In The loop

Oct 12, 2026

Oktoberfest Started With a Very Big Wedding

Contemporary Oktoberfest musicians inside the Bräurosl tent in Munich, illustrating the festival’s history.

Oktoberfest began 216 years ago today with a royal wedding and a very enthusiastic public celebration.

The First Oktoberfest
When: October 12–17, 1810
Where: Munich, Bavaria
History: The official Oktoberfest story

Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese on October 12. Five days of festivities ended with a horse race on a meadow outside Munich. The field was named Theresienwiese for the bride, and Munich still calls the Oktoberfest grounds “the Wiesn.” Beer tents and rides came later.