Throw the Ultimate Backyard Oktoberfest Party

From authentic German recipes to Oktoberfest-inspired crafts and tips for setting up a backyard bier bar, our Oktoberfest party-planning tips will help you be the host with the most Prost!

By: Heather Baird and H. Camille Smith

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Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

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Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

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Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

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Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

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Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Photo By: Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Oktoberfest at Home: Bavaria in Your Backyard

Can't make it to Munich this year? No worries! From grab-and-go versions of your favorite German fare to tips for setting up a backyard bar that'll please damen, herren and kinder — plus, easy-to-craft extras that'll really put your Oktoberfest party over the top, we'll help you bring the best of Bavaria to your backyard. Keep reading for our favorite German recipes, DIY decorating ideas and easy Oktoberfest crafts.

From: Heather Baird

Fall = Outdoor Entertaining Season

Cooler weather plus Mother Nature's ever-changing display make partying outdoors in the fall a natural fit. For your Oktoberfest spread, set up a buffet-size table, cover with blue and white linens and pennants, then top with the best in German comfort food.

From: Heather Baird

Tempt Guests With a Bountiful Buffet

Anyone who's been lucky enough to visit Munich during Oktoberfest knows that the celebration isn't just about the beer. Hearty, traditional German recipes also take center stage; from brotzeit to Black Forest kuchen, pile the table high with Bavaria's favorite flavors.

From: Heather Baird

And, a Bountiful Bar

While we associate Oktoberfest with beer (and plenty of it!), to really quench your guests' thirst, set up a bar that also includes Germany's famous wines and non-alcoholic sips, too. Get all our best tips, below.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: Heather Baird

Treat Them to German Desserts

Apfelstrudel or German apple strudel is a classic dessert made of spiced, sweet apples and raisins in a buttery, flaky phyllo crust that everyone loves. It’s easy to make as single-serving portions, perfect for partying. Dust with powdered sugar, and offer whipped cream as a topping to top off the classic.

get the recipe: Mini Apple Strudel Recipe

From: Heather Baird

And, Homemade Brezen

The traditional Bavarian-style soft pretzel, or brezen, is so well-loved that it's practically the Oktoberfest mascot. A crowd-pleasing comfort food, they make a tasty addition to your table. They’re easy to make, and are a scrumptious dipper for beer cheese and sweet mustards. Learn how easy it is to twist them up at home, below.

get the recipe: Easy Bavarian-Style Soft Pretzels

From: Heather Baird

Include Easy-to-Craft Details

Fabric napkins in Oktoberfest colors are not only a more eco-friendly option than paper napkins but their larger size and durability will also be appreciated by partygoers. Thread ribbon through a mini pretzel and tie around each napkin for an extra festive (and munchable!) detail.

From: Heather Baird

And, Get Crafty With the Kinder

Get a little help from your favorite kiddos to whip up mini versions of lebkuchen, the gingerbread hearts that are everywhere in Munich during Oktoberfest. Basic craft supplies are all you'll need to whip these up during the festivities for kids to take home as a personalized party favor. Get our crafting tips, plus learn the history of lebkuchen and how they came to be associated with Oktoberfest, below.

get the how-to: Oktoberfest Kids' Craft: Make Mini Gingerbread Heart Necklaces

From: H. Camille Smith

Work In Rustic Decor

Simple flower arrangements made with fresh daisies and dried wheat stems make a beautiful choice to adorn the buffet table. They’re easy to arrange in rustic containers and budget-friendly, to boot.

From: Heather Baird

Include Our Free Printable Bar Menu

Invite guests to belly up to the bar and help themselves with our free printable bar menu that'll help them mix up a non-alcoholic apfelschorle or less boozy radler. Get more free printables and bar-styling tips, below.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

And, Craft Some DIY Decorations

Our three free printable steins are a fun way to Oktoberfest-up everyday foam koozies. Just print one of our vintage-inspired designs onto card stock, then attach with a bit of hot glue. Get more crafty tips for setting up a backyard bier bar, below.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Festoon the Table

Decorate your table with the colors of the Bavarian flag. These blue-and-white pennants, in the traditional Oktoberfest pattern, can easily be found online if you can't source them at a local party store.

From: Heather Baird

And, Pile On the Pumpkins

It is fall, after all. If you've already brought out your pumpkins — fresh or faux — for Halloween or fall decorating, work them into your Oktoberfest decor. Here, an oversized gourd even provides a handy seat for kids to enjoy German's favorite non-alcoholic sip, an apfelschorle, which is equal parts apple juice and sparkling water.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Bier: Serve Bavaria's Best

Fun fact: Germany has been continuously brewing beer longer than any other country — which certainly helps to explain why many beerlovers will agree: German beer is quite simply the best. It's also the purest, a 500-year-old law, the Reinheitsgebot (or Edict of Purity) decrees that German beers must be pure and contain only water, barley, hops, yeast, wheat malt and/or sugar cane. So, deciding which bottles to buy for your backyard Oktoberfest should be a no-brainer: Bavarian is best. Learn more about the history of Oktoberfest's official beers, below.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Savor Bavaria's Best in Your Backyard

Germans, especially Bavarians, take their beer so seriously, in fact, that only six breweries are officially sanctioned as Oktoberfest beers and served in the world-famous tents. Of those six, only four are available in the U.S. and are seen above: Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr and Hofbräu — all delicious and a great way to enjoy an authentic, historic taste of Oktoberfest in your own backyard.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

But, Don't Stop at the Beer

While many beer drinkers will agree that German beer is the best, some partygoers may prefer to sample one of Germany's famous wines. So, fill the second barrel with ice and slide in bottles of Liebfraumilch, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. As with any party, always provide non-alcoholic options so kids and non-drinkers can also quench their thirst. For ours, we added mini water bottles and larger bottles of sparkling water and apple juice for the apfelschorl or apple spritzer that is a favorite non-alcoholic sip in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Don Your Dindl to Dress the Part

A simple dress worn with an apron or a peasant blouse with a skirt can create an Oktoberfest outfit if you don't have an authentic dirndl to wear to the celebration. Add a flower crown, and you're ready to party. Get our tips for crafting your own Bavarian flower crown, below.

get the how-to: How to Craft Bavarian Flower Crowns for Oktoberfest

From: Heather Baird

And, Dress Up Your Pup

Because, honestly is there any cuter party guest than a pug in lederhosen?! Pets are family so include them in your party plans. Invite outgoing pets to the party; alternatively, provide a safe, quiet spot inside for pets that are skittish around strangers, not feeling well or are afraid of loud noises.

From: Heather Baird

But, Keep an Eye on Fido's Food

While furry family members, dressed up in adorable lederhosen or dirndl costumes, will fit right in to the festivities, German fare is particularly rich, so keep an eye on curious noses that may try to sneak a bite of food from your plate. Instead, have pet-safe treats set aside and reward them often.

From: Heather Baird

Don't Forget to Add a Crowning Touch

Although not technically part of the tracht or traditional Bavarian costume associated with Oktoberfest, flower crowns have become a favorite finishing touch for women donning a dirndl because any day that you can wear a flower crown is a good day, right? Get Insta-ready with our tips, below, for crafting DIY flower crowns that pair alpine-inspired faux blooms with the blue and white palette that's symbolic of Bavaria, the home of Germany's official Oktoberfest celebrations.

get the how-to: How to Craft Bavarian Flower Crowns for Oktoberfest

From: H. Camille Smith

Brotzeit: Germany's Take on Charcuterie

Translating to 'bread time,' brotzeit is a popular site at biergartens where platters are piled high with a variety of snackables, much like a charcuterie board. To feed a crowd, we filled our Oktoberfest brotzeit with imported German cheeses, sausages, and salt pickles, along with pretzels and slices of homemade German seeded bread. For a healthy crunch, we added harvest-style fruits and vegetables such as sliced radishes and clusters of black Corinth table grapes. Learn how to bake up hearty homemade German bread or dreikernebrot, below.

get the recipe: Homemade German Seeded Bread Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Serve the Best of the Wurst

There are many regional varieties of German sausages (or wurstl) that are made from beloved recipes and are considered closely guarded secrets. Lucky for us, many ready-made authentic varieties are offered in neighborhood grocery stores, here in the U.S. Grill hearty bratwurst and some garlicky knackwurst to include on your charcuterie board, and cut them into single-bite slices for easier serving.

From: Heather Baird

Enticing Ensemble: Pile On the Flavors

The hearty fare on this Oktoberfest charcuterie, or brotzeit, board is sure to entice your guests. Have generous portions on hand of various German-style mustards and horseradish sauces, which particularly enhance the flavors of authentic German sausages. A staple on menus all over Munich, brotzeit are snack platters that include an assortment of meats, cheeses, rustic breads, pretzels and crunchy veggies such as salt pickles, radishes and onions.

From: Heather Baird

And, Don't Forget the Cheese, Please!

Be sure to include German cheeses on your Oktoberfest charcuterie board. Many varieties can easily be found in cheese shops everywhere. The assertive flavor of Bavaria blu, the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Gouda and soft, creaminess of butterkäse provide plenty of tasty variety for cheese lovers and are the perfect compliment to your table's other tastes and textures.

From: Heather Baird

Real Utensils: Both Eco-Friendly + Food-Friendly

Provide real flatware and dishes for your guests to use as a refined alternative to disposable cutlery and dishes. They're not only a greener solution; they also add a more sophisticated style to your party. Just slip silverware into clear glass mugs to make them easy to grab.

From: Heather Baird

Serveware: Let Guests Help Themselves

Have appropriate serveware for all non-finger food items. From platter to plate, tongs make it easy to serve crisp, phyllo-wrapped apple strudels. Bake up a batch of these irresistible German classics with our recipe, below.

get the recipe: Mini Apple Strudel Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Party, Picnic Style

Long communal tables are a big part of Germany's official Oktoberfest celebrations. No worries if you don't have a giant biergarten table, many guests will be happy to relax on a blanket, picnic style, while they enjoy the warm fall weather, a boozy sip and plateful of delicious homemade fare.

From: H. Camille Smith

Beer + Cheese = a Perfect Pairing

Beer cheese is easy to make and will be an instant hit, even with the pickiest of palates. Its two main components are — you guessed it — beer and grated cheese. Serve in a crock with a large spoon so everyone can enjoy a generous dollop on their plate. Get our recipe, below.

get the recipe: Beer Cheese Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Dipping Done Right

Have plenty of crisp pretzels on hand and place them within easy reach of the beer cheese. It’s the perfect party dip and is particularly delicious with salty pretzels.

get the recipe: Beer Cheese Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Beer + Pretzels = Another Perfect Match

Pretzel necklaces have become a beer festival tradition — both at Bavaria's Oktoberfest and at beer-tasting events here in the states. While wearing pretzels around your neck certainly means that a snack is always at hand, the pretzels are meant to serve a bigger purpose: cleansing your palate between vastly different beers, like when switching from a wheaty hefeweizen to a citrusy radler. And, they're super easy to make: just thread ribbon or twine through pretzels and knot.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Pretzel Necklaces: Fun for Kids, Too

Okay, so kids don't need a palate cleanser between different styles of beer — but — they're sure to be big fans of crunchy, salty pretzels strung through with colorful checked ribbon.

From: H. Camille Smith

Käsespätzle: More Cheese, Please!

Käsespätzle, a baked cheesy noodle dish, is a favorite comfort food that some might say is German mac-n’-cheese. We’ve transformed this dish into a hand-pie for your party. Top them with chopped parsley or chives to add a fresh bite and eye appeal. Get cheesy with the recipe, below.

get the recipe: Oktoberfest Feast: Mini Käsespätzle Pies

From: Heather Baird

Potato Pancakes: A Satisfying Side Dish

Crispy, flavorful German potato pancakes or kartoffelpuffer are popular as a side dish or snack in Germany year round. This classic recipe is easy to make as appetizer-sized mini pancakes to feed a crowd. They are delicious topped with applesauce, or sour cream and chives. Get the recipe, below.

get the recipe: Mini German Potato Pancakes Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Radler: Mix Up a Less-Boozy Bevvy

While radlers may seem like a modern microbrewery invention, they've actually been around for a century now. Legend has it that a group of parched cyclists riding through the Bavarian countryside stopped at an inn for refreshments. To stretch his limited beer supply, the innkeeper added lemonade to the lager and came up with a refreshing drink that refueled the cyclists and caught on as a less alcoholic way to quench your thirst. The drink and its connection to cycling (radler means cyclist in German) caught on and has become popular again today. Mix up your own with equal parts lager and your favorite lemonade or any other citrusy sip.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Gluhwein: Go With the Glow

Offer authentic German mulled wine or gluhwein (pronounced 'glue vine') to partygoers. This warm and spicy sip is sure to warm them up on a cool October day. Full of cozy spices like cinnamon and clove and garnished with orange slices, the heavenly aroma will lure guests to it when served hot. Brew up a batch with our recipe, below.

get the recipe: Authentic German Mulled Wine Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Centerpieces: More Is More

When dressing the bar, don't skimp on the fall flowers. As the centerpiece, we stacked rustic wood slices for height, then filled an antique stoneware pitcher with fresh-cut sunflowers, dried wheat stems and baby's breath. A vintage stoneware stein filled with mounded German chamomile doubles the flower power.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Your Stein or Mine?

Steins used as vases or decorative containers add Old World biergarten flair to your Oktoberfest table. If you don't have any at home, borrow some from a friend — or go thrifting. Secondhand steins are easy to find at local estate sales, thrift stores, yard sales or online.

From: Heather Baird

Work In Even More Blooms

Add even more blooms to your bar with these easy-to-craft daisy clips that gather together the corners of the draped table. Learn how to make them, plus get even more Oktoberfest crafting ideas, below.

get the how-to: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

And, Put the Garden in Biergarten

Bunches of potted fall blooms will give your party setting a garden feel — even if your thumb isn't particularly green. Container gardens are not only easier to tend than in-ground gardens, they're also more resistant to weeds and pests. So, pot up some pretties, then surround your Oktoberfest bar or buffet table to bring the biergarten feel home.

See More Photos: 50 Gorgeous Fall Container Garden & Planter Ideas

From: H. Camille Smith

Break Bread, the German Way

Dense, nutrient-rich dark seeded breads are well loved in German culture. Authentic German seed bread, or dreikernebrot, is a dense, chewy bread full of aromatic grain flavors, including rye. This bread is seeded inside and out, which gives it a rich, nutty flavor and irresistibly crunchy texture. Get the recipe, below.

get the recipe: Homemade German Seeded Bread Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Hearty Bread: A Tasty Blank Canvas

Dreikernebrot is such versatile bread that it will compliment everything on your table. Encourage guests to try it topped with rich knackwurst and Bavarian Blu cheese, or a drizzle of honey for a sweeter option.

get the recipe: Homemade German Seeded Bread Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Mini Black Forest Cakes

The popular recipe for Black Forest Cake is made by layering cherries and whipped cream between layers of chocolate sponge cake. Traditionally, the recipe includes Kirsch (Kirschwasser), a sour cherry liqueur that originates from the Black Forest region of Germany. Offer your guests single-serving sized rounds of Black Forest Cake for a light but decadent sweet treat.

get the recipe: Mini Black Forest Cake Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Mini Cakes = Kid-Friendly Treats

Oktoberfest is often a family affair with children included as guests. Make a special batch of Black Forest Cakes for kids and omit the Kirshwasser liqueur. The cake will be just as delicious without it. Get the recipe, below.

get the recipe: Mini Black Forest Cake Recipe

From: Heather Baird

Restock the Bar Mid-Party

Draping the bar table so that the plastic table covers reach the ground not only looks great, it also turns the area under the table into a handy spot for stashing extra bottles of German beer and wine in a cooler along with extra bags of ice. Mid-party, be sure to replenish the barrels to keep the party going.

learn more: Oktoberfest Party: Set Up a Backyard Bier Bar

From: H. Camille Smith

Brotzeit: An Edible Centerpiece

Your charcuterie (or brotzeit) board is sure to be the centerpiece of your Oktoberfest party. The classic Bavarian tastes you offer your guests will have them coming back for more of these classic German comfort foods.

From: Heather Baird

Be Ready to Refill

With so many irresistible flavors, your Oktoberfest buffet table is sure to be the star of the party. Stock your fridge and pantry with extra salty and savory menu items so you can restock mid-celebration to keep 'fest guests happily feasting.

From: Heather Baird

Include the Essential Sides

Bavarian-style condiments are crucial for a successful Oktoberfest brotzeit board. The biting heat of creamy horseradish sauce, savory mustard with dill, rustic stoneground spicy mustard, and savory-sweet hot mustard compliment the flavors of meats, cheeses and pretzels on your table.

From: Heather Baird

Braunschweiger: A Savory Spread

Similar to liverwurst, braunschweiger is a spiced, cased sausage that can be spread like pâté or served sliced. It has a rich, pungent flavor that can be paired with crackers or brown breads such as rye or German seed bread, and served with mustard or horseradish sauce.

From: Heather Baird

Guests Will Love These Fun Favors

What would a backyard Oktoberfest celebration be without the beer?! But, keeping cold ones cold can prove a little tricky on a warm sunny day. Beat the heat by providing each guest with a koozie embellished with one of our three free printable steins — just print out the designs, cut out, then attach with a bit of hot glue. And, best of all, guests can take their koozie stein home as a fun party favor.

From: H. Camille Smith

Sweet Success

Using this guide to make authentic savory German fare, tempting sweets, and festive drinks, your Oktoberfest celebration is sure to be a success. Family and friends will fondly remember their virtual vacay in Bavaria for years to come.

From: Heather Baird

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