Raise a glass to Oktoberfest 🍻
As summer winds to an end, it's time to cozy up with our (work) friends and raise a glass to the flavors of autumn at Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival, originating in Munich, Germany in 1810. The Oktoberfest celebration happens annually in mid-September to the first weekend in October. This year, from September 16th to October 3rd.
What started as a historic celebration to honor the Bavarian Prince Ludwig's marriage has now evolved into a global extravaganza! Today, people celebrate Oktoberfest in countries all over. Festivities include German music and food, festivals, traditional outfits like lederhosen and dirndl dresses, games, and, of course, a wide selection of locally brewed German beers, as well as Oktoberfest-style beers from all breweries all over (depending on where you're celebrating!)
The spirit of Oktoberfest reflects German culture and the joy of coming together over shared food, drink, and shared experiences, which makes it the perfect backdrop for team building activities for the virtual office.
Here are some fun Oktoberfest party ideas to bring the team building spirit to your remote employees all over:
1. Host a beer tasting 🍻
A Virtual Fall Beer Tasting brings the joy of Oktoberfest to your virtual office, even if you can't make it to Munich. This tasting experience allows your team to explore a range of German-style beers from the comfort of their own homes. Led by a beer expert, participants will delve into the world of Vienna lagers, Maibocks, Hellesbocks, Dunkels, Marzens, Berliner Weisses, and more.
In a guided session, your team will learn the appearance, smell, and taste of each beer type, and walk away with a better understanding of the various beer styles. The tasting is capped off with a Q&A session where participants can ask all their brewing questions.
How to get started 👉 Bring your own beer steins to a Fall Beer Tasting!
For participants 21+ only.
{{fall-beer-tasting="/blog/experiences"}}
2. Make virtual Oktoberfest decorations 🇩🇪
Bring the festive spirit of Oktoberfest to your virtual meetings by creating custom backgrounds that transport your team straight to the heart of the celebration. Virtual backgrounds are a great way to immerse everyone in the Oktoberfest atmosphere, adding a fun and visually engaging element to your online gatherings. Here are some creative background ideas:
- Traditional Bavarian Clothing: Set the tone with images of traditional attire like lederhosen, dirndls, and feathered hats.
- The Bavarian Flag: Use the iconic blue and white diamond pattern of the Bavarian flag as your background. It’s instantly recognizable and embodies the classic spirit of Oktoberfest, providing a festive backdrop for your meetings.
- Beer Hall Setting: Recreate the vibe of a bustling Oktoberfest beer tent with virtual backgrounds featuring long wooden tables, rustic benches, and hanging lights. This setup makes your virtual space feel like a lively gathering place, enhancing the social feel of your event.
- Pretzels and Beer Steins: Go for a playful and colorful look with backgrounds that feature oversized pretzels, beer steins, and other Oktoberfest staples.
- Cozy Autumn Scenes: Capture the essence of the season with backgrounds depicting autumnal scenes, like golden leaves and cozy gardens. These subtle nods to Oktoberfest's outdoor ambiance create a warm, inviting virtual space.
Encourage your team to use these backgrounds during virtual activities and meetings throughout your Oktoberfest celebration. It’s a simple yet effective way to build camaraderie and keep everyone engaged, even when they’re miles apart.
3. Pretzel making class 🥨
It wouldn't be Oktoberfest without some delicious homemade soft pretzels.
A Pretzel Making Class brings the taste of Oktoberfest straight to your employees' doors. In an interactive baking class, everyone will make their own sweet and salty soft pretzels as guided by an expert baker.
By the end of the class, your team will know the art of pretzel making, from dough prep and the proofing process to kneading and knotting techniques. Your team can enjoy handmade soft pretzels long after Oktoberfest is over.
This hands-on class not only pays homage to one of Oktoberfest's culinary treats but it also facilitates some fun team building and creativity in a virtual setting.
(Bring your own mustard and beer cheese! Or, bring all the ingredients yourself with our BYO class!)
How to get started 👉 Wash down your pints with a Pretzel Making Class!
{{pretzel-making-class="/blog/experiences"}}
4. Play a round of Masskrugstemmen 💪
There are plenty of fun games played when celebrating Oktoberfest, and here's an easy one everyone can participate in virtually.
To play this game, you'll need everyone to get a Beer stein ahead of time. Better yet, treat your team to one!
To play Masskrugstemmen, participants hold a beer stein filled with water at arm's length. The goal is to keep the arm straight and steady without bending or spilling. The last person holding their stein wins!
5. Visit the Pub 👥
Take your Oktoberfest happy hour celebration to the Confetti Pub! Your team can mingle in conversation rooms, put their knowledge to the test with some fun trivia and games, and enjoy live music. Players can even win prizes and give back to charity with their correct answers.
The Confetti Pub allows everyone to choose their own adventure and helps replicate the lively essence of an Oktoberfest celebration, even in a virtual setting. Make your Oktoberfest a happy hour that's an unforgettable event filled with lots of laughs!
How to get started 👉 Host your Oktoberfest party at the Confetti Pub!
{{confetti-pub="/blog/experiences"}}
6. Ask Oktoberfest trivia 🧠
Oktoberfest trivia is not just about testing knowledge—it’s a great way to bring people together, spark conversations, and add a competitive edge to your celebration. Here are some questions to get you started:
In which city is the original Oktoberfest held every year?
A. Berlin
B. Munich
C. Frankfurt
D. Hamburg
Answer: B
What year was the first Oktoberfest celebrated?
A. 1805
B. 1810
C. 1850
D. 1900
Answer: B
What event originally inspired the first Oktoberfest?
A. A royal wedding
B. A beer brewing competition
C. The opening of a brewery
D. A national holiday
Answer: A
How long does Oktoberfest traditionally last?
A. 5 days
B. 1 week
C. 16-18 days
D. 1 month
Answer: C
Approximately how many liters of beer are consumed during Oktoberfest each year?
A. 1 million liters
B. 3 million liters
C. 5 million liters
D. 7 million liters
Answer: D
7. Make your own coasters 🖌️
Adding a creative DIY element to your Oktoberfest celebration is an excellent way to get everyone involved. Here's an idea: Host a workshop where everyone can make their own coasters!
In Confetti’s Resin Art Making Class, a live art instructor will take participants through the process of creating their own DIY resin coaster. Participants will learn how to mix resin with pigmented colors of their choice to create a unique coaster that speaks to their individual style.
The best part is that everyone will leave with the knowledge and materials to make another coaster later.
How to get started 👉 Book a Resin Art Class with Confetti and participants will get their materials shipped right to their doors!
{{resin-art-class="/blog/experiences"}}
Plan your Oktoberfest festivities with Confetti
Prost to the Oktoberfest spirit and season of team building that overcomes distance and brings your teams closer together.
Raise a glass this Fall and book your virtual Oktoberfest party activities with Confetti!
{{oktoberfest="/blog/collections"}}
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some traditions at Oktoberfest celebrations?
Oktoberfest traditions include the ceremonial tapping of the first beer keg by the Mayor of Munich to mark the festival's opening. Traditional Bavarian music performances, horse-drawn beer wagon parades, and the wearing of lederhosen and dirndls are common traditions of an Oktoberfest party.
What are traditional Oktoberfest games?
Some Oktoberfest games include Stein Holding (Masskrugstemmen), Nail Hammering (Hammerschlagen), Sack Races (Sackhüpfen), Tug-of-War (Tauziehen), Pretzel Tossing, Beer Barrel Lifting, Wheelbarrow Races, and Beer Pong. These games add fun and friendly competition to the festival, fostering camaraderie and excitement for all!
What is popular Oktoberfest food?
A popular Oktoberfest menu includes foods like pretzels, bratwurst, roast chicken, sausages, potato dishes, sauerkraut and red cabbage, apple strudel, and more.
