Oktoberfest is just around the corner, and if you can’t make the trip out to Bavaria, don’t worry Vancouver has options to keep you in the spirit.
Running from September 20th to October 5th, Oktoberfest originated in 1810 as 16 days of festivities to commemorate the marriage of Bavaria’s King Ludwig to his bride Queen Therese. It’s now the world’s largest fair in Munich, hosting more than 5 million people each year all there to celebrate beer. Each year festival goers consume over seven million liters of beer, 500,000 roast chickens, 240,000 sausages, 70,000 pork knuckles, and a small country’s worth of pretzels.
Can’t make it to Munich? Don’t fret, Vancouver’s joining the celebrations too. Steamwhistle Brewing is bringing Bavaria on September 20 with their second annual Oktoberfest Party at The Imperial (319 Main Street, Vancouver) at 8 p.m. There will be folk music by local The Rheinlander Oom-pah Band and entertainment by the AVC Edelweiss Dancers from the Austria Vancouver Club in Richmond along with sausage provided by Bestie and of course beer in traditional German steins.
Of course there will also be prizes for dressing the part too. The “Dirndl” is the name of the traditional dress worn by Bavarian women consisting of a bodice, blouse and full skirt. If you’re looking to meet a young ‘frauline’, pay attention to the knot in her apron: A knot on the left means she’s single, on the right means she’s taken and in the back means she’s widowed. The traditional attire for men is known as the “Lederhosen” and includes a dress shirt, leather shorts with suspenders (lederhosen), wool socks and leather shoes.
Tickets to the event are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. You can buy tickets here. If you can’t make the event partner bars across B.C. are also offering the Steamwhistle steins while supplies last. And if you share your pics with #SteinSelfie you can win cash to buy more beer!
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