[Ultimate Guide] How to Throw an Oktoberfest Party

For those who love beer and lively festive vibes, the Oktoberfest party is definitely an event worth celebrating. However, sometimes you just can't hop on a plane to Munich and experience the festival in person. That's why we recommend throwing a backyard party to bring the Oktoberfest spirit to your own home. 

Just like any other party, it takes a bit of planning to make it more unforgettable. Whether you're hosting for the first time or you're already a seasoned organizer, the Oktoberfest party ideas in this guide will inspire you to throw your best backyard Oktoberfest party ever! Read to know more about them.

How to Throw an Oktoberfest Party

Hosting a successful Oktoberfest party is about making it real. Specifically, creating an atmosphere that makes your guests feel like they are right in the heart of Munich and drink beers with cheerful crowds. So you have to pay more attention to your venue setup. Decorations, food, beverages, music...every detail matters. 

The most important thing to prepare for an Oktoberfest themed party: Beer！Beer！Beer! You may need to stock up on beers of different flavors to suit everyone's taste. And it would be better to choose brands from Munich cause they really know how to brew the best beers.

The food needs to be some classic German dishes or snacks, so as to pair perfectly with the beer. As for the overall vibe, the music and decorations set the tone. Add some traditional Bavarian folk tunes to your playlist and use the Oktoberfest-style decorative elements to make everyone feel at Munich.

Oktoberfest Party Ideas for Beer

The beer is absolutely the highlight of any Oktoberfest party. To fully enjoy the celebration with your guests, you'll need to be a bit "picky" about what you serve. Here are some great beer ideas to make your party a true hit:

Munich Breweries

There are two types of Oktoberfest beers in Germany: official Oktoberfest beer and Oktoberfest-style beer. The official beers are made in Munich, and they all adhere to the traditional German Beer Purity Law. Only six Munich brewers are official participants and authorized to serve their beers at the Oktoberfest festival, and they are:

• Löwenbräu
  
• Spaten
  
• Hofbräu
  
• Augustiner
  
• Hacker-Pschorr
  
• Paulaner
  

These suppliers guarantee authentic taste, top quality, and the true Bavarian experience as the beers are made according to the centuries-old recipes. 

When choosing these official participants, pay attention to the label. It will clearly state "Oktoberfestbier" or indicate one of the official Munich breweries. Since these beers are usually stronger and maltier than regular ones, you may also need to check the alcohol content and flavor profile to match your guests' preferences.

German Beer

If you can't find beers made by these six Munich breweries in your area, you should at least look for Oktoberfest-style beers made in Germany. Warsteiner, Erdinger,

Weihenstephaner, and Ayinger are all famous brands that you can serve for your guests. 
They often capture the same rich malt flavor and smooth finish. But this means you have to pay attention to more details when you are choosing.

The origin, flavor profile, alcohol content, packaging date, etc., need to be checked to make sure it can provide the authentic Munich flavor. 

Kegs for Oktoberfest Party

Selecting kegs instead of bottles is another good option. Kegs are often packaged in greater quantities, so they can be more cost-effective for a larger-scale party. And they offer a better taste and help to create a real beer hall ambience.

If you are good at home brewing, you can even keg your beer by yourself. When DIYing the beer, everything is under your control - the ingredients, the recipe, the alcohol content, etc. This allows your guests to savor a unique flavor they won't find anywhere else. Just remember to brew and keg at least 4 - 6 weeks prior to the event to allow time for fermentation and serving.

Oktoberfest Party Ideas for Other Drinks

It is always hard to meet everyone's preferences, so it is a great idea to provide as many types of beverages as possible during the Oktoberfest party. Apart from the beers, you can also provide other drinks like:

• Apple Cider:  The sweet and fizzy flavor pairs well with traditional German snacks.
  
• Radler: This refreshing mix of beer and lemonade is perfect for guests who prefer lower alcohol content.
  
• Non-Alcoholic Beer: Some people don't like or can't drink alcohol. Serving this to them will keep the Oktoberfest spirit alive.
  
• German Wines: Riesling or other light wines will complement the rich flavors of German cuisine.
  
• Soft Drinks: Essential for designated drivers, kids, or guests who want to stay hydrated.
  
• Hot Drinks: Serve tea, coffee, and Glühwein to add warmth for outdoor parties in chilly weather.
  

Oktoberfest Party Food Ideas

The alcohol will be absorbed faster on an empty stomach. If there is no food, and guests are drinking beer all the time, several issues can arise. They are likely to get intoxicated faster, feel dizzy, or become nauseated. So the Oktoberfest party food also requires special attention. Here are some tips:

Oktoberfest Party Appetizers

Appetizers help start the meal and stimulate appetites. For an Oktoberfest celebration, light and flavorful starters would be great. You can provide your guests with Bavarian-style pretzel sticks, small sausages, cheese platters, or DIY gummy bear kits. 

These bite-sized snacks will perfectly pair with beers and encourage guests to socialize with each other before the main dishes are served.

Oktoberfest Party Main Dishes

As for the main course, dishes with rich German flavors should be served. Traditional foods for the Oktobefest festival party include German sausages, Black Forest ham, Authentic Frankfurt sausages, Spaetzle, and Bavarian potato dumplings. 

Although there are lots of ready-made options available in the specialty shops, we would suggest that you prepare these dishes at home. Since the main dishes take center stage at the party, cooking meals by yourself shows extra care and would make the whole party much more memorable. 

Oktoberfest Party Sides Dishes 

And never forget about side dishes. They work to complement the main dishes. Offering them will ensure a more complete and authentic Oktobefest experience. There is a wide variety of them to choose from, including Westphalian whole-grain bread, Allgäu cheese, Düsseldorf and Bremen sweet-spicy mustard, potato salad, sour pickles, and German sauerkraut from southwestern Germany.

Oktoberfest Party Desserts

Desserts help bring the meal to a natural close. More importantly, they balance the savory flavors of sausages, dumplings, and cheese from the main courses. 

Popular choices for an Oktoberfest party include Black Forest chocolate cherry cake, bee sting cake, Bavarian Mozartkugeln, and Lübeck marzipan. You can buy them directly from specialty shops or make them at home to add a unique flavor and extra charm to your celebration.

Oktoberfest Party Decorations & Props Ideas

While the drinks and foods are ready, the next part is about the Oktoberfest party decorations. And the golden rule is: the simpler, the better. You should avoid overdecorating or making the space look too overwhelming. 

Just make sure all the basic setups, such as tables, seating, and lighting, are in place. Then, use simple adornments that match the festival's vibe, such as napkins, flowers, and Oktoberfest party props

The focal point of the decor should be your party tent, table, Bavarian flag, and beer steins. The elements put on them should harmonize naturally with the music, beer, and cheerful mood. The details are as follows:

Oktoberfest Bier Tent

Without the tent, the beer party will never be complete. The Hacker-Pschorr tent, Hofbräu, and Augustiner are very famous. The good news is that you can easily replicate one just in your home! You can start by setting up a pole tent in the backyard. It is easy to install and adaptable to any decor element to create an unforgettable Oktoberfest party experience.

With such a functional event tent, you can design your own version of:

• Hacker-Pschorr Tent: Use light blue and white streamers, star lanterns, and white cloud decorations for a bright, sky-like vibe.
  
• Hofbräu Tent: Decorate with sunflower bundles, wooden tables, white-and-blue tablecloths, and hanging hops to evoke the traditional beer hall feel.
  
• Augustiner Tent: Add green, white, and yellow streamers, blue ribbons, string lights, and pine wreaths for a festive look.
  
• Löwenbräu Tent: Incorporate lion motifs, Löwenbräu logo décor, and large beer kegs to capture its bold spirit.
  
• Paulaner Tent: Go for a blue-and-gold theme with Paulaner logos and monk symbols for a classic Bavarian atmosphere.
  
• Marstall Tent: Opt for a modern Bavarian style with horse motifs, warm lighting, chandeliers, and floral arrangements for a refined, elegant feel.
  

Table

To meet with different styles, it is wise to choose a wooden table, as it can be decorated in various simple yet authentic ways. The key colors are blue and white, so be sure to include these in your setup. You can start with a blue-and-white tablecloth and checkered napkins. 

For tableware, go for rustic options such as wooden or ceramic plates, traditional beer mugs, and pewter steins to enhance the Oktoberfest charm. And you can put a large beer stein filled with flowers or a wooden tray arranged with classic Oktobefest snacks like sausages and pretzels to work as the table's centerpiece. 

Bavarian Flag

The blue-and-white Bavarian Flag is the best tool to present an authentic Oktoberfest feel. It often comes in various sizes, thus offering flexible decoration options.

Large flags can be hung on walls, used as backdrops behind the beer bar, or draped over the tent entrance. Smaller ones, such as mini flag garlands, table flags, or handheld flags, can decorate tables, beer taps, or even be placed in flower vases and snack trays to add lively Bavarian details throughout the venue.

Beer Steins

Glass mugs are the most common beer steins for Oktoberfest. But it's best not to provide identical ones, as they can be hard to tell apart and may cause unwanted beer sharing. Cups in different colors, shapes, or labels can help guests recognize their own drinks easily. 

Besides glass, ceramic or porcelain steins are also great options. They often have unique designs and  patterns that make them easy to distinguish. You can easily find them in flea markets or second-hand shops. If you don't want to prepare the cups, it's totally okay to remind your guests in the Oktoberfest party invitations to bring their own cups.

What to Wear to Oktoberfest Party

What to wear to Oktoberfest party is what most people care about. To create a 100% Bavarian festive style, traditional costumes are the best choice.

Dirndl

This is an Oktoberfest party attire for women. It usually includes a blouse, bodice, high-waisted skirt, and an apron. 

An authentic Bavarian dirndl can be quite expensive. A budget-friendly way to make one is to find a reference picture first and prepare the needed materials using old clothes or fabrics you already have at home, or buy them from online shops. Then simply follow the instructions to assemble the outfit. 

Elements like lace, silk ribbons, and a floral crown make great decorations for the look. If you're good at sewing, you can even DIY a unique dirndl for yourself.

Lederhosen

The Lederhosen is a typical male outfit during the Oktoberfest party. They often come in different sizes and shapes, and nowadays, many women also wear them during the festive.

It is mainly composed of traditional Bavarian short or knee-length leather trousers. When people are wearing it, they often pair it with a checkered or white shirt, wool socks, and sturdy shoes or boots. Some people also add a Tirolerhut (traditional hat) and a waistcoat to complete the outfit.

Oktoberfest Party Gear & Supplies

And there's one more thing you should prepare — the Oktoberfest party supplies and gear. These small details are often easy to ignore, but without them, your party won't be perfect. Here are some essentials you should also provide:

• Ice buckets & insulated containers: Keep your drinks cold throughout the party. 
  
• Sufficient tableware: Plates, straws, forks, knives, and spoons... 
  
• Bottle openers: Quickly open beer and wine bottles. 
  
• Trash bags: Make cleanup easier and keep the venue tidy. 
  
• Napkins: Help guests manage spills.
  

Oktoberfest Party Games

Arranging Oktoberfest party games helps liven up the atmosphere. Games like masskrugstemmen, stein racing, seer tasting, and lawn games are fun and good for enhancing friendships. But you must ensure safety, especially since drinking and excitement can easily lead to chaos or accidents. When guests get tipsy, issues like spilled drinks, broken glasses, or even small injuries can happen.

Thus, it's necessary to set clear rules before the games begin. For example, limit the amount of alcohol consumed before participating, use plastic or metal mugs instead of glass, and keep a first aid kit nearby. You can also assign one or two sober "helpers" to monitor the games and make sure everyone stays safe while still having fun.

Conclusion 

These brilliant ideas for your Oktoberfest party will help bring a touch of Munich right to your home. To make sure everything goes smoothly, double-check that you've got all the essentials — drinks, food, decorations, outfits, and most importantly, the venue and party tent.

If you're looking for the perfect tent to host your beer party, Sheltent gets you covered! We've helped many party lovers create some of the best gatherings ever, and we're always ready to offer professional advice to make your party planning completely hassle-free. Feel free to contact us anytime!