Oktoberfest Legend: Scott Rzepka, USA
Thirsty beer connoisseur Scott Rzepka from the USA shares his stories on his Oktoberfest adventure.
How many times have you been to Oktoberfest?
I have only been once, the 2010 Oktoberfest.
Tell us a bit about your experience at the festival
From the moment we arrived at the Wiesn in 2010, I knew I was experiencing something special. This was not a simple festival. It was the Six Flags of beer. The “tents” were massive structures, there was a midway that seemed to run for miles, and they even had rides like roller coasters, a log flume, and a Ferris wheel. The sights, sounds, and smells were familiar, but Oktoberfest wasn’t like anything I have ever experienced in America.
Sitting in the Schottenhamel biergarten and the Paulaner Festzelt just felt right. Inside the tents, it’s just you and your closest 10,000 friends drinking beer, dancing, and singing along with the band. Despite language barriers and different nationalities, Oktoberfest brings everyone together.
A Bavarian hat, an Oktoberfest shirt – the only thing missing now is a beer! (Scott is in the red shirt)
What’s your favorite thing about the festival?
My favorite part of the festival was the people. I met so many people from around the world and everyone was so welcoming and happy.
What would you tell someone who’s never been to Oktoberfest and is thinking about going?
Be prepared to have a once in a lifetime experience. Oktoberfest can not be seen in one day so make sure to allow yourself a couple days to drink in as many tents and biergartens as possible but also leave time to enjoy the rides and games as well. They are as much a part of Oktoberfest as the beer.
Your favorite beer tent / ride / food?
I had the most fun in the Paulaner Festzelt (Winzerer Fähndl). My group waited at the front door on the Sunday of the Oktoberfest opening weekend and were able to get a table right near the band. I ended up staying the entire day even though most of my group left me. At one point I was at the table by myself and invited a bunch of strangers to join me. Most didn’t speak English but we all had a great time.
Anything else you’d like to say about this epic event.
Listen to as much Wiesn music as possible before going. It will make your experience that much better. I am looking forward to going back as soon as possible. In the meantime, I try my best to attend as many Oktoberfest events stateside as possible and I host my own backyard Oktoberfest yearly.
A true Oktoberfest Legend!
Scott is the owner of BackyardOktoberfest.com, a website designed to help Oktoberfest enthusiasts like you replicate the Wiesn in our own backyards. “We strive to be the most comprehensive resource for all of your Oktoberfest needs. While we provide some information about the official Oktoberfest in Munich, the site is geared toward giving you the inspiration and assistance you’ll need to host your own Oktoberfest” says Scott.
It also offers reviews of local Oktoberfest events and Oktoberfest beers. Visitors to the site are encouraged to add your own expertise to its database by writing reviews and providing feedback that will help others have the best Oktoberfest season possible. “We may not be able to share a bier in Munich every year, but Backyard Oktoberfest will help you feel like you’re there. Prost!”
Want to experience Oktoberfest yourself? Join us in the beer tents!
Making friends in the beer tents
