If you happen to be one of my regular followers you might have picked up that my dad was born in Germany, making me officially half German. My mom’s background is Scottish/English but growing up my parents raised me in a German household learning German traditions and the German language (a big “sort of” on that one lol). One of those traditions we participated in every year was Oktoberfest.
Lets take a peek into the event I enjoy so very much ever year by checking out some great vintage Oktoberfest photos and also the dirndls (sorry Lederhosen) that make the party (mainly the adorable and gorgeous dirndl).
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Fact: Did you know that Oktoberfest in Germany use to start in October but was moved to in and around Sept 20th to accommodate better weather? And even though it is celebrated all over the world now, Oktoberfest is originally a Southern Germany (Bavarian) Tradition. Interesting huh!
Vintage Oktoberfest Images & Dirndls
Vintage Oktoberfest Photos
1920s vintage photo of Oktoberfest in NYC!! WOW What an incredible photo of showgirls and beer.
I’m thinking this image is from the 1970s at the Cinncinnati Germania Society Oktoberfest. Everyone is holding up special steins for the photo.
Big giant tent at Oktoberfest filled with party goers in Germany. This is a normal sight if you were to visit even to this day.
Mmmm pretzels, a Oktoberfest staple. Tastes so good with beer 🙂
1960s / 1970s vintage image of a woman either singing, yawning or yelling but whatever she is doing from the looks of everyone around her she is probably having a very good time at the fest.
Adorable matching dirndls on the Schwabn Dancers.
1928 Oktoberfest “Beer Maids”. You have to have strong arms to carry those steins.
Vintage 1960s or 1970s photo of an Oktoberfest party at the Concordia Club in Kitchener, Ontario Canada. Looks like everyone is singing ‘Ein Prosit’.
The Concordia is a club I have been going to years for German Karneval events and their world famous Oktoberfest parties (my fav hall during the fest!).
Source: Concordia Club
Video time!
Here is a great video I found of Oktoberfest in the 1950’s. Other then the clothes and hairstyles, not much has changed 🙂
Oktoberfest – a short story
Now onto the Dirndls portion….
Vintage Dirndls
To start, a wonderful fellow blogger Jessica from “Chronically Vintage” did a post on her truly gorgeous vintage dirndl that you really must see to believe.
My dirndl is not as old as the 1950’s but it was my mothers from the 1970’s and I just adore it. The blouse is actually new from a beautiful designer called “Rare“.
I also recently while travelling thru Munich purchased my first official “Made in Germany Dirndl”. Here it is (with same blouse from above).
Photos: 2013 Liz on the left and 2024 Liz on the right. I’m a bit older lol!
Here is the beautiful design on the bottom of the dress.
September 2022 Update: This past July I attended in German Fest in Milwaukee with my husband, parents and I met up with loads of friends at the 3 days party. I wore two of the dirndls above and one new / vintage dirndl I picked up in Toronto.
Never thought of pairing a dirndl with an adorable vintage hat but the pattern below just makes it look so lovely.
Further Reading: Vintage Dirndl Fashion Illustrations
Pattern for sale on Etsy from “BluetreeSewingStudio“
These dirndl skirts are so very cute from the 1950s.
Pattern for sale on etsy from “CynicalGirl“
1950s sewing pattern for women’s 1950s dirndl dresses. The black and red dirndl in the back sort of reminds me of mine. The flowered on in the front is very pretty.
Image above from etsy seller “Historically Patterns”
Drindls for Sale (avail at time of posting)
Dirndls sold? Please visit my ETSY Favourites Dirndl page for more dresses (updated September 2023)
Beautiful 1950s / 1960s Blue Dirndl with bronze embroidery.
Source: Etsy
This dress is so gorgeous and not your “typical” dirndl style. Love 🙂
Dress above for sale on etsy from “VintageFrocksOfFancy”
Pair this red dirndl with a white blouse and you will have a stunner of a dress.
Source: Etsy
I hope you enjoyed a little vintage look into Oktoberfest and if you are planning on celebrating this year..ENJOY! and Prost!
Further Reading:
September 2024 Update: I have created a fun Oktoberfest playlist on Spotify that is perfect for your next fest party. Enjoy!
Liz 🙂
