This summer of 2025 in Germany, the weather went from scorching heat to rainy days that remind us winter is around the corner. However, before sinking into winter depression, I remembered that the Autumn Festival is coming back to Rosenheim. In this article, I’ll tell you a bit about this event full of beer and German culture.
BETTER THAN OKTOBERFEST?
I’ve heard countless times from German friends that Herbstfest is by far better than Oktoberfest. And having been to both, I still can’t make up my mind.
On one hand, Herbstfest is smaller, more affordable, and above all, more traditional. Not to mention, you don’t get trampled by a flood of people. On the other hand, Oktoberfest—though pricier and chaotic—is undeniably more international and, in the middle of all the madness, more “fun.”
Unfortunately, I still don’t have a final verdict. What I do know is that I’ll go to both. Luckily, they take place in consecutive months, making it one of the most fun ways to say goodbye to summer.
GETTING READY FOR THE EVENT
From what I gathered, there’s no official dress code for the event, but many people wear traditional Bavarian outfits (Dirndl and Lederhosen). If you can get your hands on one, great! If not, just wear “normal” clothes. But please don’t show up looking like you’re headed to Comic-Con—this is not a costume party, it’s a German cultural event.
I went with a shirt and shorts because of the heat. A word of warning: inside the tents, it gets really hot—especially during the “crazy hour”—so bring something to fan yourself with. Also, beer is mostly paid in cash, so don’t forget your wallet.
THE CLEAVAGE WARNING
One thing you’ll notice right away is the low-cut dresses many girls wear, which highlight their beauty. This is just another detail of the event, but what stood out to me was how obvious some guys were in staring—occasionally making the situation uncomfortable.
Dear curious-eyed friend, I’m not here to police your gaze, but just to say that we can ruin the vibe for others if we aren’t subtle. This topic is a bit tricky and I always try to tread lightly with it.
Now, if you’re going there hoping to flirt, here’s a little tip a friend shared with me: if the ribbon on the Dirndl is tied to the right, she’s taken; if it’s on the left, she’s single (although that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s looking). That said, not everyone remembers to tie the ribbon in the “correct” place, so don’t treat it like gospel. As for guys, I’m not aware of any such signs.
THE GERMAN “CRAZY HOUR”
From around 6 p.m., the bands get more energetic, playing classic songs like “Ich will keine Schokolade” (“I don’t want any chocolate”), “Im Wagen vor mir” (“In the car ahead of me”), and “Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht” (“Marble, stone, and iron break—but not our love”). Of course, they also play English classics and other genres, which, combined with alcohol, guarantees a fantastic night.
The term “crazy hour” doesn’t exist in Germany, but I call it that because it reminds me of the liveliest moment of Latin American events. But what’s crazy about it? Nothing negative, really. I’m referring to that magical point in the evening when people suddenly jump onto the benches, dancing and singing along with the band.
It turns into a little utopia: friends dancing on benches, couples swaying to the rhythm, and all sorts of hilariously joyful moments unfolding around you.
That said, dancing on the tables is not allowed. If you try, security will very “kindly” ask you to get down. And if you do plan to dance on the benches, I recommend wearing non-slip shoes for safety.
THE BRIDE’S RING
During this “crazy hour,” I witnessed a drama worthy of a telenovela. While everyone was enjoying the night, a woman was sobbing and crawling under the benches, clearly searching for something. Another girl asked her what was going on.
I may have misheard due to the loud music, but I think she said she lost her engagement ring (Verlobungsring). Instantly, several women joined the search. I even looked around my spot—but sadly, no one found it.
The bride left visibly upset. Maybe she went to the lost-and-found office. I don’t know the full story—maybe the ring was expensive, maybe a family heirloom, or just had sentimental value. Or maybe it’s a sign of bad luck. Whatever the case, I hope things turn out well for her.
THE FALLEN WARRIORS
This time, I went to the festival twice on the same day: once in the morning for the opening, where I had two solid mugs of beer, and again in the evening for the crazy hour.
During my second visit, I saw the aftermath of good partying—guys sitting in corners gathering strength to make it home. I don’t blame them. With that beer and that heat, it’s easy to underestimate your limits.
For me, three beers is my sweet spot—sociable and chill. Four beers, and I might jump on the benches and “dance” to rock music. Five beers? You might find me in the corner, recharging next to the other warriors of life.
By the end of the night, the sound of ambulances marks the winding down of the festival, around 11 p.m. Usually, they come to assist some “fallen fighters,” but I’ve heard that serious accidents can happen. So my advice? Don’t overdo it. And if you do, bring a buddy who’s got your back.
IMPORTANT INFO
Here are a few things to know (subject to change, always check the official festival website):
- The festival lasts 2 weeks
- A beer costs between €11 and €13
- There are typical German dishes available
- It’s kid-friendly: there are rides and games (around €3–5 per entry)
- Most tables are reserved after 6 p.m., but if no one shows up, you can take them
- The event is secured by festival staff, police, and medics—so you’re in safe hands
- Free city Wi-Fi is available during the event
- There’s an ATM on site, works fine so far
- In 2025, the event takes place from August 30th to September 14th
CONCLUSION
Without a doubt, I recommend the Herbstfest. You can have a great time whether you go for a daytime stroll or dive into a beer tent. One thing’s for sure: boredom is not an option.
But dear reader, be warned: do not underestimate the intoxicating power of Bavarian beer. It can cause unexpected time jumps and leave you waking up in places you don’t remember… with more questions than answers.
