Oktoberfest

A raucous celebration of Bavarian culture, Munich's Oktoberfest is one of the world's oldest, biggest, and longest parties. Dating back to 1810, the event these days kicks off when the mayor taps the first keg at noon on the third Saturday of September. Some 6 million revelers spend the ensuing 16 days clinking and drinking 1-liter beer steins, eating sausages and doughy pretzels, and swooshing through the air aboard carnival rides. Technically a folk festival rather than a beer festival, Oktoberfest features plenty of merrymakers in traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses belting out old Bavarian songs in giant tents and beer gardens. Regardless of attire, though, anyone is welcome to link arms and join the fun.