Oktoberfest, the cultural celebration, is widely recognized for its larger and smaller tents and immense drinking at the event. But what is more than that? The festival is not all about the massive amount of alcohol intake; it also features various other exciting activities, a variety of foods, and souvenirs served at different booths and stalls. These lively booths add more fun, entertainment, and memorable experiences for attendees in the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
So, if you are bored of the “drinking” part of the event, explore these Oktoberfest stalls and booths that are packed with fun, making it a family-friendly event.
The major booths and souvenirs at the Oktoberfest celebration that make it the biggest folk festival include;
Traditional Bavarian Treat Stalls to Enhance the Taste Buds
The Bavarian delicacies are among the most popular attractions at the Oktoberfest booths. They offer delicious classic specialties and serve as cherished souvenirs for those looking to bring a taste of Oktoberfest to home.
- Weisswurst: A traditional white sausage made from veal and pork. It is typically served with sweet mustard and a soft pretzel. To eat Weisswurst, first, peel off its outer casing.
- Schweinebarten or Roast pork: This dish features tender, flavorful pork served with potato dumplings, sauerkraut, and rice gravy. Schweinebarten pairs perfectly with the festival’s beer.
- Lebkuchenherz or Gingerbread hearts: No oktoberfest experience is complete without indulging in the iconic “Lebkuchen”. These hard, spicy gingerbread treats are typically round or heart-shaped, decorated with colorful icing and affectionate messages. You can find these at souvenir shops and Christmas markets throughout the event.
- Pretzels: Known as “Breze” in German, they are a classic companion at the Oktoberfest. These giant, soft, freshly baked pretzels are covered in big salt flakes, making them a perfect snack to soak up all the beer you will be drinking.
During your visit to Oktoberfest, be sure to stop by the stalls that sell these must-try dishes and grab one or two slices.
Games and Amusement Booths for Adding Fun to Your Visit
The Oktoberfest booths also feature a variety of games and entertainment that have become beloved traditions. Whether you are looking to challenge your strength or simply soak up the festive energy, these booths at Oktoberfest have something to cherish for everyone.
Vogelpfeifer Whistles
The Münchner Vogelpfeifer is a traditional Bavarian bird whistle that is a popular attraction at the Oktoberfest in Munich. It has been a fixture at the Oktoberfest for decades and is considered a cult item among visitors.
- A small, hand-crafted whistle that produces a chirping sound meant to mimic the sound of birds.
- Made from a wax-cardboard body, metal ring, and a membrane made from ox intestine for its durability.
- Measures about 2.5 cm in size and can be used to imitate the sounds of various animals.
Currently, after Michael Bader’s death, Horst and his son Tobias Berger continue this tradition of imitating bird calls. Vogelpfeifer whistles are made locally in Bavaria and readily available for purchase at Oktoberfest.
Hau Den Lukas
It is a classic strongman game that is the most crowd-pleasing attraction at the Oktoberfest. It requires both strength and technique, emphasizing the importance of posture and accuracy over raw muscle power. If you are confident about your strength, you must participate in Hau Den Lukas. The game is all about:
- Hitting a button with a hammer causes a metal insert to rise upwards in a corresponding floor box.
- The higher the metal insert rises, the more decisive the blow is.
Proper technique is crucial for holding the hammer to achieve a win.
- Swinging the hammer over your head can cause you to lose balance and hit the target inaccurately.
- Holding the hammer lower on the handle provides more leverage with less muscle power.
The game is fun for both participants and spectators. While it is a popular attraction for men to showcase their strength, its lighter or smaller versions allow women or children to participate as well.
Fingerhakeln:
It is a traditional German sport known as finger wrestling. With its roots dating back to the 17th century in Bavarian and Austrian alpine regions, the game was first played to resolve the dispute between men. Today, it is a competitive sport and a great attraction at the Oktoberfest celebrations. The games involve:
- Two opponents sitting across a table
- Interlocking their middle fingers in a leather loop
- Trying to pull the other person across the table.
Masskrugstemmen
Stein holding, also known as Masskrugstemmen, is a traditional Bavarian strength contest performed at Oktoberfest celebrations. The objective is to
- Hold a full one-liter stein, or Masskrug, extended out in front of the body, parallel to the ground.
- The longer you hold without bending the elbows or spilling any of the beer, the more you win.
The competition is all about testing strength and endurance, as the weight of the full stein (around 5 pounds) quickly causes the arm muscles to tremble and the competitor to grimace in pain.
Stein holding competitions are a popular attraction at Oktoberfest events, with the current world record standing at over 20 minutes. The competition is open to both men and women.
You can get the stein from any beverage booth other than Munich Oktoberfest tents (as you are not allowed to take the mug out of the tent) and participate in checking your muscle power.
Gluckshafen (lottery ticket)
The Gluckshafen raffle was created in the early years of Oktoberfest to allow poorer people to participate in festivities. A small price was charged for a raffle ticket, and the winner would receive a prize, while others would receive a consolation prize such as a royal photograph, bowl, or stockings-item that less fortunate people could still use or appreciate.
The name Gluckshafen refers to a pot of luck or harbor of luck. If you are interested in participating, you can find the booth behind the festival’s entrance gate. It is an important tradition that helped make Oktoberfest accessible to all classes of people every year, regardless of their economic status.
Oktoberfest-Themed Souvenirs to Take Home as Mementos
Bring some pieces of the celebrations back with you. These mementos are wonderful reminders of the fun and activities you experienced at the event.
Be Marilyn photo:
The “Be Marilyn” souvenir at Oktoberfest is a special photo booth where visitors can take professional pictures dressed up in traditional Oktoberfest attire.
The booth is designed to recreate the famous scene of Marilyn Monroe in “The Seven-Year Itch,” wafting in a dress with powerful winds blowing up their dirndl skirts to create an illusion.
This is a free photo click opportunity; visitors can purchase their photos as a memento of their Oktoberfest experience. Both men and women participate, wearing German dirndl and lederhosen. However, the Marilyn Monroe look works best with flowing dirndl skirts. Try this opportunity when you visit Oktoberfest in 2024, as it is free of cost.
Glupperl:
The Glupperl, also known as “Glubal,” is a wooden clothespin that is commonly used as a costume accessory at the festival. These personalized wooden pegs are often engraved with names or other designs and worn as a fashion item or name tag.
They are considered a traditional Oktoberfest staple and can be used for flirting, identifying waitresses, or simply as a fun accessory.
Made of wood and a metal spring, Glupperl has become a special souvenir at Oktoberfest for attendees.
Hendl Hat:
Hendl Hat, also known as a chicken hat, is another popular costume accessory worn during Oktoberfest in Germany. This funny and unique hat dances, wobbles, and sings, making it perfect for fancy dress and carnival celebrations.
It resembles a roasted chicken known as “Hendl” in Bavarian. Its unique features, such as Moving its legs to match the music rhythm, Playing music for about 30 seconds, and high-quality embroidery of a rooster and the phrase on the side, “Can you Hendl this?” all create fun and entertainment, not just for the wearer but also for other visitors.
Conclusion:
The Oktoberfest booths and souvenirs contribute to the overall festive atmosphere and unforgettable experience of the event. From indulging in delicious food items and participating in entertaining games to collecting unique souvenirs, these booths add to the charm and timeless appeal of Oktoberfest. Enjoy the lovely, fun environment, savor the flavors, and create lasting memories at Oktoberfest 2024.