On September 20th, the city of Munich kicked off the world’s largest beer festival — the legendary Oktoberfest. Millions of visitors are expected over the two-week celebration, enjoying traditional Bavarian music, pretzels, beer steins, and of course, endless plates of sausages.
But here’s a question many people ask every year: Why is Oktoberfest mostly held in September?
Why Oktoberfest Happens in September
The very first Oktoberfest took place in October 1810, marking the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. It was so successful that it became an annual tradition.
Over time, the festival was moved earlier into September to take advantage of better weather conditions. Munich’s autumn evenings are often chilly in October, while late September offers warmer, more reliable weather for outdoor beer gardens, tents, and fairground rides.
Today, Oktoberfest usually begins in late September and runs until the first weekend of October. The name remained the same out of tradition — and because “Oktoberfest” simply has a stronger ring to it than “Septemberfest”!
The Role of Sausages at Oktoberfest
While beer is the undisputed drink of the festival, sausages are the backbone of Oktoberfest cuisine. From Bratwurst sizzling on grills to Krakauer sliced into hearty platters, sausages are everywhere at the festival grounds. They are quick to prepare, easy to serve, and the perfect partner for beer and pretzels.
Popular Oktoberfest sausages include:
- Pork Bratwurst – the iconic German sausage, mildly seasoned and perfect in a roll with mustard.
- Krakauer (Bacon Frankfurter) – smoky, coarse, and packed with flavour. Read our Spotlight!
- Cheese Frankfurter (Käsekrainer) – indulgent with melted cheese inside. Read our Spotlight!
- Weißwurst – a traditional Bavarian white sausage, often eaten with sweet mustard and pretzels.
- Smoked Pork Hot Dog – a timeless favourite, perfected the German way.
These sausages are more than food — they’re part of the cultural identity of the festival. Eating a bratwurst while standing under blue-and-white Bavarian flags is as essential to Oktoberfest as raising a stein of beer.
Why UK Retailers Should Stock German Sausages During Oktoberfest
The popularity of Oktoberfest has spread far beyond Germany. Across the UK, pubs, funfairs, restaurants, and even supermarkets run Oktoberfest promotions throughout September and October. Customers are increasingly looking for ways to recreate the Munich atmosphere at home — and sausages are central to that experience.
For retailers, this is the perfect time to:
- Increase seasonal sales by offering German-style sausages in-store.
- Upsell cross-promotions with beer, mustard, sauerkraut, and pretzels.
- Tap into themed marketing — shoppers love engaging with cultural events.
Shoppers don’t just want any sausage. They want something authentic, with flavour that lives up to their festival memories. Stocking The Sausage Haüs range ensures you’re offering the real taste of Germany.
The Sausage Haus Retail Core Product Range.
The Sausage Haus Retail Premier Range.
Why Wholesalers Benefit from Oktoberfest
Wholesalers play a crucial role in supplying pubs, event organisers, and caterers during Oktoberfest season. Demand spikes during September and October, with venues looking for authentic sausages in bulk.
By offering products like our Pork Bratwurst, Cheese Frankfurters, and Bacon Krakauer, wholesalers can:
- Meet bulk catering needs with reliable supply.
- Differentiate themselves with premium, authentic German products.
- Create seasonal promotions that attract pubs and event venues.
The Sausage Haus Wholesale Range.
Why Caterers Should Put Sausages at the Heart of Oktoberfest Menus
For caterers, Oktoberfest is a golden opportunity. Sausages are quick to prepare, versatile to serve, and guaranteed to please. They can be offered as simple hotdogs for large crowds or elevated into plated meals for restaurants and pubs.
Serving ideas for Oktoberfest menus:
- Classic Bratwurst Roll: Jumbo Bratwurst in a crusty roll with German mustard and fried onions.
- Krakauer Platter: Bacon Krakauer with potato wedges, sauerkraut, and mustard.
- Cheese Frankfurter Dog: Käsekrainer topped with jalapeños and crispy onions.
- Mixed Sausage Board: A sharing platter featuring three varieties, served with pickles and pretzels.
Because The Sausage Haüs products are pre-cooked and vacuum-packed, they also save time in busy kitchens — reducing prep while maintaining authentic quality.
The Sausage Haüs Range for Oktoberfest
At The Sausage Haüs, we provide a wide range of authentic German sausages that are ideal for Oktoberfest promotions:
- Jumbo Pork Bratwurst (150g) – Germany’s most famous sausage, mildly spiced and loved worldwide.
- Bacon Krakauer (150g) – smoky and coarse, made with pork and real bacon pieces.
- Cheese Frankfurter (150g) – with 12% real Emmental cheese, rich and indulgent.
- Pork Hotdogs (100g) – family-friendly favourites that deliver consistent taste.
All of our sausages are:
- Pre-cooked and vacuum-packed for safety and convenience.
- Available frozen (long shelf life) or fresh pasteurised (for premium retailers).
- Made using traditional German recipes with the quality assurance of REMAGEN and the logistics expertise of Baird Foods.
Conclusion: Oktoberfest Is a Business Opportunity
Munich’s Oktoberfest may have started in September, but its spirit continues into October — and far beyond Bavaria. For UK retailers, wholesalers, and caterers, this season is a powerful chance to drive sales, delight customers, and build loyalty.
German sausages aren’t just another product. They’re the heart of the Oktoberfest experience, recognised by consumers and loved by event-goers. By stocking or serving The Sausage Haüs range, you can bring authentic German flavour to your customers and make this season a success.
Get in touch with us today to discuss how our sausages can support your Oktoberfest promotions.
The Sausage Haüs – Real German Sausage. Crafted with Heritage.
