Oktoberfest Is Canceled This Year for the First Time Since World War II
Updated: Apr. 23, 2020
We'll have to wear our lederhosen at home this fall.
To some extent, 2020 has been a year of cancellations. But with the outbreak of COVID-19, we know that certain events can’t happen for safety reasons. (Of course, we’re still sad about the postponement of Free Cone Day at DQ.)
Recently, we heard that Germany’s Oktoberfest won’t be happening this year because of the coronavirus. Read on for more info on how you can still celebrate this holiday from the comfort of your home.
There Will Be No Oktoberfest in Munich
The celebration—which draws millions of tourists each year and was scheduled for September 19— has been canceled due to safety concerns from the coronavirus outbreak. Those in charge weren’t fond of the idea of scaling the festival back, saying that it’s done “either completely or not at all.”
Munich’s Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter called the news “a bitter pill to swallow” during a Tuesday press conference, and we wholeheartedly agree. Of course, safety always comes first, so we understand why we’ll have to keep our beer steins and dirndls to in-home festivities.
How to Celebrate at Home
Thankfully, you don’t need to travel to Germany to celebrate the famous occasion. We’re big fans of the bash, which is one of the reasons we compiled this list of our favorite Oktoberfest recipes; it includes favorites such as German Beer Cheese Spread, Bratwurst Supper and Bavarian Pot Roast.
For dessert, indulge with Chocolate Lebkuchen. It certainly doesn’t have to be September or October to celebrate the season, to honor one’s heritage or appreciate the tastiness of German food. And on the bright side? The festival’s leadership has reassured fans the event will go on in 2021.
Prost to Our Best Oktoberfest Recipes
Brats with SauerkrautI’ve made many variations of this excellent main dish. It would be popular at a party or potluck. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored and served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. —Darlene Dixon, Hanover, Minnesota
Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry BallsHere’s my twist on the traditional German holiday lebkuchen—with a surprise inside. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
German Apple CakeWith the long, cold winters we have here, this German apple cake recipe has warmed many a kitchen. The cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert or an evening snack. I've often made it for parties, and I've always received compliments on it. —Grace Reynolds, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Open-Faced Bratwurst Sandwiches with Beer GravyA nod to both my German heritage and classic diner fare, this bratwurst sandwich recipe comes together in a snap and can be made all in one skillet! I serve it with a green vegetable and french fries or mashed potatoes on the side. Cook sausages in lager or stout beer for a deeper flavor profile. —Allison Ochoa, Hays, Kansas
Spaetzle DumplingsThese tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can serve them with chicken gravy or simply butter them and sprinkle with parsley. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Pressure-Cooker SauerbratenOne of my all-time favorite German dishes is sauerbraten, but I don't love that it normally takes five to 10 days to make. Using an electric pressure cooker, I think I've captured that same distinctive flavor in less than two hours. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Wilted Endive SaladThe blend of seasonings, greens and warm bacon dressing makes this endive salad a sure hit. My guess is that it'll be a favorite at your next gathering. —Mildred Davis, Hagerstown, Maryland
Greens with Hot Bacon DressingGrowing up in a German community, I ate this salad often. It's an old traditional dish—I recall my grandmother talking about her mother making this recipe.
As a variation, the old-timers in my family cut up some boiled potatoes on dinner plates, then serve the warm salad mixture on top. —Robert Enigk, Canastota, New York
Soft Beer Pretzel NuggetsWhat goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors. I love the way this recipe turned out! —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
Sausage Sauerkraut SoupI've taken this satisfying soup to church gatherings and family reunions, and it always receives wonderful compliments. Everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Goetzinger, Lewiston, Idaho
Bavarian Apple-Sausage HashThis awesome recipe reflects my German roots. In the cooler months, nothing is as comforting as a hearty hash. Serve this versatile recipe as a side dish at a holiday meal or as a brunch entree over cheddar grits or topped with a fried egg. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
Homemade SauerkrautYou only need two ingredients (and a little patience) to make fresh, zippy homemade sauerkraut at home. Put down that jar and get those brats ready! —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Crisp Caraway TwistsThese appetizers are always a hit when I serve them on holidays or special occasions. The flaky cheese-filled twists (made with convenient puff pastry) bake to a crispy golden brown. When our big family gets together, I make two batches. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Bee Sting CakeThe bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it's well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
German Brat Seafood BoilGrilled bratwurst and onion add a smoky flavor to corn, potatoes and fish for a hearty meal that's always a hit with my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Soft Giant PretzelsMy husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
German Beer Cheese SpreadWe love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
German-Style Cabbage and BeansThis is one of my greatest hits for a potluck dish at church suppers. If you use some red cabbage, it will have very festive colors, light pink with green. It looks so pretty. —Winifred Winch, Wetmore, Michigan
Bavarian Pot RoastSince all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Oktoberfest Red CabbageFour generations of our family have made this dish of red cabbage and apples, known as rotkohl ("red cabbage"). We love the tart and sweet flavors. —Diana Likes, Chandler, Arizona
Easy Apple StrudelMy family always loves it when I make this wonderful dessert. Old-fashioned strudel was too fattening and time-consuming, but this revised classic is just as good. It's best served warm from the oven. —Joanie Fuson, Indianapolis, Indiana
German Red CabbageSunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
German Noodle BakeThis is a recipe I serve each year for my holiday open house because everyone looks for it. Store-bought noodles can be substituted, but I prefer homemade noodles...and so does everyone else. —Kathleen Meineke, Cologne, New Jersey
German Beef RouladenUntil I entered kindergarten, we spoke German in our home and kept many old-world customs. We always enjoyed the food of our family's homeland. Mom usually prepared this for my birthday dinner. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey
New World Stuffed CabbageEuropean immigrants brought their favorite stuffed cabbage recipes to the New World in the late 19th century. Here's my take on tradition. —Katherine Stefanovich, Desert Hot Springs, California
Deluxe German Potato SaladI make this for all occasions because it goes well with any kind of meat. When I take the warm salad to bring-a-dish events, there are rarely leftovers! —Betty Perkins, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Sauerkraut Hot DishWe often serve this hearty dish at family gatherings, and the men especially seem to enjoy it. My sister gave me the recipe about 15 years ago. It’s been a favorite ever since. The unusual blend of ingredients is a pleasant surprise.
—Nedra Parker, Dunbar, Wisconsin
Originally Published: April 23, 2020
