Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world's largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the Munich event.
The Munich Oktoberfest originally took place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October. In 1994, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival would go on until October 3 (German Unity Day). Thus, the festival is now 17 days when the first Sunday is October 2 and 18 days when it is October 1. In 2010, the festival lasted until the first Monday in October, to mark the 200-year anniversary of the event.
Here is the calendar of events for Oktoberfest 2011:
Saturday
17.09.11
10.50 a.m.
Arrival of the tent patrons with parade through Munich.
Saturday
17.09.11
12.00 a.m.
Tapping of the first Octoberfest-beer-barrel by the Munich mayor in the Schottenhamel Tent.
Sunday
18.09.11
9.40 a.m.
Traditional costume parade through Munich.
Monday
19.09.11
12.00 a.m.
Special lunch for senior citizens in the big tents.
Tuesday
20.09.11
12.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Family day: all rides and performances cost less.
Thursday
22.09.11
10.00 a.m.
Traditional religious Oktoberfest mass in the Hippodrom-tent.
Sunday
25.09.11
11.00 a.m.
Traditional concert of the Oktoberfest brass-bands at the feet of the Bavaria.
Monday
26.09.11
6.00 p.m.
"Rosa Wiesn" in the Fischer Vroni tent.
Tuesday
27.09.11
12.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
2. Family day: all rides and performances cost less.
Wednesday
28.09.11
12.00 a.m.
Senior showman meeting in the Hippodrom.
Monday
03.10.11
12.00 a.m.
Traditional gun-salute on the steps of the Bavaria monument.
