Oktoberfest History

Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810 with the wedding of Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig later to become King Ludwig I to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The couple broke tradition when they invited Munich's common people to the celebration. The events were held over five days on the lawn in front of the city gates now called Theresienwiese. 40,000 people showed up for the celebration. A year later they decided to throw the party again as an anniversary tribute to the royal couple and the tradition began. Now 204 years later and 180 Oktoberfests in the books in Munich, the celebration continues in Milwaukee.