On a late September morning, flower-studded horse carts, honorable dignitaries, raucous oompah bands, world-class beer brewers and thousands of thirsty revelers decked out in lederhosen and dirndls will parade through 4 miles of Munich to present the man of the hour-the city's mayor-at the Schottenhammel, the oldest and most private tent at the famed Bavarian event, the Oktoberfest. Amidst all the excitement and activity, the mayor will gather his wits about him and tap the first keg of the festival with a resounding holler-Ozapt Is! With this, Oktoberfest will officially launch into wild, beer-drinking and bratwurst-eating celebration!

Oktoberfest, known to locals as "D' Wies'n," has animated Munich's Theresa Fields since the wedding of Prince Ludwig to the Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810. But don't kid yourself into thinking that Oktoberfest is a quaint Bavarian celebration, for the festival has grown into the largest party in the world, drawing millions of fun-seekers from across the globe to its belly-pleasing, spirit-raising Bavarian offerings. There are carnival rides, food tents, gargantuan beer tents and just about every other diversion imaginable. A testament to Oktoberfest's grandeur is the thousands of Oktoberfest sister celebrations that burst onto streets of many decidedly un-Bavarian cities around the world come late September and early October.

Can't afford the time or a plane ticket to Munich? Then use only a fraction of that money to throw an Oktoberfest party in the comfort of your own home! No need to ponder the What, When, Where and How-Just whip up a guest list (the Who) and follow our definitive guide for your at-home Oktoberfest preparations! For your planning enjoyment, feast your eyes on these Oktoberfest party ideas, hints and recipes:

Host An Oktoberfest Party Food and Fun Guide!