How to Host Your Own Backyard Oktoberfest Party
Just because Oktoberfest is cancelled for 2020, as well as all of its UK spin-offs, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on everyone’s favourite stein-raising, pretzel-eating, beer-drinking fiesta.
Yes, if you can’t go to Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest can come to you with the help of our handy guide which will run through all the elements you need to throw a bouncing Bavarian party.
Jump to:
Drink
Whilst Oktoberfest incorporates many elements, the main focus has and always will be the beer!
And while you can go to your local supermarket and stock up on the big German beer brands, for a more authentic experience, you should try and source beers from the six breweries that can officially produce beer for the festival in Munich.
The Breweries
- Augustiner-Bräu
- Hacker-Pschorr- Bräu
- Löwenbräu
- Paulaner
- Spatenbräu
- Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in Munich
Whilst you may not be able to source these from your corner shop, you may find them at a specialised beer shop or online.
Party On Tip – If you’re looking to keep costs down, you can either make sure your guests bring a few bottles of each or you could just stick to whatever is available to you cheaply.
Claim 8 free beers today!
Food
If your backyard Oktoberfest is going to be a solely boozy affair, or whether you’re going to go the whole hog and have a smorgasbord of German cuisine, you simply have to include a cornerstone of every Oktoberfest beer-fuelled festivals: Pretzels!
Pretzels (Brezen) are large, soft and salty – the dream snack to enjoy with a frothing pint of German beer and a cheap and easy way of giving your Oktoberfest that authentic feel.
Oktoberfest Bites
- Bratwursts or Currywursts
- Hendl (1/2 Roast Chicken)
- Sauerkraut
- Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)
- German Potato Salad (Veggie Option)
Condiments
- Mustard
- Curry Ketchup
Decorations & Dress Code
Decorations
Get the full beer hall experience by erecting a marquee and adorning it with the traditional blue and white Bavarian colours, and set up a table at one end with all your German beers and cuisine.
If you don’t have a marquee and don’t fancy splashing out for one, simple Oktoberfest table covers, bunting and streamers can really transform your outdoor space.
Dress Code
Lederhosen and dirndls (traditional German dress) spring to mind straight away, however, we understand not everyone has these lying about in their closets.
A simple solution, if you don’t have either, is a simple checked-shirt and suspenders combo.
Music
If you can’t afford to draft in an oompah band, there are many playlists knocking about with all your authentic Bavarian tunes to get the party started and keep it pumping.
Games
As well as a beer-drinking contest, there are plenty of other great games to play!
- Stein Racing – Not only do you have to carry as many steins as you can at once, you’ve got to try and do it without spilling a drop of beer (water also works if you don’t want to waste beer!).
- Stein Holding – Who can hold a stein the longest with their arm extended out in front of them?
- Yodelling Competition – Get your yodel on!
- Fancy Dress Competition – This will at least encourage guests to dress up if you incentivise them with a prize!
Disclaimer: The links on this page may send you to a third party website where Groupia may receive a commission on purchases.
