Oktoberfest is a celebration like no other. Initially started in Munich in 1810 as a royal wedding festival, it has since grown into a global event enjoyed by millions. From lively beer tents and Bavarian music to pretzels, sausages and traditional dress, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and full of fun.
In the UK, Oktoberfest-style events have become increasingly popular. From pubs and breweries to weddings, town festivals and garden parties, people are bringing a touch of Bavaria home. If you’re planning your own Oktoberfest celebration, this guide will help you organise an event that’s festive, memorable, and true to tradition.
At BE Event Hire, we’ve supported hundreds of Oktoberfest events over the past two decades. Whether you need traditional furniture or simply a few extra benches for your beer garden, we’ve got you covered.
Setting The Scene
Creating the right feel is at the heart of any successful Oktoberfest event. The layout, music, food and seating all contribute to the sense of togetherness that defines the experience.
Before diving into the details, think about the atmosphere you want. Will it be a rowdy beer-fuelled knees-up? A family-friendly community event? A themed wedding reception? Whatever you choose, make sure your event design supports it. That includes everything from table layouts to your entertainment choices.
Guest Numbers And Budget
Start by determining how many guests you can realistically accommodate. Your budget and venue size will naturally shape this.
Once you’ve settled on a number, divide your budget into categories. Typical areas include:
- Venue or space hire
- Furniture hire (tables, benches, chairs)
- Food and drink
- Entertainment (band, DJ, games)
- Decorations and signage
- Event licences, insurance, and safety
- Marketing or promotion (if public)
Be sure to leave a small buffer for unexpected costs – they always seem to arise. It’s also helpful to use a checklist or planning spreadsheet to keep things on track.
A Suitable Venue
The right venue can truly enhance your Oktoberfest experience. Think about the size, accessibility, and facilities:
- Indoor venues: Village halls, function rooms, breweries, community centres
- Outdoor venues: Pub gardens, marquees, fields, courtyards, car parks
Check for:
- Public transport links and parking
- Shelter options in case of poor weather
- Nearby neighbours (and local noise rules)
- Facilities such as toilets, electricity, and water
- Flexibility with set-up and pack-down times
For larger events, check whether you’ll need event insurance or a temporary events licence for selling alcohol or playing live music.
Must Have Furniture For Oktoberfest
The heart of every Oktoberfest is its communal tables. Long, shared seating encourages mingling, eating, singing and drinking together – just like in Munich.
Trestle Tables
- Ideal for larger groups seated side by side
- Strong, foldable and easy to set up
- Available in rustic, limewash or plain wood finishes
- Popular sizes include 6′ x 2’6″ or 6′ x 3′
Beer Tables and Benches
- Traditional 2-metre-long sets
- Narrower design ideal for compact layouts
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Paired with matching benches for an authentic feel
Benches and Chairs
- 2-metre wooden benches for group seating
- Folding chairs for added flexibility
- Picnic benches are ideal for outdoor spaces
At BE Event Hire, we offer all of these options, delivered clean, stacked and ready to use nationwide. Whether you’re hosting 30 or 3,000 guests, we can scale to suit your plans.
Entertainment Ideas
A great Oktoberfest has more than just beer. Adding entertainment gives your guests something to remember.
Music
- Live Oompah bands in full Bavarian dress bring energy and authenticity
- Folk bands or acoustic sets work well earlier in the day
- DJs keep the party going after dark
- Traditional German music in the background during meals helps set the tone
Games and Competitions
- Stein holding challenge – see who can hold a full beer stein at arm’s length the longest
- Stein relay – teams carry full steins through an obstacle course
- Beer tasting – offer sample stations with different styles of German or local beer
- Fancy dress contests – reward the best lederhosen or dirndl
You can also set up a photo area with props like giant pretzels, Tyrolean hats and Bavarian backdrops.
Beer Tent Setup
In Munich, there are 14 official beer tents, but you only need one or two to create a great atmosphere. A simple covered marquee or gazebo can do the trick.
Things to consider:
- Partnering with a local brewery or beer brand
- Creating themes for each tent (e.g. pale ales, lagers, wheat beers)
- Using tokens or wristbands to manage drink sales
- Displaying signage with beer names, ABV, and suggested food pairings
For larger events, consider hiring additional fridges or bar units to ensure smooth service. Keep chilled water on hand and encourage responsible drinking throughout the event.
Food And Drink Planning
No Oktoberfest is complete without a generous helping of traditional German food. There’s plenty of choice, and the right menu can enhance the experience.
Food Ideas:
- Bratwurst, currywurst and frankfurters
- Roast pork (Schweinebraten)
- Pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe)
- Cheese noodles (Käsespätzle)
- Pretzels (Brezn)
- Potato salad and sauerkraut
- Obatzda (beer cheese dip)
- Apple strudel or Black Forest gateau
Offering smaller, sample-size portions lets guests try a variety of dishes. Street food stalls or food trucks are an effective way to serve large crowds quickly.
Decor And Atmosphere
Setting the scene visually helps guests feel transported to the heart of Bavaria.
Décor Tips:
- Blue-and-white tablecloths, banners and bunting
- German flags and themed signage
- Barrels, steins and rustic props
- Twinkling festoon lighting for evening events
- Encourage traditional dress (dirndls and lederhosen)
- Hire or make giant gingerbread hearts as decorations or souvenirs
Small touches, such as themed napkins, name cards, or flowers in beer steins, add charm to any table.
Organising Tickets And Entry
If you’re selling tickets, whether printed or digital, a themed ticket builds anticipation and adds a personal touch.
- Use Oktoberfest-style fonts and colours (blue, white, gold, deep red)
- Offer different entry tiers (e.g. ticket only, ticket with food, ticket with drinks)
- Create limited VIP experiences or table reservations
- Include QR codes for scanning at entry
- Offer souvenir wristbands or tokens for drink redemption
Promoting Your Event
Getting the word out is vital, especially if your event is open to the public. Utilise a combination of channels to generate excitement and drive bookings.
Promotion Tips:
- Post countdowns and sneak peeks on Instagram and Facebook
- Create an event page and run local ads
- Collaborate with breweries, pubs or food vendors to cross-promote
- Use flyers and posters in pubs, cafés, gyms and shops
- Share behind-the-scenes footage during the build-up
- Consider radio ads or listings in local event magazines
Encourage guests to share photos with your event hashtag and tag your page to create a buzz.
Safety And Practical Tips
Planning ensures a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.
- Hire security or stewards for crowd control
- Make sure toilets are available and clean
- Have a first aid station with visible signage
- Clearly mark exits and entry points
- Offer free water stations and encourage breaks
- Remind guests to pre-book taxis or nominate designated drivers
- Provide bins and recycling for keeping the site tidy
If you’re serving alcohol or playing loud music, check your local council’s regulations and apply for any required licences.
Ceremonial First Keg Tapping
For a touch of tradition, open your Oktoberfest with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg. It’s a beloved custom in Munich and a great way to kick off the festivities.
Have someone notable or fun, such as the organiser, a local publican, or even a mayor, tap the keg with a mallet. Then raise a cheer of “O’zapft is!” which means “It’s tapped!”
This is also a great photo opportunity and a signal for everyone to raise their first glass.
Cheers From BE Event Hire
Planning your own Oktoberfest event is a fantastic way to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting friends in your back garden or managing a multi-day town celebration, it’s the little details that make it special.
With the right tables, benches and seating, your event will feel as authentic and welcoming as a Munich beer tent. At BE Event Hire, we’ve supported Oktoberfest events across the UK for over 20 years, delivering traditional furniture that creates the perfect look and feel.
From trestle tables, beer tables and benches to folding chairs and picnic tables, we deliver nationwide and can support events of all shapes and sizes.
So grab your steins, don your dirndl, and let’s raise a toast to a celebration filled with great food, great beer and great company.
Prost!
Related Articles
- Oktoberfest: History, Origins, Traditions
- Ultimate Event Planning Guide and Checklists
- Oktoberfest Furniture Hire
- Oktoberfest Table & Bench Hire
- 5 Things You Need For a Successful Beer Festival
Prefer an AI Summary?