This children’s article, What is Oktoberfest? A kids’ guide to the world’s biggest folk festival, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about German traditions, and discover how festivals bring people together. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
How Oktoberfest all began
Oktoberfest started more than 200 years ago in Munich, Germany. In 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The people of Munich were invited to a huge celebration that included horse races, food, and dancing. Everyone had such a good time that they decided to repeat it the next year, and Oktoberfest was born!
At first, Oktoberfest was mainly about horse races and folk traditions. Over time, it grew bigger and included music, parades, colourful costumes, and of course beer!
How it is celebrated today
Today, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival. It takes place every year in Munich from late September to early October. Millions of visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the fun. Instead of horse races, the main attractions are the enormous tents filled with music, food, beer, and dancing. Traditional Bavarian clothes are still worn. Men often wear leather shorts called lederhosen, and women wear dresses called dirndls.
There’s also a huge fairground with rides, games, and sweet treats like gingerbread hearts. Families enjoy the lively atmosphere just as much as the adults.
Munich during Oktoberfest
Munich becomes super busy during Oktoberfest. The city streets are crammed with people, bands play cheerful brass music, and the smell of roasted nuts and pretzels fills the air. Visitors can watch colourful parades, enjoy traditional dances, and listen to folk songs. The whole city joins in the celebration, making it a very special time to visit.
Oktoberfest has grown far beyond Germany. Cities all over the world hold their own Oktoberfest parties. These versions also include music, dancing, beer and food, though Munich’s original festival is still the most famous and the most popular.
Article vocabulary list
- Festival – a celebration or special event with food, music, and fun
- Tradition – something people have done for a long time and continue to do
- Crown Prince – the son of a king or queen who will one day become king
- Parade – a public procession with music, costumes, and people marching
- Lederhosen – traditional leather shorts worn by men in Bavaria
- Dirndl – a traditional dress worn by women in Bavaria
- Fairground – a place with rides, games, and food stalls
- Atmosphere – the mood or feeling of a place or event
- Pretzel – a type of baked bread snack twisted into a knot shape
- Worldwide – happening all over the world
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When did the first Oktoberfest take place?
A) 1810
B) 1910
C) 1710
Answer: A) 1810
2. What event started Oktoberfest?
A) A royal wedding
B) A parade in Munich
C) The opening of a fairground
Answer: A) A royal wedding
3. What are the traditional clothes called that men and women wear?
A) Jeans and T-shirts
B) Lederhosen and dirndls
C) Tunics and togas
Answer: B) Lederhosen and dirndls
4. What can families enjoy at Oktoberfest today?
A) Horse races only
B) Games, rides, and music
C) Quiet walks in the park
Answer: B) Games, rides, and music
5. Which city is home to the biggest Oktoberfest?
A) Berlin
B) Munich
C) Hamburg
Answer: B) Munich
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
