Oktoberfest

American  

[ok-toh-ber-fest] / ɒkˈtoʊ bərˌfɛst /

Or Octoberfest

noun

1. a traditional festival held each October in Munich, Germany.

2. any similar festival held usually in the autumn.

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Usage

What is Oktoberfest? Oktoberfest is a traditional festival held in October in Munich, Germany. It’s the largest Volksfest, which combines a beer (or sometimes wine) festival and a traveling carnival. Despite its name, Oktoberfest usually starts in September and ends in early October. Oktoberfest can also refer to any similar fall festival, especially held in the United States and featuring beer and German foods. Example: My town’s Oktoberfest always features local German beers and foods from Karl’s German Kitchen.

Etymology

Origin of Oktoberfest

From German; see origin at October, fest

Example Sentences

In October, at the peak of Oktoberfest celebrations, a forest fire closed a major highway funneling visitors across the Cascades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

Although dirndl dresses and lederhosen prevailed at Oktoberfest, attended by about 60 people, Nature Friends is not a German social club but rather a haven for lovers of nature, art and culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

The latest sightings came late Thursday, when Germany closed the Munich airport, grounding 17 departing flights and stranding nearly 3,000 passengers during Oktoberfest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

Last year, Johnson played in the Bavarian city of Augsburg and Wolfe posted Instagram photos of the pair at Oktoberfest in Munich.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023

You could be a four-armed space traveler from Mars, and you still wouldn't be conspicuous at the Oktoberfest.

From Unborn Tomorrow by Freas, Kelly