Oktoberfest: A September Celebration?
Oktoberfest 2025 kicks off on Saturday, September 20th. The festivities officially begin at noon when the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg and proclaims the famous Bavarian phrase: “O’zapft is!” which translates to “It’s Tapped!”
Why September?
Here’s the first thing every Oktoberfest veteran tells a newcomer: the real party happens in September.
Q: Why?
A: simple. the weather.
Organizers moved the celebration from October to late September to take advantage of milder, sunnier days, dodging the often chilly and rainy Bavarian autumn. It’s a practical change focused on ensuring everyone has a good time outdoors. I’ve been to Germany, whoa it’s cold.
The festival’s roots, however, are firmly in October. The inaugural event took place on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese. The citizens of Munich had such a blast that the party became an annual tradition. To this day, the festival grounds are known as Theresienwiese, or “Therese’s Meadow,” in homage to the princess.
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The Best of Both Months
While the festival is now mostly in September, the name “Oktoberfest” lives on as a nod to its history. It typically begins in mid-September and stretches until the first Sunday of October.
Here’s my conspiracy theory: My brother, LeeMack912, is a September baby, which is why he’s so into pretzels.
Spoiler alert:
If he’s reading this, I sent him a massive box for his birthday this year.
This smart blend of history and sunshine means that millions can revel in the iconic atmosphere, enjoying warm pretzels and cold beer under the last brilliant rays of the season.
Ultimately, while October is in the festival’s name, the celebration truly shines in September!
Don’t worry, I’m going old skool. I’ll be grabbing a real Märzen. the OG, malty, amber goodness of Oktoberfest!
Stay Hype.
Citations
I did some research and used these websites.
For the origin of Oktoberfest and the historical date: “History of the Oktoberfest.” Oktoberfest.de – The Official Website for the Oktoberfest in Munich, muenchen.de/int/en/events/oktoberfest/history.html. Accessed 6 Sept. 2025.
For the modern scheduling and the reason for the shift to September: “The Munich Oktoberfest.” Welcome to Munich, www.muenchen.de/en/events/oktoberfest. Accessed 6 Sept. 2025.