Are you ready to learn more about Oktoberfest and why it's worth celebrating? As a brewery, we're excited to announce Off Main Brewing will be hosting its first Oktoberfest event this Saturday, September 16th, at 703 Water Street in Kerrville, TX.
To get you in the festival spirit, here are some fun facts about Oktoberfest and why it's such a beloved tradition.
First and foremost, Oktoberfest is a traditional German festival that started in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese. Today, it's a worldwide celebration of beer, food, and fun. The festival originally took place over five days but has since been extended to 16 days of revelry, running from late September to the first weekend in October.
Oktoberfest beer release
One of the most important aspects of Oktoberfest is the beer. The festival is famous for its beer tents, which serve up traditional German beers like Marzen, a malty, amber-colored brew that originated in Bavaria. It's a medium to full-bodied lager that has a slightly sweet, malty flavor and a deep amber color. The reason why Marzen beer is the iconic Oktoberfest beer is due to its history. In the early days of Oktoberfest, before refrigeration, beer was brewed in the spring and stored in underground cellars throughout the summer. By the time fall arrived, the beer was fully aged and ready to drink.
The iconic Oktoberfest beer tents serve Marzen beer in traditional one-liter glass mugs called steins, which are perfect for sharing with friends and enjoying the festival's atmosphere. Marzen beer is typically brewed with German hops and malted barley, giving it a distinctive flavor that's both refreshing and satisfying. It's the perfect beer to enjoy with traditional German foods like pretzels, sausages, and other snacks. During Oktoberfest, Marzen beer flows freely, and it's one of the key reasons why the festival is so beloved by beer lovers around the world.
We're so excited to release our own Oktoberfest Marzen beer at the kickoff of Oktoberfest at 12pm on Saturday, September 16th! Our version is brewed in the style of the Munich Oktoberfest beers, using only the finest malted barley and hops. Fun Fact: This beer was our highest-scoring beer in a recent beer competition, so you're in for a treat!
German snacks
Of course, no Oktoberfest celebration is complete without food. We've curated an authentic German snack board to complement the beer and offer you a taste of Germany. Traditional German foods like pretzels, sausages, and all the accouterments will be available to pair with your beer.
Pretzels and sausages are iconic Oktoberfest snack foods for several reasons. Firstly, they are both traditional German foods that have been enjoyed for centuries. Pretzels were first made by monks in the Middle Ages as a way to reward children who learned their prayers, while sausages have been a staple of German cuisine since ancient times.
Secondly, both pretzels and sausages are the perfect accompaniment to beer. The saltiness of the pretzels helps to enhance the flavor of the beer, while the savory taste of the sausages complements the malty flavor of the Marzen beer. This is why they are often served together at Oktoberfest celebrations.
Finally, pretzels and sausages are both easy to eat and share with friends, making them the perfect snack food for a festival atmosphere. They can be enjoyed while standing and mingling with other festival-goers, and they are filling enough to keep hunger at bay while you enjoy all the other activities the festival has to offer.
Stein-holding competition
If friendly competition is your jam, be sure to stick around for the stein-holding competition that starts around 5pm. We'll have one for the ladies and one for the gents.
The stein-holding competition is a traditional activity during Oktoberfest that tests participants' strength and endurance. Participants hold a full stein of beer in one hand, with their arms extended straight out in front of them. The goal is to hold the stein for as long as possible without spilling any beer or bending their arm. The last person standing with their arm still extended is declared the winner. It's a grueling competition that can last for several minutes, and it's not uncommon for participants to experience muscle fatigue and shaking arms. It's an impressive feat of strength and endurance, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart!
Best dressed contest
Like any themed event, dressing up is half the fun! We'll be hosting a best-dressed contest that will be judged on the most authentic German attire, so come dressed to win! Judging starts at 6pm in the tasting room.
Traditional clothing is an essential part of Oktoberfest, and it's customary for both men and women to wear traditional German attire.
For women, the traditional outfit is called a dirndl, which is a dress with a tight-fitting bodice and a full skirt that falls below the knee. The dirndl is typically worn with a blouse, apron, and traditional shoes such as flats or loafers. The colors and patterns of the dirndl can vary, but they usually feature floral prints or solid colors like green, blue, or red.
For men, the traditional outfit is called lederhosen, which are knee-length leather shorts that are typically worn with suspenders, a white shirt, and traditional shoes such as loafers or boots. The lederhosen are often adorned with intricate embroidery, and they're typically worn with woolen socks and a hat with a feather in it.
Both men and women may also wear a traditional Bavarian hat called a trachten hat, which is typically made of wool or felt and features a decorative band around the base. The overall effect of the traditional clothing is one of warmth, comfort, and a sense of community, as everyone comes together to celebrate the festival in style
Festival fun and games
We've got plenty of fun surprises in store for you Saturday and throughout Oktoberfest season, so be sure to join us for a day of festive merriment! Whether you're a hill country local or a visitor passing through, our Oktoberfest event is the perfect opportunity to experience a little taste of this traditional German festival. We hope to see you there!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram @offmainbrewing to stay in the loop on this and other taproom events!