Issue — September 2026

Oktoberfest: More Than Beer

A2 Culture Feature 38 sentences

Oktoberfest: More Than Beer 0 / 38

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A simple guide to Munich's most famous festival — its tents, music, food and friendly traditions

What Is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a big festival that happens every year in Munich, a city in southern Germany. It runs for about two weeks, from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. The mayor of Munich opens the festival by tapping the first beer barrel, and people shout "O'zapft is!" which means "It's tapped!". Millions of people come to celebrate, both from Germany and from other countries. It is one of the largest folk festivals in the world.

The Big Tents (Bierzelte)

At the heart of Oktoberfest are fourteen large tents, called Bierzelte, which means "beer tents" in German. Each tent can hold thousands of people at long wooden tables. The tents are decorated with flowers, flags and paintings. Visitors sit together, even with strangers, and sing songs. It is normal to share a table and make new friends during the festival.

Music, Dancing and Cheering

Inside the tents, a brass band plays traditional German music on accordions, trumpets and drums. People stand on the benches, sway side to side, and sing along. When the band plays a happy song, everyone lifts their beer mugs and shouts "Prost!", the German word for cheers. Music fills the whole festival, even from carousels and street performers. The sound of laughing and singing lasts all day and into the night.

Food Beyond Beer

Oktoberfest is famous for more than just drinks. Visitors eat huge soft pretzels, grilled sausages, roast chicken, and big flat noodles called Spätzle. The food is meant to be shared with friends and family. Many people wear a pretzel necklace as a fun snack. Even children come to enjoy the sweet candy apples and chocolate-covered fruit.

Traditional Clothes: Tracht

Many visitors wear special costumes called Tracht, which is a strong tradition at Oktoberfest. Men often wear lederhosen, short leather pants with braces. Women wear a dirndl, a pretty dress with an apron. People also wear felt hats decorated with small feathers or brushes. Wearing Tracht is a way to feel part of the tradition and to show pride in Bavarian culture.

Rides and Family Fun

Oktoberfest is not only for adults. Around the tents, there is a huge fairground with rides for everyone. Children love the old wooden carousel and the small train. Older visitors enjoy big roller coasters and tall swings. There are also game stalls where people can win soft toys. The fairground lights up beautifully at night, making the whole place feel magical.

Quiz

0/5

1Where does Oktoberfest take place?

The article says Oktoberfest happens every year in Munich, a city in southern Germany.
2How long does Oktoberfest last?

The article says Oktoberfest runs for about two weeks, from mid-September to the first Sunday in October.
3What are the big tents at Oktoberfest called?

The article explains that the large tents are called Bierzelte, which means 'beer tents' in German.
4What do men often wear as a traditional costume?

The article says men often wear lederhosen, which are short leather pants with braces.
5What is a typical food eaten at Oktoberfest?

The article mentions huge soft pretzels, sausages, roast chicken and Spätzle as festival food.

Must Know 13

brass band Noun A musical ensemble made up mainly of brass instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas.
carousel Noun A rotating amusement ride with wooden horses or other animals that move up and down, commonly found at fairs and amusement parks; also, a moving belt at an airport for delivering luggage to passengers.
celebrate Verb To do something special or enjoyable in order to mark a happy or important occasion, such as a birthday, holiday, or achievement.
costume Noun A set of clothes worn to look like a particular character, historical period, or type of animal, especially for a party, play, or film.
dirndl Noun A traditional dress of Alpine origin, especially from Bavaria and Austria, with a tight-fitting bodice, a low neckline, and a full, gathered skirt, often worn at festivals and folk celebrations.
fairground Noun A large outdoor area where fairs, exhibitions, and amusement rides are set up, often temporarily. Fairgrounds typically feature games, food stalls, and entertainment attractions.
festival Noun A day or period of religious or cultural celebration, typically with public events, performances, or activities enjoyed by many people.
leather Noun Leather is a durable material made from animal skins, commonly used to make shoes, bags, clothing, and upholstery.
lederhosen Noun Lederhosen are traditional short or knee-length leather trousers, typically with attached braces (suspenders), originating in Bavaria and the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria. They are associated with folk costume and are commonly worn at festivals such as Oktoberfest.
pretzel Noun A baked snack made from dough twisted into a knot or stick shape, typically sprinkled with coarse salt. It is especially associated with German cuisine.
sausage Noun A food made of minced meat mixed with spices and fat, usually stuffed into a thin skin or intestine, and cooked by grilling, frying, or boiling.
tent Noun A portable shelter made of fabric stretched over a frame of poles, used especially for camping.
tradition Noun A belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people, passed down from one generation to the next.