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The 2009 Oktoberfest in Munich has an organised schedule of free events.

Colorful parades to open-air concerts, the Oktoberfest has once again organised a program of free events that will hopefully give visitors a great taste of Bavarian culture and tradition. Here is a list of the four biggest events for the 2009 Oktoberfest program.

1. Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries Watch the landlords of the Oktoberfest beer halls and the Oktoberfest breweries make their festive entry to the Theresienwiese, the annual location of the festival. The parade displays historic horse-drawn carriages, traditionally decorated floats, and all Oktoberfest bands.
When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 19th, 2009; 10:45 a.m.
Where: From Sonnenstraße/ Schwanthalerstraße to Theresienwiese

2. Opening Ceremony of the Oktoberfest Oktoberfest: At noon sharp, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer with the traditional cry "O`zapft is!" ("It is tapped!"), followed by a 12 gun salute. After that, all Oktoberfest beer halls are allowed to tap their beer kegs, and Oktoberfest gets into full swing...
When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 20th, 2009; at noon (Come as early as 9 a.m. if you want to have a good seat.)
Where: In the Oktoberfest tent called "Schottenhamel".

3. Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen's Parade This Oktoberfest parade is one of the best and most colorful displays of Bavarian history, culture, and tradition; watch regional costume groups, "troops" in historical uniforms, marching bands, riflemen, thoroughbred horses, and even oxen, cows, and goats pass by in a 3-mile long procession. The parade leads through Munich's city center and boasts more than 7000 performers, showcasing ribboned trees, harvest garlands, and historic craftsmen's tools.
When: First Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 20th, 2009; 10:00 a.m.
Where: Max II Landmark - Maximilianstraße - Odeonsplatz - Pacellistrasse - Karlsplatz-Stachus - Sonnenstraße - Schwanthalerstraße - Kaiser-Ludwig-Platz - Theresienwiese

4. Open-Air Oktoberfest Concert Enjoy a big open-air concert with all Oktoberfest bands; more than 400 Bavarian musicians play it up on the steps of the impressive Bavaria statue, one of the biggest bronze statues in the world.
When: Second Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 27th, 2009; 11:00 a.m. (If the weather is bad, the concert will take place on October 4th, 2009.)
Where: At the Bavaria statue, located at the border of Theresienwiese.

www.shanebaisden.com says the Oktoberfest is now just 31 days away from openning for the 176th time so just a month away now from the biggest free party of them all, the Munich 2009 Oktoebrfest. I for one, cannot wait.

Check out the PP Travel website for our remaining great value Oktoberfest Tour Options. Don't leave it too late to book as places are filling fast!!

Happy travels, stay safe, and we hope to see many of you in Munich for Oktoberfest 2009 in September/October!!

PP Travel Munich Oktoberfest Options

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