Oktoberfest is upon us: Lederhosen, women in dirndls (maybe wearing a flower crown), hats with feathers, checkered shirts (possibly a vest), and music featuring an accordion—oh, let’s not forget beers served in liter sized glasses.
These are common sights seen at any Octoberfest celebration, and odds are, there’s one—if not several—happening near you.
Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day folk festival (Volksfest) held in Bavaria, specifically Munich, Germany from mid to late September to the first Sunday in October. Oktoberfest has been held since 1810, and has become synonymous with Bavarian culture.
- Over six million people attend the event every year
- Over severn million liters of beer is consumed (1.7-million gallons)
- It’s called Oktoberfest, but starts in September
- Only beer from Munich is offered
- Locals call it Wiesn, named after Theresienwiese, the name of the land where Oktoberfest takes place. It’s also named after Therese, the Princess that was married there. It is pronounced “Vizen.”
- Oktoberfest closes between 11:30pm—midnight . . . but not to worry, it opens between 9am—10am
Modeled after the original event in Munich, Oktoberfest celebrations are held all over the world. Some are authentic, while others shouldn’t even be allowed to use the word, “Oktoberfest.” In fact, I once attended a so called “Oktoberfest,” only to find I was the only one wearing a traditional Bavarian hat, called a Trollerhüte. I should add, there were no German vendors—a real slap in the face.
Practically every bar advertises an Oktoberfest celebration, but merely serving an “Oktoberfest” style beer simply doesn’t qualify. I am fortunate; there are about 3-4 authentic Oktoberfest celebrations within an hours drive of my home. When I say authentic, you can expect a majority of the visitors to be dressed for the occasion, live German music will entertain the crowd, food options will include potato pancakes, schnitzel or bratwurst, and if you ask for a light beer, you may get kicked out. In other words, the attempt will be to make you feel as close to being in Germany as possible.
The Beginning of the Drinking Season
Oktoberfest celebrations are held throughout September and October—a time period I will refer to as the “drinking season.” Yes, the drinking season! I’m sure some of you like that one. You may have a drinking season of your own, and may not ever realize it. For me, it begins with the first Oktoberfest, and ends with the last. Hopefully I will attend several Oktoberfest celebrations in between.
In my world, drinking season begins with the Cannstatter Volksfest, an annual event held every year during Labor Day weekend at the Cannstatter Volkest Verein in the northeast section of Philadelphia. The Cannstatter Volksfest Verein is one of the oldest and largest German-American clubs in Philadelphia. Founded in 1873, my drinking season would begin at the 147th Cannstatter Volksfest.
I should also note: The Cannstatter Voklsfest in Philadelphia is modeled after the Cannstatter Volksfest celebrations held in Stuttgart, Germany . . . not the traditional Oktoberfest celebrations held in Munich. For my purposes, however, it is part of the Oktoberfest season.
While so many Philadelphians travel to the Jersey shore to celebrate Labor Day weekend (the final weekend of the summer), you will find me doing the opposite, leaving the Jersey shore—and the crowds—and heading into Philly to Cannstatters!
The location of the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein is quite unique. Situated in Northeast Philly, you may not expect much. You’re probably picturing row homes upon row homes. Needless to say, open space is scarce! Cannstatters sits on Academy road just off Frankfurt Ave. The building can be seen from the road, but the real surprise lies within it’s grounds—10-acres of open land, perfect for an authentic Oktoberfest!
You couldn’t ask for a better event. Several vendors will help dress you with German attire or fill you with German food—most likely both. The stage is under the main tent—which is humongous. Tables are available throughout the venue; feel free to relax under the tent, or sit elsewhere amongst the grounds. The event is also family friendly, as you will find rides for kids in the back part of the grounds.
I was content sitting with some friends under the tent, just to the side of the band, enjoying some German culture over a few German beers. The sun was out, the humidity was low, it was the perfect day to be outside at an Oktoberfest!
This annual event is held every Labor day weekend, Saturday through Monday
- Saturday: Noon – 10pm
- Sunday: Noon – 10pm
- Monday: Noon – 8pm
Click here to check it out: Cannstatter Volksfest Verein