It's beginning already...

Oktoberfest preparations are underway. The official Oktoberfest 2011 poster has been released.

Most importantly, the beer prices now have been set! Munich residents hope year after year (in vain) for a year with no increase in the price of a maß. Alas, this year the average increase is around 4%, with all tents selling a Maß of Oktoberfestbier (or Radler) for €8.80 to €9.20. A Maß of Weißbier at the Weinzelt tent (primarily a wine and champagne tent) will run you an incredible €14.20!

How does this compare to the biergarten prices? Each one differs, but a Maß of helles typically runs from around €6.75 to €8.00 at a biergarten. (Keep in mind that a helles also has a lower alcohol content than the Oktoberfest Märzen, so part of the higher Oktoberfest price is reflected in higher alcohol content).

In a city serious about its beer, this is big news every year.

For me the bigger news would be that they're brewing the Olde Wiesn Jubliaumsbier again. I see it on the 2011 beer price list. Has anyone heard that they're planning to make it again? That stuff was soooo good - I'd be thrilled to have it again!

source: Abendzeitung newspaper

A few pictures to start the countdown to Oktoberfest 2011