The world's largest folk festival is just around the corner: This Saturday, at exactly 12 noon, Mayor Dieter Reiter will tap the first keg, thus opening Oktoberfest 2016. It's also an important time for entrepreneurs, as Munich residents like to broker business deals over a liter of beer and a grilled chicken. What should you keep in mind? With these 7 tips, your business appointment at the Wiesn is unlikely to go wrong.
1. Backpacks and large bags stay outside this year
Much has been said in recent weeks about the security situation at Oktoberfest. The fence finally erected around Theresienwiese is one of the big topics in the city: For the first time, access to the festival grounds will be restricted to designated entrances.
Only those without backpacks will be allowed through the entrance checkpoints. Bags must hold a maximum of three liters and measure no more than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm. A flyer from the City of Munich explains the most important rules.
2. Provide a good foundation
Oktoberfest beer is particularly smooth, sweet, and strong. Less experienced beer drinkers can quickly become unsteady on their feet on an empty stomach. To avoid embarrassing themselves in front of business partners, Oktoberfest-goers should therefore ensure they have a good foundation. While the food at Oktoberfest isn't cheap, there's a wide variety of hearty dishes, both meat and meatless, available. Many Munich residents also appreciate the good food at Oktoberfest. To Guadn!
3. Timing is everything
It's part of Munich's general knowledge that on the "Italian Weekend," the middle weekend of the Oktoberfest, the Wiesn is "like the Stachus." But the Munich atmosphere is also over on the other two weekends and on October 3rd.
So, if you want to discuss business in peace, you should plan your visit during the week. Many Munich residents also appreciate the relaxed Oktoberfest stroll on Sunday mornings. In sunny weather, it's especially pleasant to sit in one of the beer gardens. If you want to combine a cozy get-together with some evening fun, you should come on Friday afternoon and simply stay until the evening. The City of Munich's Oktoberfest Barometer provides a good overview of how busy the Oktoberfest is at different times.
4. Less is more
Even if your computer fits into the permitted bag size, leave it at home! Because by mid-afternoon, your neighbor's beer might spill onto the table, or a drunk might end up on the bench. And don't expect much sympathy for your busy demeanor. So, instead, manage your affairs with your smartphone or pen and paper.
5. Well bagged
Plastic bags are currently getting a bad rap. However, when visiting the Oktoberfest, this piece of plastic can be worth its weight in gold. If you're bringing your jacket or sweater for a late summer evening and want to protect it from dirt, pack your clothes in the bag and you'll be protected from unpleasant surprises.
6. Be the killjoy
Even after the tents close at 11 p.m., the fun continues in the city at the many after-Wiesn parties. Countless business relationships and friendships are said to have begun at the party after the fifth Oktoberfest beer. When it comes to business dates, however, the rule is: Know your limits and be the fun-lover rather than the drunken clown.
7. Leave your carnival costume at home
Munich is a modern and international city. Some Munich residents pull their traditional costumes out of their closets for the Oktoberfest, while others don't even own one. Either way, visitors from outside the area can safely venture to the Oktoberfest without lederhosen or dirndls. And let's be honest: plush beer keg hats and lederhosen shirts are really only allowed for visitors from overseas.
We wish you a wonderful, fun and safe Oktoberfest season!
