September Is for Oktoberfest!

 

Yes, the Halloween displays are already creeping into the big box stores. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves — the leaves haven’t turned, the air’s only just starting to cool, and most of us are still in short sleeves. So why bring up Oktoberfest now? Because this centuries-old Bavarian celebration isn’t just about the calendar — it’s about embracing the shift in season, raising a proper stein, and honoring a tradition that pairs perfectly with good beer and good company. And frankly, who are we to argue with that?

The Origins of Oktoberfest

The story of Oktoberfest (with a “k” because that’s how the month is spelled in Germany) begins all the way back in Bavaria in 1810 before the region was even part of Germany. The king’s son Ludwig, the crown prince, was getting married to Therese Charlotte Luise of Saxony-Hildburghausen. This was a pretty big deal because the wedding, which happened on October 12th, included a six-day festival to which the entire city of Munich, Bavaria’s capital, was invited! Complete with beer and wine tastings, the festivities culminated in an enormous horse race.

The festival was held in the fields just outside Munich’s city gates, which were later named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s Meadow”) to honor the new crown princess. To this date, Oktoberfest is still held there, though the locals just call it “d’Wiesn,” an abbreviation for the name of the meadow. “Wiesn” is also another common name for the modern beer served at Oktoberfest.

The citizens of Munich enjoyed the inaugural celebration so much they decided to hold it again the next year and every year thereafter, barring wars and pandemics. Over time, the festival start date was pushed back to extend the celebration, and more and more events were added, including an agricultural fair, a parade, rides and carnival games, concerts, and many, many pints of beer. By the mid-1800s, the festival started in mid-September and went through the first Sunday in October, lasting 16 days and allowing festival-goers to take advantage of the longer days and better weather.

In 1994, the event dates were updated to ensure Oktoberfest always ran through German Unity Day on October 3rd, celebrating the reunification of the two Germanys. (If the first Sunday is on the first or second of October, the festival will last an extra day or two. Priorities!)

So, originally it would have happened entirely in October. But, even as it grew to start earlier, it still kept the original name.

Celebrate Oktoberfest at 12 Bones Brewing

I hope this deep dive into history was fun. If you are ready to get your Oktoberfest celebrations started in September, check out 12 Bones’ fest beer, aptly called Oktoberfest–we will be releasing it mid-month! It’s a medium body Märzen style beer with a sweet and bready aroma and layers of caramel and toffee on the palate. It finishes dry and crisp with a hint of sweetness from the malt. Prost!