Need an excuse to throw a party with plenty of Beer and good food? No, we thought you didn’t. Regardless, the start of Oktoberfest this weekend is loaded with opportunities to indulge. Though you might assume that Oktoberfest would be in… well… October, the festival is mostly in September. Oktoberfest is actually a 16-18 day folk festival that runs from mid-September through the first weekend in October.

The world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival and funfair) is held every year in Munich, Germany and attracts more than 6 million people from around the world. Ever experienced a real German Oktoberfest? Let Cailin O’Neil from Travel Yourself give you a sample:

So what do you need to host your very own Oktoberfest?

Beer.

When we say you need beer, it’s not a joke. During Oktoberfest in Munich, over 7.7 million liters of beer are consumed during the festival. For your party, try to have a variety of beers on offer to accommodate everyone’s tastes and compliment the food you serve.

Image Credit: Imgur

Have some friends who might not like beer? Going with some German wines, though not traditional, can keep it with the theme. Look for Rieslings or even a Spatburgunder (the German name for Pino Nior).

Food.

Let’s face it: something is going to have to soak up all that beer. Fortunately, the Germans know a thing or two about drinking and eating, particularly when it comes to combining the two. Try offering a tray of German hams and cheeses for finger foods, then move on to these traditional dishes:

Pretzels and beer go together like schnitzel with noodles. Not only can these be made in advance, they make a delicious way to keep the beer flowing. This recipe also scores bonus points for using beer in the cheese dipping sauce.

Bratwurst isn’t just for summertime grilling — it’s also a national favorite in Germany, particularly when it’s combined with curry-flavored ketchup for a traditional “currywurst” experience. Find out how to grill the perfectly juicy brat with this helpful clip.

Want to add the curry ketchup but aren’t sure where to buy it? The Kitchen Maus comes to the rescue with a quick homemade version. The site is also great for digging up even more German-style recipes.

Speaking of going together like schnitzel with noodles, making your own homemade schnitzel is actually fairly easy. Considering it’s essentially a flattened chicken nugget, it’s also a huge hit with younger guests. Serve with hot buttered noodles for a taste of the old country.

Though the menu may seem awfully meat and cheese heavy, there’s no need to leave out your vegetarian and vegan guests out of the fun. Check out this easy vegan schnitzel to serve as an alternative.

An Outfit.

You’ve probably noticed that Oktoberfest doesn’t just bring out the beer and pretzels, it also brings out the lederhosen. If you’re looking to truly embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest, why not try a pair of these classic German overalls for yourself? Check out Pinterest for some great ideas on what to wear. If all else fails, your local costume shop might be able to lend a hand.

Are you planning on getting your beer steins out this weekend or have an Oktoberfest party coming up? Let us know what you’re planning below!

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