Ahhhh, the traditions of Oktoberfest. From lederhosen and dirndls to chicken dancing and Oompah bands, the annual celebrations of Munich’s fall festival have migrated into elaborate events throughout the world.

Chattanooga’s 17th Oktoberfest celebration takes place Saturday + Sunday at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Even though we’re miles from Munich (4,749 as the crow flies), the party is worth your time if you like beer, pretzels and … well, more beer.

Admission is free. The only cost is beer samples (there are 99 beers offered) + food purchases (brats, pretzels, wurst + dumplings).

More beer talk down below.🍺

What is Oktoberfest?

Typically 16 days long, Munich’s festival is all about having a good time and drinking beer. The first Oktoberfest was in 1810, and it was actually a wedding celebration of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen with the whole town being invited. (I hope everybody brought gifts). 🇩🇪

Oktoberfest tips

- You don’t have to wear lederhosen or dirndls (Some people don’t dress up. It’s okay).

- Look for beers from Paulaner + Hofbrau first. They’re the Munich-brewed ones.

- Beer corpse. That’s a person that drank too much and passes out wherever. (There is no need for this to happen at a small, family gathering. You’ll probably be escorted out if you get too rowdy).

- Pace yourself. You can’t try all 99 beers. Don’t try. Enjoy the surroundings, the food + company.

- Bring cash. It’s easier to handle and you don’t have to wait in ATM lines.

- Say “Prost!” (Cheers!) and “Danke!” (Thank you) often.

Speaking of beer, we asked beer specialist Calvin Cummings at Imbibe Chattanooga to recommend some good Oktoberfest beers to drink this season. (Technically, it’s not a TRUE Oktoberfest beer unless it was brewed in Munich … but a good beer in the Marzen style still counts. Plus, you can get all the beers listed at Imbibe and not have to travel to Germany).

I called up Imbibe Chattanooga (1616 Broad Street) and asked for some help picking out a handful of beers we all should be drinking during the month of October.

On Wednesday afternoon, I visited and met Cummings. He told us that fall was one of his favorite seasons to drink great lagers.

“Anything crisp and bready with that wonderful noble hop character,” he said. “Pilsner, Helles, Marzen, Vienna, Schwarz, Bock.”

We asked Cummings to offer 5 beers with comments. His suggestions are below.

Crooked Stave Von Pilsner

Soft, mineral, with an earthy hop bitterness, Crooked Stave Von Pilsner continues to be one of the best examples of a Pilsner we've ever had at Imbibe. It's what I've been drinking most during this never-ending summer, but it will be equally welcome by the bonfire when the temperature shifts.

OddStory Vienna Lager

Ruddy amber in color, herbaceous, bready, and clean, Oddstory's Vienna has been a perennial favorite of ours ever since it made its debut in cans. Perfect with Mexican, and other hearty, spicy, stick-to-your-ribs food you'll make this Fall.

OddStory Oktoberfest

They made our list twice. Their lagers are really that good. Their Marzen is a beautiful caramel color, with a wonderful gingerbread aroma and lingering bitterness. Perfect for the impending cold snap.

Hutton & Smith Rocktoberfest

Based on Imbibe's sales, many of you have already caught on. Hutton & Smith's Rocktoberfest is a pitch-perfect example of the Marzen lager style, with a wonderful baking spice finish.

Bearded Iris Overcast

Known for their New England style IPA’s, Bearded Iris used classic hop varieties Saaz and Huel Melon in their Festbier, but still hopped at a rate that makes this a distinctly American take on the Marzen style. A great option for someone looking for a lager with plenty of hop bite.