London's Oktoberfest Checklist
Oktoberfest is a grand time, a proper party, and a brilliant excuse to gather your favourite people. You’ve heard the buzz and seen the steins – now get ready to master it. To unlock the magic of this legendary Bavarian celebration, a little planning goes a long way.
We’ve got you covered with a checklist that covers everything from preparations to easing back into everyday life the day after. We will also go over what Oktoberfest is all about and help ensure your experience celebrating Oktoberfest in London is memorable from start to finish.
Oktoberfest: More than just a beer festival
While “Oktoberfest” often brings to mind flowing pints of beer, it’s so much more than just a drinking event. At its heart, Oktoberfest is a joyful celebration of Bavarian culture, tradition, and community spirit that dates back over 200 years.
The whole tradition started with a huge wedding party. Back in 1810, the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (who would later become King Ludwig I) was marrying Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. To celebrate, the royal family invited all the citizens of Munich to a massive public party on the fields outside the city gates.
The five-day festival included a huge feast and, as a grand finale, a horse race. It was such a hit that the locals decided to repeat the festival every year, and the annual tradition was born.
In the UK, we’ve embraced this Bavarian tradition, blending it with our lively spirit to create unforgettable celebrations. Whether it’s the bustling energy of London or the vibrant gatherings in other major cities, UK Oktoberfest events offer a delightful taste of Munich’s famous festival.
Getting ready for Oktoberfest
The secret to a fantastic Oktoberfest celebration begins long before you raise your first stein. Think of this as your pre-game strategy, setting the stage for maximum enjoyment and minimum worries. This is where you lay the foundation for a day, or night, of fun.
Oktoberfest events across London, specifically Soho, are hugely popular, and Oktoberfest 2025 promises to be no different. This isn’t usually a “turn up on the day” kind of party, especially at top venues.
- Book early, book smart: To avoid disappointment, especially if you’re planning for a group, booking your table well in advance is essential. Popular slots, particularly on weekend evenings, get snapped up fast.
- Check dates and times: Oktoberfest runs for a specific period (for Albert’s Schloss, it’s from Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, October 12th, 2025). Make sure your chosen date and time slot fit your plans. Most bookings are for a set duration, typically a few hours.
Dressing up is half the fun, and it’s a great way to get into the spirit, whether you’re in Munich or at an Oktoberfest celebration in Soho.
- Embrace tracht, or a fun take on it: The traditional Dirndl for women and Lederhosen for men are the iconic choices. They’re fun, they look great in photos, and they help you feel part of Oktoberfest. If a whole outfit isn’t for you, a Bavarian-inspired look, like a checked shirt and braces for men, or a simple dress with an apron for women, is perfect.
- Comfort is key: You’ll be standing, perhaps dancing on benches, and moving around. Comfortable shoes are your best friend. Leave the stilettos and stiff dress shoes at home. Think sturdy boots, comfy flats, or even stylish trainers.
- Accessories add flair: A felt Alpine hat for the gents, or a pretty flower crown or ribbons for the ladies, can complete the look. Small, practical bags are best for keeping your hands free for steins.
- Layers for London weather: Even if the bier halle is warm inside, getting to and from the venue can be chilly, especially as autumn evenings draw in. Bring a comfy cardigan, a light jacket, or a shawl that matches your outfit.
Getting to your Oktoberfest destination should be as stress-free as possible. London can be a bit chaotic to get around, even more so in Soho on busy weekends, so make sure you plan ahead.
- Plan your route: Use public transport – it’s ideal for any event where alcohol is involved. Check train, tube, or bus routes beforehand. For example, Albert’s Schloss in Soho is just a 3-5 minute walk away from Piccadilly Circus and a 4-6 minute walk from Leicester Square. For those coming from outside the city, London Charing Cross station is about a 10-12-minute walk or a quick tube/bus ride away. London Victoria is a bit further, at around a 30-35 minute walk, but is easily connected via a short tube ride on the Victoria Line to Green Park, then the Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus. Websites or apps like Citymapper can make all this planning a bit easier.
- Do your best to be on time: Your booked time slot for Oktoberfest will usually start precisely when it’s booked, not when you arrive. Arriving 10-15 minutes early ensures you can check in, get settled, and be ready to order as soon as your time begins.
This is going to help you have more sustained enjoyment and a happy next day.
- Hydrate well the day before: Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day and evening before your Oktoberfest visit. This helps prepare your body for the celebration.
- Eat a good base meal: Have a balanced, hearty dinner the night before. On the day, if your brunch doesn’t start early, a light, easily digestible breakfast or snack is recommended. In this case, eating is definitely not cheating.
On the day of your Soho Oktoberfest celebration
The day is here, you’ve prepared well, and now it’s time to dive into the joyous celebration. Let’s go over how you can make the most of every moment. We will cover everything from the food to das biers, as well as touching on some of the nuances that make Oktoberfest such a celebration.
Bier and food checklist
This is the heart of Oktoberfest; after all, it is just one big feast. Making sure that you take part in all the festing and drinking is essential when celebrating Oktoberfest, but always remember to enjoy it wisely.
- Raise a stein: Get ready to raise a mighty 1-litre stein (Maß) of traditional Bavarian beer. Drinking beer from a stein is synonymous with Oktoberfest because of its deep roots in Bavarian tradition, and it’s just simply practical. The durable glass mugs are perfect for withstanding the boisterous cheers of a crowded bier hall, and their generous 1-litre size reduces the need for frequent trips to the bar.
- Pace your biers: It’s tempting to drink quickly, but remember, these are generous pours and a long celebration. For every stein of bier, try to have a glass of water in between.
- Feast on hearty Bavarian dishes: Oktoberfest isn’t just about the bier; it’s about the fantastic food. Here is what you can expect:
- Giant pretzels: Soft, chewy, and salted – perfect for sharing and soaking up the bier.
- Klassic wurst: From classic Bratwurst to other traditional German sausages, often served with sauerkraut and mustard.
- Crispy schnitzels: A popular choice for a satisfying meal.
- Roast chicken or pork knuckle: If you’re looking for a serious feast, these authentic, slow-roasted dishes are simply delicious.
Engaging with the entertainment
Entertainment has been central to Oktoberfest since the very first celebration in 1810, which included horse races, parades, and public festivities for a royal wedding. Over the centuries, this lively public celebration evolved into the iconic brass bands and communal sing-alongs we know today. The music is designed to get the entire hall singing and clapping in unison, creating an atmosphere of shared joy that is uniquely characteristic of the Fest.
- Feel the Oompah beat: Let the live Oompah bands’ lively tunes get your feet tapping and hands clapping.
- Sing along loud and proud: You’ll soon pick up the famous drinking songs like “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” – a hearty toast to good times. Don’t be shy; join in the chorus.
- Watch for games and contests: Keep an eye out for traditional Oktoberfest games like Masskrugstemmen (Stein Holding), a classic test of strength where you hold a full 1-litre stein straight out in front of you for as long as possible. Great for a laugh and some friendly competition.
Engaging Capturing the memories
It might be your first Oktoberfest celebration, or maybe you’re a seasoned professional; regardless, it is a special memory that you will want to look back on one day. So remember to:
- Take plenty of photos: Your fabulous Oktoberfest outfit will be perfect for selfies and group shots with your friends.
- Visit the photo booth: Many venues offer fun photo booths or backdrops to capture those joyous moments.
Continuing the Oktoberfest Soho celebrations
You’ve successfully navigated the on-the-day checklist and had an epic Oktoberfest experience. The bier hall was buzzing, the music was loud, and the steins were flowing. But the party doesn’t have to end when your session concludes, especially if you’re celebrating in the heart of Soho, London.
Stepping out from the lively atmosphere of the bier halle, you’re immediately greeted by the unique energy of London’s West End. Soho is a place that never sleeps, and its streets are just waiting to carry that Fest feeling into the rest of your day. Whether you’re soaking up the atmosphere, planning your next move, or simply enjoying the post-Oktoberfest glow, Soho offers that seamless transition, ensuring your festivities continue.
Your post-Oktoberfest checklist
The official Oktoberfest session might be over, but the good times in London don’t have to stop. It’s a good idea to do some post-fest recovery so that you can make the most of your time in London the day after Oktoberfest. Here’s a checklist to help you recover the day after.
The day after recovery checklist
Even the best Fest can leave you needing a little TLC the day after. There are a few important things to keep in mind when coming off a grand celebration. Try to remember to:
- Continue hydrating: Drink plenty of water throughout the next day to help your body recover.
- Nourish and replenish: Opt for a balanced, nourishing meal. Comforting food works wonders for feeling better.
- Relax and reflect: Take it easy. It’s the perfect day for lounging, watching a movie, and looking back at the wonderful memories you made.
Start planning your next Oktoberfest
The true sign of a successful Oktoberfest experience? You’re already looking forward to next year. The joy, the music, the food, and the shared festivities make it an event you’ll want to revisit annually.
Your perfect Oktoberfest 2025 awaits at Albert's Schloss
So, you’ve got your ultimate Oktoberfest checklist in hand. You’re now fully prepared to enjoy every single moment of this legendary Fest. From choosing your best outfit to knowing how to pace your biers and embrace the entertainment, you’re ready to make Oktoberfest 2025 memorable.
When it comes to putting this checklist into action and experiencing Oktoberfest at its very best, Albert’s Schloss is the place to be. Our pleasure palaces in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool are gearing up for the complete Bavarian celebration from Saturday 20th September to Sunday 12th October.
We bring the heart of Bavaria to your doorstep with all the elements for an unforgettable Fest. You can proudly tour all of the Munich Big 6 Oktoberfest biers – from the first-tapped Spaten to the strong, golden Hofbräu.
Our cook haus will be serving up hearty Alpine food, and our showtime stages will be full of exciting entertainment, ensuring every item on your checklist for a fantastic time is thoroughly ticked off.
Ready to start checking off your ultimate Oktoberfest experience? Book your space for Oktoberfest 2025 at your nearest Albert’s Schloss today.
Select location:
Select location:
