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A visit to the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany means stepping back in time to the days of endless beer and almost non-stop revelry.

When is Oktoberfest? This year — from September 19th to October 4th 2009 — Oktoberfest is a 15-day extravaganza of beer, wursts, pretzels, traditional drinking songs and, of course, more beer.

The focal point of the big event are the giant tents of the major German Oktoberfestshops, known to locals as "D' Wies'n". They include the Haufbrau, Hippodrom, Hacker-Festzelt, Schottenhamel, Ochsenbraterei, and Fischer Vroni, among others.

The first Oktoberfest actually began as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Luitpold I and Princess Theressa of Bavaria on October 17, 1810. A large meadow in Munich was taken over as the royal reception site and featured a horse race, music, dancing, singing -- and lots and lots of beer drinking.

More about Oktoberfest around the Web

If you can't make it to Munich, you may just want to take the virtual tour on the Web - complete with pictures, food & party ideas, event & travel info, and details on accommodation and getting around...plus more on German-American Oktoberfest celebrations coast to coast...

also see in the Party Blog: Oktoberfest Party & Food Ideas

Oktoberfest - The official site featuring the lastest news, photo galleries, interactive map of all 14 major tents, message boards (in German only), FAQ and lots of interesting historical facts and trivia.

Oktoberfest in Munich - This site is the official Munich Tourist site. You'd expect good coverage of the Oktoberfest here...and you won't be disappointed. History and this years' events complete with streaming video for those who can't make it in person.

Oktoberfest - The whole history of the fall festival complete with pictures, event dates, details on major tents, plus related links to Munich celebrations and those around the world, from Wikipedia.

Munich Nights Oktoberfest - An independent site dedicated to exploring the nightlife in Munich with a bit of history, maps for the tents, tips on getting in and getting around and a great selection of ideas for after the tents shut down.

The Hofbräu Tent - The Hofbräu-Festzelt is the biggest beer-tent at the Oktoberfest. The site gives you the menu of mouth watering Oktoberfest specialties and vivid pictures that bring it all to life.

Oktoberfest: The Definitive At-Home Party Guide - Raise a glass to All Recipes.com featuring a great guide to partying it up with friends & family. Instructions on party planning & decorations, beer and drinks, and lots of recipes with instructions for authentic Oktoberfest party food.

Best Oktoberfest Recipes - Top 20 - The best red cabbage, black forest cake, schnitzel, German potato salad and more top recipes as rated by visitors at allrecipes.com

Send Oktoberfest Cards - A nice selection of cards featuring beer, wurst and Ludwig von Beethoven. Animated flash cards are almost as much fun as the festivities in Munich.

Oktoberfest Fun - Favorite fun facts, information & trivia on the worldwide celebration from Fridge Door.com

also see feature -> Oktoberfest in Munich - Beer World Capital

USA Oktoberfest Celebrations Nationwide