The first Oktoberfest took place on October 12, 1810 with the marriage in Bavaria of Crown Prince Ludwig, who you may know as King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Five days after the marriage took place, a large fest (festival, party, good excuse to eat and drink) took place outside one of the gates leading to Munich, called the Sendlinger Tor. It seems that this started a tradition, and Oktoberfest was borne. Some of the activities that have come and gone were horse races, that lasted until 1938 and an agricultural fair.
But the event most of us know Oktoberfest for was added in 1818 - Pubs including performers. This proved to be a great tourist attraction, and so it continues to this day. In terms of the beers (or biers) that are consumed these days, they tend to be lighter in color and body than the traditional style.
The actual dates for the modern event betrays its name, the annual 16 day “fest” starts in September beginning on a Saturday and always ending on the first Sunday in October.
The MMT Oktoberfest promotion also starts in September, but we will cheat a little, and extend out throughout the whole of October.
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