First things first, the most world renowned festival lived up to its expectations. I expected a few things: traditional German attire, Bavarian food, tons of people, singing and endless amounts of beer; at Oktoberfest, all are plentiful. I made not one, but two Saturday stops at Oktoberfest in Munich and loved it both go 'rounds. Actually, love is an understatement.

huge crowd day 1 of Oktoberfest at Hofbrau-Festzelt

The atmosphere is unmatched. Imagine thousands upon thousands of people around the world all coming together for one cause: to be happy, get drunk and celebrate everything Bavarian. All attendees are in fabulous moods and ready to mingle and have a good time. No matter where you seat yourself, you are sure to be surrounded by extroverted and entertaining (more so as the day goes on and the beer goes down) travelers. My favorite part by far was singing along with the band in the tents. They sing traditional German beer songs, but also some American tunes. This happens to be my favorite sing-a-long (beware: it will get stuck in your head).

So ein schöner Tag

Don't be fooled by those that tell you Oktoberfest is for tourists only. I met tons of people not only from all over Germany, but locals from Munich and the rest of Bavaria. Yes, even in the Hofbrau tent.

Saturday is the busiest day to go to Oktoberfest and the crowds show it. Be ready to get in line early (I suggest 7 a.m.) to guarantee yourself a table. You must have a seat at a table to be served beer, so this element is crucial.

Photo evidence: this was taken at 7:30 am the last Saturday of Oktoberfest

If you are considering attending Oktoberfest ever, I have one piece of advice besides arriving early on a Saturday, you HAVE to dress up. As I was told by a friend, "it's like going to a costume party without a costume and I hate those people." Don't be that person. Dressing up makes it even more fun and people are more likely to talk to you and will gladly share their table with you. For women, dressing up means the dirndl while men wear lederhosen. Both will cost you 100+ Euro in Munich, so maybe do some online shopping before.

The beer is only served by the liter and cost 9.20 Euro this year. The waitresses do not give change and expect to tip on top of this. I was told several times that these waitresses make majority of their yearly income during Oktoberfest.

Everyone says go on a weekday so you can hop around all the tents. That does sound nice, and someday I would like to do that. However, if you don't mind crowds, the weekends are just SO fun because everyone is obligation free and ready to drink tons of beer and have a good time.

More photos from my two Oktoberfest Trips

first beer of the day

Armbrustschützenzelt tent 

usually men wear a checkered shirt under your lederhosen, but these things happen as the day goes on

Add it to your bucket list now. For reals, I will go with you.