian politics), while the rest of the center-right in Germany belongs to the Christian Democratic Union.

When Germany was a collection of semi-independent kingdoms and duchies, the Kingdom of Bavaria was 2nd in power only to Prussia, whose Hohenzollern monarchs ruled the German Empire. The Wittelsbachs in Bavaria were the 2nd most powerful royal family in the empire.

So it definitely has its own identity, but it is still very much a part of Germany. There has been very little movement for Bavarian independence since the reunification of Germany.
« Last Edit: July 01, 2019, 01:22:21 PM by Coleman »

Spotcheck Billy

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #30 on: July 01, 2019, 02:30:41 PM »
A buddy of mine is from Bavaria and told me there's better festivals you can go to at the more medium sized cities than hitting up the massive one in Munich.

That reminds of people that declare Mardi Gras is better in Birmingham, AL than that one in NOLA. Nothing against your buddy, for all I know he's right.

swoopem

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #31 on: July 01, 2019, 08:24:51 PM »
I went in 2012. A friend was stationed in Germany so 8 of us went over to visit him for the opening week of Oktoberfest. Total sh!tshow. We were 24 at the time so we were solely focused on partying. It was awesome
Bring back FFP!!!

MUMonster03

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #32 on: July 02, 2019, 04:24:44 AM »
Thank you.  Great info.

One followup, go at start of festival, middle or end?

It all depends on your personal preference. Opening Saturday, the 21st of September this year, is always super crowded, I had some friends go last year and they were lucky to get a bier at one of the tents biergartens. I've been told Sunday's are a little less crazy but have not been on Sunday myself. Another interesting thing in Germany is Sunday is still a day of rest. Almost all stores are closed on Sunday, unless it is a Sunday shopping day which there are 3 or 4 of scattered throughout the year. So since you can't go shopping or buy groceries on Sunday it may make it crowded.

I don't think this applies, but due to crowds on the weekends and Unity day, the 3rd, strollers are not allowed in those days.

If you have time a nice medium might be to check it out on a Sunday and if its too crowded for your taste then come back early on Monday.

If you have never been to Munchen I would recommend also spending some time in the Marienplatz, specifically to see the Glockenspiel which goes off several times throughout the day with several different moving scenes similar to a cuckoo clock. We also enjoy the Englischer Garten which is a large park just to the east of the city center which is five times the size of central park and has biergartens scattered through the lower portion closest to the city center. The Hofbrau-Haus in Munchen is worth a visit to say you have been there but I personally prefer the Augustiner Braustuben which is closer to the Wiesen and is a lot cheaper, just under 7 euro for a liter but we usually stop by both during our time in the city.

Finally looked up bier prices and it appears that they have not passed the 12 euro mark yet this year, all are in the 11 range. So 2020 will probably see some start surpassing 12 euro. 

Galway Eagle

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #33 on: July 02, 2019, 07:03:26 AM »
That reminds of people that declare Mardi Gras is better in Birmingham, AL than that one in NOLA. Nothing against your buddy, for all I know he's right.

I think he meant more authentic and less cliche.

I'd say a better analogy would be telling someone from another country to head to summerfest instead of Coachella.
Maigh Eo for Sam

Benny B

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich
« Reply #34 on: July 03, 2019, 01:11:13 AM »
I think he meant more authentic and less cliche.

I'd say a better analogy would be telling someone from another country to head to summerfest instead of Coachella.

Would you honestly recommend Coachella instead of Milwaukee to a German?
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

swoopem

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #35 on: July 03, 2019, 07:24:40 AM »
I go to a decent amount of music festivals. Never been to Coachella cuz to me it looks like it SUCKS.

The lineup has never appealed to me and if I’m dropping that type of coin I want to actually enjoy the music.

Lockn in Virginia is next on my list
Bring back FFP!!!

MU Fan in Connecticut

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #36 on: July 03, 2019, 12:21:03 PM »
This an Octoberfest non-Octoberfest story.

A good friend of mine was in the USAF and stationed in Lakenheath in the UK.  (He was a pharmacist in the Air Force.!)  Him and his wife traveled all over Europe.  They had his life-long dream to attend Octoberfest all booked and ready to go.  The only problem was it was 2001 and right after 9/11 all leave for all overseas military personnel was cancelled.  He transferred back stateside in 2002 and has never has had the opportunity to try again.

ZiggysFryBoy

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #37 on: July 03, 2019, 03:06:32 PM »
This an Octoberfest non-Octoberfest story.

A good friend of mine was in the USAF and stationed in Lakenheath in the UK.  (He was a pharmacist in the Air Force.!)  Him and his wife traveled all over Europe.  They had his life-long dream to attend Octoberfest all booked and ready to go.  The only problem was it was 2001 and right after 9/11 all leave for all overseas military personnel was cancelled.  He transferred back stateside in 2002 and has never has had the opportunity to try again.

Crash?

ronald dragon

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #38 on: July 04, 2019, 05:29:47 PM »
I go to a decent amount of music festivals. Never been to Coachella cuz to me it looks like it SUCKS.

The lineup has never appealed to me and if I’m dropping that type of coin I want to actually enjoy the music.

Lockn in Virginia is next on my list
Go to it, I went last year for the first time and it was a great time.

PM me if you have any questions about it

Spaniel with a Short Tail

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #39 on: July 05, 2019, 08:59:36 AM »
Since I was there only once and it was a long time ago (1983) I doubt I can be of much help other than to encourage you to do this. I do still recall vendors selling little plates of weisswurst with spicy mustard and sauerkraut that came with small wooden forks.The same as we have hot dog vendors. Those were extra yummy!

Coleman

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #40 on: July 08, 2019, 09:58:06 AM »
Weisswurst is the best. Just make sure you buy it before noon and peel the skin before eating!

martyconlonontherun

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #41 on: July 31, 2019, 04:26:56 PM »
Use points for hotels if possible. Usually points don't rise with demand unless lower tier rooms are sold out.

I went 'early' noon and was able to get into a garden relatively easier. Tried switching and only got in with the crowd bum rushed. I would recommend either going early and squatting or buying tables.

Sir Lawrence

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #42 on: October 02, 2019, 12:56:36 PM »
Spent Monday afternoon at Oktoberfest.  I don't claim to have any expertise after five hours there, but I will add this to the discussion while it's still fresh:

1.  Download the Oktoberfest app to your smart phone.  You can select English for language.  It's pretty slick.  Lots of good information.  For example, it tells you how full each of the "tents" are in real time.
2.  As others have said, try to reserve a table in advance.  Even on what should be a slow part of the week (Monday) and a slow part of the day (early afternoon) the place was very busy.
3.  The Bavarians proudly embrace their trachten.  Do not show up with a lederhosen T-shirt from Walmart's Halloween costume collection.  One young man from Munich told me that would be insulting to their heritage.  It's fine not to wear trachten, but don't insult their heritage by wearing fake stuff.  The group I was with ended up buying hats, and fit in just fine. 
4.  Bring cash.  No cards are accepted.
5.  The size and scope of the grounds and the number attending the festival is hard to comprehend.  The kitchens and wait staff in each tent are well oiled.  The tents are enormous.   
6.  We didn't see any pukers or bad actors.  The same fella told us that things got out of hand about four or five years ago, and the organizers decided to clamp down on bad behavior.  For example, if you stand on the table and chug a liter, you will get the crowd clapping, but you will then be kicked out.  We saw that happen three times.  I guess it's done on a dare.  OK to stand on the bench seat, but not the table top.  Again, this was a Monday afternoon.  I have no clue what the atmosphere might be on a Friday night.  But, there is plenty of security everywhere.
7.  We had a blast.  I highly recommend it if you ever have an opportunity to attend. 
Ludum habemus.

Goose

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #43 on: October 02, 2019, 01:05:48 PM »
Sir L

Sounds like my kind of a Monday afternoon. Thanks for sharing. After your report, I definitely would like to attend someday. Glad you had a blast!

real chili 83

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #44 on: October 02, 2019, 02:04:31 PM »
Spent Monday afternoon at Oktoberfest.  I don't claim to have any expertise after five hours there, but I will add this to the discussion while it's still fresh:

1.  Download the Oktoberfest app to your smart phone.  You can select English for language.  It's pretty slick.  Lots of good information.  For example, it tells you how full each of the "tents" are in real time.
2.  As others have said, try to reserve a table in advance.  Even on what should be a slow part of the week (Monday) and a slow part of the day (early afternoon) the place was very busy.
3.  The Bavarians proudly embrace their trachten.  Do not show up with a lederhosen T-shirt from Walmart's Halloween costume collection.  One young man from Munich told me that would be insulting to their heritage.  It's fine not to wear trachten, but don't insult their heritage by wearing fake stuff.  The group I was with ended up buying hats, and fit in just fine. 
4.  Bring cash.  No cards are accepted.
5.  The size and scope of the grounds and the number attending the festival is hard to comprehend.  The kitchens and wait staff in each tent are well oiled.  The tents are enormous.   
6.  We didn't see any pukers or bad actors.  The same fella told us that things got out of hand about four or five years ago, and the organizers decided to clamp down on bad behavior.  For example, if you stand on the table and chug a liter, you will get the crowd clapping, but you will then be kicked out.  We saw that happen three times.  I guess it's done on a dare.  OK to stand on the bench seat, but not the table top.  Again, this was a Monday afternoon.  I have no clue what the atmosphere might be on a Friday night.  But, there is plenty of security everywhere.
7.  We had a blast.  I highly recommend it if you ever have an opportunity to attend.

How was the beer?

Sir Lawrence

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #45 on: October 02, 2019, 02:45:32 PM »
How was the beer?

Very good.  Very smooth and drinkable.

Stuck with the Helles style in both of the tents we visited.  Our reservation was in the Schottenhamel-Festhalle, which served Spaten-Franziskaner, and we had Paulaner in the Winzerer Fähndl tent.  We had to stand in that tent, but as long as you kept out of the walkways where the wait staff was on the move, it was fine.  Of the two, I personally liked the Paulaner better, which surprised me, since if Spaten is available here, that's my go to German beer. 
Ludum habemus.

MUMonster03

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #46 on: October 04, 2019, 04:27:19 AM »
Just returned from our third Oktoberfest and wanted to add a couple more things for anyone planning/thinking of going.

1. Pay attention to the weather, on Wednesday it was cold and rainy, this made the tents during the day fill up much faster and stay full since riding the rides and enjoying the bier gartens was not really a viable option.
2. We went back on Unity day to allow our kids to do some rides, it was still cold, however not raining, and the tents were packed as expected. The main doors to the tents were turning people away, but you can sometimes sneak in through the side.
3. As long as it is not glass, the fest grounds will allow you to bring in plastic bottles of water.
4. The only size bier served is a liter, however some old German couple managed to get a half liter, although they had coupons and seemed to really know the server.

As far as other fests during Oktoberfest season go be prepared for the following.
1. Smaller towns are likely to have few to no English speakers, so study up on some simple German phrases and make sure you know how to ask for change in German.
2. Since the smaller fests are still actual tents be prepared to leave smelling like smoke, Germans love smoking, even with the death labels, and have no shame about it. Luckily Oktoberfest in Munchen does not allow smoking inside.
3. If you are not wearing Trachten you will look even more out of place at a small festival.
4. They will likely be serving a local breweries "fest bier". Only the 6 Munchen breweries are allowed to sell bier in Germany called Oktoberfest bier. Other breweries can make it and export it but cannot sell it in German as Oktoberfest bier. So if you are looking forward to one of the big 6's bier you probably won't find it at the smaller festivals.

Lastly it doesn't really matter where you go, as long as you are wiling to have fun, join in the festivities, drink bier, and not be a dick. While large the Maß consumption can sneak up on you with all the singing and prosting!

Coleman

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #47 on: October 08, 2019, 10:15:47 AM »
Just returned from our third Oktoberfest and wanted to add a couple more things for anyone planning/thinking of going.

1. Pay attention to the weather, on Wednesday it was cold and rainy, this made the tents during the day fill up much faster and stay full since riding the rides and enjoying the bier gartens was not really a viable option.
2. We went back on Unity day to allow our kids to do some rides, it was still cold, however not raining, and the tents were packed as expected. The main doors to the tents were turning people away, but you can sometimes sneak in through the side.
3. As long as it is not glass, the fest grounds will allow you to bring in plastic bottles of water.
4. The only size bier served is a liter, however some old German couple managed to get a half liter, although they had coupons and seemed to really know the server.

As far as other fests during Oktoberfest season go be prepared for the following.
1. Smaller towns are likely to have few to no English speakers, so study up on some simple German phrases and make sure you know how to ask for change in German.
2. Since the smaller fests are still actual tents be prepared to leave smelling like smoke, Germans love smoking, even with the death labels, and have no shame about it. Luckily Oktoberfest in Munchen does not allow smoking inside.
3. If you are not wearing Trachten you will look even more out of place at a small festival.
4. They will likely be serving a local breweries "fest bier". Only the 6 Munchen breweries are allowed to sell bier in Germany called Oktoberfest bier. Other breweries can make it and export it but cannot sell it in German as Oktoberfest bier. So if you are looking forward to one of the big 6's bier you probably won't find it at the smaller festivals.

Lastly it doesn't really matter where you go, as long as you are wiling to have fun, join in the festivities, drink bier, and not be a dick. While large the Maß consumption can sneak up on you with all the singing and prosting!

What smaller festivals did you go to?

JWags85

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #48 on: October 08, 2019, 11:08:33 AM »

As far as other fests during Oktoberfest season go be prepared for the following.
1. Smaller towns are likely to have few to no English speakers, so study up on some simple German phrases and make sure you know how to ask for change in German.
2. Since the smaller fests are still actual tents be prepared to leave smelling like smoke, Germans love smoking, even with the death labels, and have no shame about it. Luckily Oktoberfest in Munchen does not allow smoking inside.

First point is still surprising to me.  My old manager grew up in a small village outside Stuttgart and even there he said English was standard curriculum, and his friends in other nearby towns were learning it in some form by HS at the latest.  Germany has always stood out to me as the place where English was the most easy to find, even outside of tourist areas.

Second, its wild.  I go to Belgium often for work, and the labels on the cigarettes there make me nauseous and smoking culture is still HEAVY.  Not uncommon to see multiple packs, with resplendent lung cancer closeups, sitting on a desk

Benny B

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Re: Anyone done Oktoberfest in Munich?
« Reply #49 on: October 09, 2019, 11:47:40 PM »
First point is still surprising to me.  My old manager grew up in a small village outside Stuttgart and even there he said English was standard curriculum, and his friends in other nearby towns were learning it in some form by HS at the latest.  Germany has always stood out to me as the place where English was the most easy to find, even outside of tourist areas.

There is a difference between learning a foreign language and speaking.  It’s like basketball in Indiana... everyone plays but not everyone goes out for the team.  I had an aunt and uncle who visited the hometown of our family patriarch about 15 years ago in a small Dutch village.... my relatives don’t speak Dutch, but while most everyone in the village understood their English, there was only one person in town - a bartender - who was fluent (or confident) enough to speak English back.   

In short, you’re both right.  They teach English virtually everywhere, but they don’t speak it much in the small towns.  Hell, I know enough Spanish, French and Japanese to survive, but if one of those native speakers came to my town, I’m not going to try to be the village translator if I know there’s someone more capable. 
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

 

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