It’s big. Officially authorized by the Munich City Government and the Munich Oktoberfest Committee, Beijing’s Oktoberfest will take place from September 6-21, 2013 at the Olympic Park. It is the only Oktoberfest globally authorized by the Munich Oktoberfest Committee. Highlights of the experience brought over to the Chinese capital will include live music, German cuisine, and of course authentic Oktoberfest beer. Come attend the 16-day-long beer festival and you will get to experience Oktoberfest without ever having to leave the country!
Located on the grounds of the Olympic Park, just left of the Observation Tower, is the site of Beijing’s 2013 Oktoberfest that can accommodate tens of thousands of visitors each day. Getting there is easy by taking Beijing Subway Line 8 and getting off at Olympic Forest Park station; continue walking west from Exit D and you will arrive shortly. Further information about the event is available by visiting www.b-m-bf.com and ticket packages are available through www.damai.cn. Presale entrance tickets cost RMB95 before the opening on 9/6 and normal entrance ticket prices are RMB100 per person; packages for 2-8 people range from RMB258-1298 include entrance tickets, beer, and food. Catering will include both German and Chinese cuisines such as roasted meats and sausages.
At the Munich Oktoberfest, there are 14 tents in total and at the event in Beijing, four of them will be brought over and set up in the style of the Munich Oktoberfest. Bavarian culture will be on display and represent the excellence and characteristics of German traditions. The four tents (the Oktoberfest Tent, the HB Hofbrauhaus Tent, the Schloss Neuschwanstein Tent, and the Sissi Tent) each have their own theme, style, and characteristics, having been visited by the Munich Oktoberfest Committee for input and suggestions. During Oktoberfest, the owners of the four German tents will be in attendance to experience the fun, drinking and dancing with the guests, and will even be bringing their own exclusive bands to play at each tent. A million people will fill the four large tents during the 16-day-long beer festival.
The two oldest brands of German beer are Hofbrau-Munchen and Konig Ludwig, both along with other popular and reputable brews will be on hand to bring great tasting beers to different customers. German brewing technology produces a pure taste and excellent quality, which will be more than expected at the Oktoberfest Tent. Prices for beer start at RMB60 for each 1-liter glass.
At 11:00 A.M. on September 6, the opening ceremony of the beer festival will take place at the Oktoberfest Tent area and will last 30 minutes. It will include the opening keg ceremony, band performances, flag-raising ceremony, and singing of festive songs, among others. Ten thousand guests, including Beijing city leaders, the deputy mayor of Munich, journalists, and others will attend the opening ceremony.
There are four entrances to the Oktoberfest event and two parking lots located nearby. Each large tent is fully self-sustainable and has restrooms located on one end. Located to the southwest corner of the grounds is a center for first aid, left luggage, lost children, lost and found, guards, and a broadcast area.
