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

See Examples For:

Oktoberfest

Brian Oswald, a 69-year-old retired forestry professor from Nacogdoches, Texas, came straight to Oktoberfest after landing on an overnight flight from the United States.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

In the tents erected in Munich for Oktoberfest, the atmosphere can be intoxicating enough without the alcohol.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

A spokesman for the Bavarian police told the BBC that since 2025, it has run a poster campaign at the Oktoberfest, warning against upskirting.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

This Oktoberfest she has handed out more than 100 pairs, she says: "I want to do everything I can to make people feel secure."

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

Well," the old boy pursued, into his subject now, "that's where they'd be, places like the Oktoberfest.

From Unborn Tomorrow by Kelly Freas