Oktoberfest in Munich, the largest festival in the world, is famous for its beers and sausages - but there is more to the Bavarian fair than that.
Every year, an array of special events take place during Oktoberfest that you don't want to miss; from colorful parades to open-air concerts, these Oktoberfest events give you a great taste of Bavarian culture and tradition.
1. Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries
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Watch the landlords of the Oktoberfest beer halls and the Oktoberfest breweries make their festive entry to the Theresienwiese, the annual location of the festival. The parade displays historic horse-drawn carriages, traditionally decorated floats, and all Oktoberfest bands.
When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 18th, 2010; 10:45 a.m.
Where: From Sonnenstraße/ Schwanthalerstraße to Theresienwiese
2. Opening Ceremony of the Oktoberfest
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Celebrate the official opening ceremony of Oktoberfest: At noon sharp, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer with the traditional cry "O`zapft is!" ("It is tapped!"), followed by a 12 gun salute. After that, all Oktoberfest beer halls are allowed to tap their beer kegs, and Oktoberfest gets into full swing...
When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 18th, 2010; at noon (Come as early as 9 a.m. if you want to have a good seat.)
Where: In the Oktoberfest tent called "Schottenhamel".
3. Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen's Parade
GNTB/Rainer Kiedrwoski
This Oktoberfest parade is one of the best and most colorful displays of Bavarian history, culture, and tradition; watch regional costume groups, "troops" in historical uniforms, marching bands, riflemen, thoroughbred horses, and even oxen, cows, and goats pass by in a 3-mile long procession.
The parade leads through Munich's city center and boasts more than 7000 performers, showcasing ribboned trees, harvest garlands, and historic craftsmen's tools.
When: First Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 19th, 2010; 10:00 a.m.
Where: Max II Landmark - Maximilianstraße - Odeonsplatz - Pacellistrasse - Karlsplatz-Stachus - Sonnenstraße - Schwanthalerstraße - Kaiser-Ludwig-Platz - Theresienwiese
4. Open-Air Oktoberfest Concert
GNTB/Rainer Kiedrowski
Enjoy a big open-air concert with all Oktoberfest bands; more than 400 Bavarian musicians play it up on the steps of the impressive Bavaria statue, one of the biggest bronze statues in the world.
When: Second Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 26th, 2010; 11:00 a.m. (If the weather is bad, the concert will take place one week later.)
Where: At the Bavaria statue, located at the border of Theresienwiese.
