Have you been seething with jealousy for the past few weeks as Instagram photos emerge from Munich’s Oktoberfest? Seething as you gaze at their celebrations, and let’s be honest, seething over that succulent, half-full stein they’re all grasping. Well, seethe no more my fellow friends, because Brisbane is again hosting its annual Oktoberfest at the RNA show grounds.
Although it’s the fourth largest Oktoberfest in the world, I know it’s not Munich; but as you walk through the gates of the showgrounds you wouldn’t know the difference. Immediately you are immersed into the German traditions, lifestyle and ultimately the euphoria of their Oktoberfest.
As an all-ages event, the frenzy of rides, or cuddly petting zoo will draw your kids’ attention first. As a festival that caters to all tastes, the men’s ultimate Beardmeister competition might steal your partner away. Or the shows and information being dished out in the German Connections tent might take your fancy.
If you’re not drawn to any of the above, you’re most likely focused on the vibrant people surrounding you. Hundreds of people welcome you with steins, schnapps, pretzels and eager vibes. Practically every man is dressed in lederhosens—A.K.A. traditional German men’s costumes; A.K.A. leather overalls, hats and all those limbs out on show (I mean their arms, obviously). And every woman is draped in drindls—A.K.A. traditional women’s German dress, and we all know what that looks like. So, if you’re a man, you’re probably going to have a good time at Oktoberfest regardless of what you eat, drink or buy. But if you’ve forgotten to wear typical German dress and want to fit in with the ‘locals’, don’t stress; you can buy costumes, hats and flower chains at the stalls throughout.
If you’ve German-ised yourself and you’re still looking for a bite to eat or a beer to quench your thirst, Brisbane’s Oktoberfest has got you covered. The stalls located throughout the festival serve an array of succulent German food—from pork knuckle and sauerkraut, to mouth-watering sausages, to pretzels worth dying for, to the delectable assortment of strudels and pastries. Oktoberfest has even sprawled out a selection of vegan and gluten-free meals for the enjoyment of every patron.
After inhaling your traditional German feast, you’re going to want a drink (or three). Although the entry ticket prices are relatively cheap considering the richness of Oktoberfest (adults: $25 at the gate), you may make up for saved money in drink coupons. Although the German drinks list has all been brewed authentically, you can wind up paying up to $12 for a lager. Wines, champagnes and schnapps mixers average about $8 per drink. Because of the price difference, the queues at the schnapps and wine stalls are a much longer wait. But, upon your wait, one thing that can be guaranteed is that you’ll be provided with free entertainment from the fellow Oktoberfest attendees—all of whom will be shocked that you haven’t seen the German hall yet.
The authenticity of decorations in the German hall marquee is something to see in itself. Blue and white fabrics drape the ceiling, with traditional chandeliers stringing them together. German hall tables are stretched throughout, and the frenzy of costumes follows you. Due to the hall’s celebrations a seat might be hard to find, but it doesn’t matter because the German band, of course performing 99 Luftballons, is trapping everybody on the dance floor. The ground literally shakes below you as everyone dances, stomps and claps.
Above all else, Brisbane’s Oktoberfest presents you with one thing that you can’t place a time limit or a price on; the passionate and vibrant atmosphere. The colorful people, German or not, who light up this festival make it what it is. Without them, Oktoberfest could not be the charming, exciting, authentic experience that it is.
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