Perhaps humanity’s most beloved tradition, Oktoberfest brings liquid joy to millions of spirited beer drinkers in Munich and all over the world every fall. Here in Tampa, we’re fortunate to have one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S., so to get you ready for the big event, here are seven funny facts you might not know about Oktoberfest. Prost!
October Is Too Cold for Oktoberfest (in Some Places!)
Some Oktoberfest traditions will never change, but hey, we’re talking about comfort here. In Munich, Oktoberfest now starts up every September to keep the festival-goers warm, dry, and joyfully imbibing.
It All Started With a Wedding
On Oct. 12, 1810, the crown prince of Bavaria, later King Louis I, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, giving us a perfectly sound reason to drink beer in Tampa more than 200 years later.
Einstein Approved
A quintessential German experience was blessed by a quintessential German when Albert Einstein worked at Oktoberfest in 1896.
Your Hat Hair Says a Lot
Doing Oktoberfest right means donning one of the traditional Bavarian hats, known as Tirolerhüte. The more tufts of goat hair that top your hat, the wealthier you’re said to be. No cheating with extra goat hair!
The Music Is Good Enough for Cows
Oktoberfest is about far more than beer and features hearty and delicious food, a fair amount of uninhibited dancing, and lively music from the oompah bands. The music features the distinctive alpenhorn, traditionally used by herdsmen when communicating with cattle.
You Can Send Oktoberfest Your Fan Mail
Munich’s Oktoberfest has a post office where they receive more than 120,000 postcards and gifts every year. Dear Oktoberfest, we love you.
A Few Drinks Are Consumed
Festival-goers throw down around two million gallons of Munich-brewed beer every year.
Tampa Is the Perfect Place to Celebrate
From German crown princes to oompah bands – no one wants to miss Oktoberfest Tampa at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park this coming weekend. Hang out on Friday, Oct. 8 from 4-11 PM, Saturday, Oct. 9 from 11 AM - 11 PM, or Sunday, Oct. 10 from 11 AM - 6 PM. Enjoy live music and dancing, plus your fill of bratwurst and schnitzel.
In between sips, make sure to check out our Olympus Harbour Island blog to stay up-to-date on everything happening in and around Tampa.