One does not have be a licensed therapist to realize that attending the Oktoberfest in Germany seems to be the highlight of the year of everyone in and out of that country. After all, the festival does not merely allow you to have fun, get drunk, and meet new people (not specifically in that order). For 16 to 18 days, you get to listen to fresh and famous artists perform their hit songs and make the place livelier. Not to mention, the organizers tend to invite singers and bands from all over the world; that’s why you can listen to a variety of music while trying different alcoholic beverages.
Although there are tents set up across the field where Oktoberfest gets help, there is no doubt that it is an outdoor event. The upside of it is that you can breathe in natural air, let the music reach your ears without breaking your eardrums, and watch the moon replace the sun when you stay there until nighttime. You can also see tens of thousands of individuals dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes frolicking around and having the time of their lives. Nonetheless, it is not a secret either that the rain can pour anytime, and the tents prepared may not be able to provide shelter for all the attendees. Thus, if you are a little slow, you might end up soaked to the bones, which may make you susceptible to diseases and even prevent you from seeing the festival through to the end.
Considering you do not want natural phenomena to ruin your enjoyment or, worse, traumatize you from going back next year to attend the Oktoberfest, here are some things you should do.
1. Take What You Must
The reality of going to this festival is that there are not a lot of rules in place regarding what the visitors can or cannot bring. Of course, it’s a no-brainer to avoid packing guns, knives, and other deadly weapons because such items are banned in any occasion. Even with a table booked in a tent, you do not need to bring chips or lunch since the foods you can buy there are so delicious that you might regret not getting a taste of any of them.
A few things you should not forget are a change of clothes (you may get sweaty there), umbrella (in case the sun’s too hot, or the rain comes), camera (to capture the best moments and exciting activities), and a lot of euros.
2. Try Not To Bring A Huge Luggage
Here is a likely scenario that you may find yourself in when you attend Oktoberfest: As soon as you arrive at the entrance of the festival’s location, you will already see thousands of people swarming the entire place. There is no need to use brute force to muscle your way in, but everyone will practically be in each other’s personal space due to the vastness of the crowd.
For this reason, you should never consider taking a large suitcase with you, which can: 1) make folks trip over, and 2) keep you from having fun without worrying about your belongings. This is when you should opt for the smallest backpack (with 3-liter capacity at max) in your closet instead of a fancy purse as well. After all, you won’t be there to model your bag; you merely need something to hold your stuff without getting in the way.
With this kind of rucksack, you can hang it on your shoulders, and not on your arms. So, when you suddenly pump your fist in the air or toast your large glass of beer with friends or random strangers, you need not worry afterward if your bag hits someone in the head or causes a drunk person to fall on their face.
3. Before You Choose Your Outfit, Check Out The Weather Forecast
As mentioned above, Oktoberfest is the kind of festival in which everyone is encouraged to dress up like the Bavarians in the olden times. After all, before the event became a hit for individuals who love to drink, it was a cultural thing for the locals first. That’s why the organizers still prepare a grand parade, horse race, and other activities in the span of 16 to 18 days.
Still, the weather will determine what type of clothes you should wear. If the forecast says it will be sunny all day long – and you will most likely be drinking till you drop, it is best to put on comfortable clothes. E.g., a loose shirt, dress, pants, sneakers, or sandals. If, however, you have gathered that it will rain on the day when you’re scheduled to join the festivities, take a raincoat and be in clothes that you will not feel sad seeing muddy or soaked. Then, waders and rubber boots can be the better choices for shoes so that your feet will stay dry.
Once you remember the three tips mentioned above, you will undoubtedly be able to enjoy going to Oktoberfest. Cheers!