Why Is Oktoberfest In September?

Oktoberfest is held annually, or normally annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.  I say usually because for 2021, it's cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  While the official and main event over there is not happening, there is still plenty of Oktoberfest celebrating that will be happening all over the world.

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Today, I was wondering why exactly is Oktoberfest and many of the events I've heard about celebrated in September?  I even asked someone I thought would be in the know, and she said "It's always in September", but couldn't tell me why.  All I knew about it was it meant drinking beer, music, and fun.  So I reached out to my Uncle Google to get some answers.

The event dates back to 1810 and involved horse races and a marriage of a prince and princess, though there seems to be some controversy over the actual origins of the now annual event and what kicked it all off.  The shortest answer I could find was it's a celebration of the beginning of the month.  This makes sense as the festival starts in September and ends on the first Sunday in October, or Oktober, if you're in Germany, usually it runs for 16-18 days, it just depends on the calendar each year.

While that's not the most thrilling of answers to the question, that's why they call it what they do.  The annual celebration many be cancelled on the other side of the pond, but it's for sure happening in the Twin Ports at the Duluth Oktoberfestival.  It will be on September 17, 18, and 19 at Bayfront Festival Park and there will be beer, food, music, dancing, and activities for the whole family to participate in.  If you do attend and happen to drink too much beer, there is even a Sober Ride Program, to get you home safely.