5 Reasons to Raise Your Steins to the History of Oktoberfest

With deep German brewing roots dating back more than 160 years, Anheuser-Busch will celebrate the history and spirit of the traditional Oktoberfest experience with a series of authentic Oktoberfest events at six of its Breweries across the country this fall. Learn more about the origins of one of beer's most beloved time periods.

It's never too soon to start thinking about the ultimate beer celebration – Oktoberfest. Originally held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, more than 200 years ago, Oktoberfest has evolved into an annual event that millions of adults celebrate around the world each year in September and October.

Here are five fun history facts about Oktoberfest in Munich and how traditions that started more than two centiries ago continue to endure today:

1. Oktoberfest originally began on Oct. 12, 1810, after Crown Prince Ludwig, the future King of Bavaria, invited the entire population of Munich to a celebration in honor of his recent marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

2. Originally a one-day event featuring horse races and agricultural shows, Oktoberfest festivities evolved into the current 16-day festival that includes food and drinks, carnival booths and music.

3. Beer was first introduced to Oktoberfest in 1818, forever changing the course of the festival. Oktoberfest patrons originally enjoyed beer from traditional beer steins made of stone, then metal, and in 1892 a more modern glass mug.

4. One of the hallmarks of traditional Oktoberfest celebrations is the beer tent, or Bräurosl, which is the central gathering place of the festival where patrons celebrate with ample amounts of traditional music, beer and specialty food items. First introduced in 1913, the original tent was approximately 585,000 square feet and held 12,000 people, the largest pavilion to have ever been built at the time.

5. In 1950 the official tapping of the first keg became a tradition that still continues to this day at the festival. On the first day of the event, the Mayor of Munich announces that Oktoberfest has started by tapping the keg and then serving the first pour.