When Crown Prince Ludwig I married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 10, 1810, all of the residents of Munich were invited to celebrate their marriage – and Oktoberfest was born.

Nowadays, this celebration in Munich draws as many as six million visitors who come to enjoy German beer and food in many of the different beer halls that are scattered around the city. In addition to the beer halls, there are amusement rides, games, music, and dancing. 

Around the United States, many cities with a large German American population have their very own Oktoberfest celebrations. But if you can’t find one close to you – there’s no reason you can’t celebrate at home!

With some decorations, music, and, of course, good food and beer – you can plan an Oktoberfest celebration that your friends or family will thoroughly enjoy.

• Decorations: To make a full-fledged celebration, pick up some Oktoberfest decorations. The Bavarian flag has a blue and white diamond stripe pattern and can be seen everywhere in Munich.
  • Oktoberfest Tableware Kit
  • 36-Piece Oktoberfest Decoration Kit
  • Oktoberfest Photo Prop Set
• Costumes: You’ve probably seen the traditional clothing that’s worn during Oktoberfest – the Dirndl and Lederhosen. If you want to add to the festive atmosphere of your Oktoberfest – dressing up is the way to go! Amazon has lots of different choices – at various price points.
• Food: Yes, the beer is important at Oktoberfest, but so is the food! Here are a few recipes that will help fill everyone up!
  • Homemade German Pretzels: The baking soda bath is the key to a great pretzel! And these are surprisingly easy to make! In fact, if you have children, this is a great way to get them involved in the food prep. Serve these with a grainy mustard for dipping.
  • Easy German Spaetzle: Spaetzle is a German egg noodle and is a simple pasta you can make at home. It’s often served with butter or gravy and is a super satisfying dish – especially on a cold day.
  • German Sausage: There are lots of varieties of German Sausage: so do a taste test a few weeks before your Oktoberfest celebration and pick a few of your favorites. 
  • Homemade German Sauerkraut: All of those delicious sausages deserve some tasty sauerkraut! Now, it does take some preparation (1-3 weeks), so make sure you plan ahead.
  • German Potato Salad: In the United States, when we think of potato salad, we think of that summer side dish that’s most often covered in a mayonnaise-based dressing. But German Potato Salad is very different. It’s served warm – and does not contain mayonnaise. But it’s packed with flavor, and you’ll love it with your sausage and sauerkraut.
  • Pork Schnitzel: Pound a boneless pork chop thin and then bread and saute it to create pork schnitzel. It’s a simple dish but pairs well with spaetzle – and you can always “Americanize” it and put it on hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich.
  • Oma’s German Apple Cake: This apple cake is a great dessert not only for Oktoberfest but for fall in general. Plus, it has a little wow factor when it comes to presentation.
  • Easy Black Forest Cake: If you want something with chocolate to end the meal, this Easy Black Forest Cake is the answer! You’ll make it in a 13”x9” pan – so you’ll have plenty!
• Beer: Yes, you will want some beer for your Oktoberfest celebration. Liquor.com shares “The 11 Best German Beers to Drink in 2021” if you need a few suggestions.

This year why not save the airfare and plan an Oktoberfest celebration at home? With these recipes and a few decorations – and some good German beer – you’ll be all set!