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Oktoberfest with the S-Bahn!



The history of Oktoberfest in North America has its roots in Munich, Bavaria, where in 1810, a marriage celebration took place between Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Horse races were part of the original affair, and because the event was so successful, (lasting about six weeks) it was repeated the following year. Oktoberfest then grew, incorporating an agricultural fair, performers and beer vendors. A truly international event, the Munich Oktoberfest is now held in the latter half of September and ends the beginning of October, hosting thousands upon thousands of happy hops fans.


Oktoberfest in North America dates as least as far back as 150 years, where in Milwaukee a "German Fest" is held annually. Others are the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in Ontario, which boasts the second largest Oktoberfest in the world, and smaller Oktoberfests in towns that are constructed in Bavarian fashion, like Leavenworth, Washington or Kimberly, B.C.