Oktoberfest
September 20 – October 5
Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, Germany, is the world’s largest folk festival, attracting around six million visitors over 16 days. Originating in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, the festival has evolved into a global celebration of Bavarian culture. Visitors gather at the Theresienwiese fairground to enjoy traditional Bavarian beer, hearty cuisine like pretzels and bratwurst, lively music, and amusement rides. The festivities commence with the mayor tapping the first beer keg, proclaiming “O’zapft is!” to signal the official opening. Oktoberfest has inspired numerous similar events worldwide, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural significance.