Cheers to teamwork: how Oktoberfest brews up stronger connections and brings teams closer together in the workplace.
The first Oktoberfest was held on October 12, 1810, in Munich to commemorate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, Prince Ludwig, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The celebration lasted for five days and was so loved by the people that it was decided to repeat the celebration the following year, and a tradition was born. Oktoberfest and the German settlers came to the United States, and the first official Oktoberfest festival was held in October of 1961.
Oktoberfest is a folk festival that honors the traditions and history of Bavaria/Germany. It is famous for beer tasting, Bavarian treats such as strudels, and Bavarian music. It is a time to embrace cultural diversity and enjoy good food and drinks.
Bring your team together for a Stein-holding competition. Known as Masskrugstemmen, this is a fun activity where you fill beer mugs with water and hold them straight out in front of your body—the person who holds it out straight the longest without spilling wins.
Cooking or baking contest: Encourage employees to bring in homemade German treats like pretzels or strudels or their favorite homemade treats from their cultural background, and set up a tasting station for everyone to vote on their favorites. Have employees share favorite memories from childhood.
Gather your team and take a virtual tour of Munich, where the festival began. Walk the streets of Munich using Google Streets! Have your team work in groups to answer questions to Oktoberfest trivia questions from The German Professor.
We've curated experiences that either revolve around beer or can be enjoyed with a pint of beer afterwards! For our full list of team activities in your city, check out our home page!
