Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly. Charles and Diana. Shrek and Fiona.
Royal weddings are a media delight, a spectacle for the world, the grandeur of which is often spoken of for years. But only one started a global celebration that continues more than 200 years later.
In 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (who later became King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. To celebrate, the royal family invited the people of Munich to a huge public party held outside the city gates that included food, music, horse racing and beer. Lots of beer.
The celebration was such a huge success, and adored by the townsfolk, that the party was repeated year after year, becoming an anticipated tradition marked not only in Germany but countries across the globe. But how did Oktoberfest become synonymous with beer?
Germany has a deep brewing history: many German cities, monasteries and regions have brewed beer for centuries. Beer was a German tradition long before Oktoberfest. Every area of Germany creates its own style of beer. Bavaria is known for lagers, wheat beer and beer halls; Cologne has the light, crisp Kölsch; Düsseldorf has the traditional beer Altbier; Bamberg has smoked beer.
The thing to remember is that beer in Germany isn’t just a beverage – it is part of the social culture. Beer gardens, beer halls and festivals are communal spaces. Beer is often associated with gathering, conversation, food, music and public celebration – not just drinking. Just like Fairplex’s Oktoberfest. Come for the beer, stay for the friends, entertainment and food. Here are the beers we are serving this year:
Traditional German Beers
- Spaten Oktoberfest Ur-Märzen: the classic amber Oktoberfest lager
- Spaten Münchner Hell: a light, easy-drinking German lager
- Franziskaner Hefeweizen: a smooth, fruity wheat beer
Fan Favorites & Seasonal Picks
- Elysian Pumpkin Spice
- Oktoberfest Blonde
- Michelob Ultra
- Four Peaks Oktoberfest
- Estrella
Cocktails & Alternative Drinks
- Beat Box
- Jager Shot
- Jager Bomb
- Oktoberita – Blue Margarita
- Oktobertini
- Happy Dad Seltzer
- Wine
- Michelada
Tickets are on sale now at Fairplex.com/Otkoberfest. This is a 21+ only event; a valid ID will be required for entrance.
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