Join the celebrations online

What started as a wedding receotion for Bavarian Prince Ludwig and princess Therese in 1810 has become an annual beer festival worldwide.

Oktoberfest is celebrated by millions of people who share a common love for beer, food and merrymaking. But the pandemic has canceled most of this year’s activities.

Instead, the celebrations go online. Here’s a rundown of virtual Oktoberfest events.

 

• San Miguel Oktoberfest
It’s now possible to attend San Miguel’s Oktoberfest wherever you may be. Its first day of activities was held last week and will have its second part on Saturday, 31 October. Watch and stream San Miguel’s Facebook page to gain access to the show’s Band Stage (Mayonnaise, Chicosci, Nathan and Mercury), DJ Stage with NZO and Backstage with Red Ollero and other celebrity guests.

The San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer and Music Festival is co-presented by Stream in cooperation with Set & Stage and Network Rentals. Visit bit.ly/SMBOktoberfestDay2.

• Fiesta in America’s OktoberFesta
While they are miles away from home, Fiesta in America still gave our kababayan who are residing in the tri-state area a chance to celebrate Oktoberfest the Filipino way. Held last Sunday 25 October, 1 p.m. USA EST, the Fiesta in America’s OctoberFesta featured various performers who serenaded guests enjoying the atmosphere over mugs of beer. The show was streamed on www.facebook.com/fiestainamerica and is still up for anyone who plans to do an afterparty.

• RPW Music and Arts Oktoberfest
Take a break from deadlines and stressful online classes and listen to RPW Music and Arts’ very own Oktoberfest. Though it was held last week, 25 October, 9 p.m., fans of indie bands can still watch the acoustic session on www.facebook.com/RPW-Music-and-Arts-Fests-100881665135931.

• Oktoberfest at home
Ein prosit! Even though Solaire Resort and the German Club in Manila have canceled its annual Oktoberfest celebration, patrons can still experience an authentic Oktoberfest at home with a menu specially prepared for this season. Indulge in Brezn (pretzels), Bavarian white sausages, Bavarian meat loaf, Bavarian sausage salad, coldcut platter, pork knuckles with bread dumplings or Bavarian pancakes and cream with fruits while jamming to virtual Oktoberfest music shows.

Guests may choose to visit the German Club or order for delivery/take-out. This special offer runs until 31 October.

In Munich where Oktoberfest has also been canceled, beer enthusiasts can now book their reservations for Oktoberfest 2021, 382 days in advance. While there’s no fee to visit the heartland of Bavaria, its management stresses the importance of reservations to avoid overcrowding, that is, if traveling next year is permitted. Visit oktoberfest-guide.com.