10 Tips for Planning an Oktoberfest Party

Oktoberfest is fast approaching! Now is the time to start planning your 'German Day' with German food, beer, and merrymaking!

Here are 10 tips for preparing your day!

1. Decorate

• Hang balloons and create tents and swirls from crepe paper using white and blue decorations (the colours of Bavaria) or the colours of the German flag (black, red and gold).
• Download the supplied pretzel template and enlarge. Cut-out, color and glue rock salt to it and then hang on walls.
• Download the German flag template provided and colour.
• Tie some sheaves of wheat together with ribbons and place on tables or walls.

2. Make

Download, cut and color supplied Edelweiss flower to glue to Alpine Hats. Alternatively make small German flags with scrap paper to glue onto hats.

3. Wear

Lederhosen and dirndls are the traditional attire but if not available use suspenders for the men and pinafores and vests for the ladies. Make Alpine hats for everyone in a craft session!
Related: Alpine Hats Activity - Video included!

4. Drink

Drink local beer! Support the locals by buying beer made in your community. Shandy for the ladies.

5. Sing

Sing 'Ein Prosit' in Unison several times a day!
Related: How to Sing in German

6. Taste

Taste beers from around the world: Mexico, Belgium, USA, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Brazil, Canada, England. (Make sure you check the rules and regulations regarding alcohol at your facility).

7. Eat

• Potato salad
• German sausages (Bratwurst, Knackwurst, Thüringer)
• Creamy sauerkraut (recipe below)

Creamy Sauerkraut

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• A jar of sauerkraut (approx 4 cups) drained
• 1 tub of warm crème fraiche (must be warm when you mix it, if it is cold it will curdle).
• 3 tablespoons of parsley or chives.
• Black pepper
• Caraway seeds (optional)

How to Prepare

• Place drained sauerkraut in hot oil and stir.
• Reduce heat to low and cover; for 10 to 15 minutes, just to warm it up.
• Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes and stir in warm crème fraiche and parsley.
• Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve

Serve with Weisswurst, Knackwurst, or Bratwurst cut into small circles and potato salad. German sausage can be substituted by schnitzel made from chicken, veal or pork.

NOTE: If warming up again a second time, do not allow to boil otherwise it will curdle.

8. Play

Play some fun carnival games!

• Beer & Skittles Game
• Bucket Game
• Beer Pong Game

9. Dance

Have staff, clients, and visiting children to perform 'The Chicken Dance'

10. More Ideas

Find more ideas for Oktoberfest here: Oktoberfest Party Ideas