Why is Oktoberfest always hosted in September?
- Boylston Schul-Verein
- 6 days ago
- 1 min read
We get this question all the time. Shouldn't Oktoberfest be held in the month of October? At the BSV, we like to follow the the traditional schedule of the "W'iesn" in Munich, which kicks off in mid-September every year.
Oktoberfest History
The very first Oktoberfest was a royal wedding celebration held on October 12, 1810, for Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. It lasted five days and the residents of Munich were invited to celebrate. The party ended with a horse race at the edge of town. The celebration was a huge success and became an annual tradition.
Why was it moved to September?
Because late-October weather in Munich was often cold, wet, and dark, the Munich city council decided in 1872 to move the start of the festival to mid-September.
The "W'iesn"
You may have also heard Octoberfest referred to as the "W'iesn," which is the locals terms for the festivals. It is derived from the word Theresienwiese (Therese's Meadow), the 85-acre fairground where the event has been held in Munich since 1810.
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