Starts at approximately 8:20pm on Friday, Oct 4 in front of the Festhalle Stage.
The first Oktoberfest was held in honor of the wedding of the Bavarian crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The festival was repeated the same time the following year which signified the start of ongoing festivals in October.
It wasn't until the 1950s that the tradition of the "tapping of the firkin" (beer keg) was started by Mayor Thomas Wimmer. The mayor tapped the keg and called out "O'zapft is!" which means the keg has been tapped.
Thus, the tradition of tapping the first keg for the day began. Prost!
No scheduled dates at this time.
Discover Oktoberfest
![Tapping of the Firkin]()
Tapping of the Firkin
Be a part of this traditional ceremony!
![Hammerschlagen®]()
Hammerschlagen®
Do you have what it takes todrive a nail into a cross section of wood faster than your opponents?
![Wiener Dog Races]()
Wiener Dog Races
Don't miss as Dachshunds compete in races and competitions!
![Bavarian Bier-Lympics]()
Bavarian Bier-Lympics
The competition is fierce as teams of 4 compete in events such as the Brat Toss, Stein Holding, Keg Rolling and Hammerschlagen®.
![Stein Holding]()
Stein Holding
Putting a whole new meaning to "can you hold your bier!"
![Stein Dash]()
Stein Dash
Sun, Oct. 6 - 5Ks are fun. Beer is fun.
![Games]()
Games
Enjoy Bier Pong, Holey Boards, Cornhole and more!
![Family Activities]()
Family Activities
Find family-friendly games and activities all weekend long!
![The Manuela Horn Experience]()
The Manuela Horn Experience
Manuela Horn performs lovingly hilarious song twisting beer centric versions of top 40 popular tunes!
![The Sports Haus]()
The Sports Haus
Root for your favorite team, play games and wash it all down with a German bier or two!
![Manuela Horn Kinderfest Show]()
Manuela Horn Kinderfest Show
Manuela Horn performs lovingly hilarious song twisting beer centric versions of top 40 popular tunes!
![Nite Wave]()
Nite Wave
80’s New Wave. Everything from Prince to Depeche Mode to Duran Duran to INXS and more!
![The Hosen Ones]()
The Hosen Ones
Don't miss Oktoberfest versions of AC/DC, Van Halen, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Scorpions, Guns and Roses and more.
