Oktoberbest

Stuttgart has the Volksfest, which is a version of Oktoberfest. It's like a big state-fair with huge beer tents. You can go during the day with families (kids), but the evening is only really for adults (or at least people who don't mind being puked on). More information is here:
http://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/index.php?id=2&L=1

Munich's Octoberfest would be a great experience for one or two nights. I would suggest you be pro-active in your personal security, as some locals sometimes get a little "too friendly." Many prefer the Augustiner Brewery over in Salzburg and the Andechs Brewery south of Munich, both of which are brewed by monks. Discoveringbavaria.com/Bavarian-Breweries.html is another good place to read about breweries. Local beer served weekends is brewed by families in the towns of Windischeschenbach and Neuhaus, and the schedule can be found in www.zoiglbier.de It sounds as if it'd be a great experience. http://www.adlersberg.com sounds as if they have a great drinking experience. I've never known how the U.S. can have virtually the worse beer in the world. The average local beer in Germany and Austria is better than any beer I've had in the U.S. And, some say Belgium and Czech beers are even better than in Germany.

Thank you for your responses! We have been to Prague and they do have amazing beer! I'm a snob now and won't even drink American beer :)

There are beer fests other than Oktoberfest. I'm pretty sure Frankfurt has a big one. I've been to two fests, Oktoberfest and Bonnfest (but not since it is no longer the Capitol) and had a great time at both: Oktoberfest pros: - THE beer fest - Tons of people from all over. One night the bar maid was Irish and she sat me with a group from New Zealand so I had someone to talk to (even though I speak German fairly well). - I loved the parade from downtown on opening day. Everyone in their traditional garb almost made me want to buy some lederhosen, until I saw a busload of tourists wearing them :) - Lots of tents to choose from Oktoberfest cons: - Really crowded - Can't get a beer unless you're seated - Expensive beer - Too many people really drunk, I mean Emergency Room visit drunk. - Closes down early (probably because of too many drunks. - More rules (e.g. don't stand on benches or tables, probably because of too many drunks) Bonnfest pros: - More locals, three generations of families drinking beer and singing together. - One giant tent with two stages (one a rock band, the other an oompah band). - Goes all night. Left at 4am and it was still going strong. Bonnfest cons: - Less likely to meet new friends because they're all locals sitting mostly with their families (but people were generally more friendly here). - Not THE fest.
- Does this band know anything but ABBA songs? And why does everyone here know every word to every song?

No need to trash American beer, folks. Yes, the major breweries in the U.S. are crap - just like the biggest major breweries in Europe are crap (Beck's, anyone? Blegh). The good beer in Germany is from the small local producers, just like good beer in the U.S. You just have to look for it, there's not a state or region in the U.S. without good microbreweries these days. And if you think the US has virtually the worst beer in the world, you haven't traveled or had many international beers. I can name a lot of countries in Asia and Central America that have absolutely terrible beer and you don't generally have microbreweries in many of those countries making good beer. As for Ang's question, the Canstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart is smaller than Oktobrefest, as is Stuttgart in general, though it's not exactly a "quaint town." But you could stay in the quaint town of Esslingen Am Neckar nearby and be to the fairgrounds in about a 15 minute train ride or so, not too bad. It might be a good compromise if you want to enjoy a beer fest without the total craziness of Oktoberfest, which is of course a huge draw for international tourists. The Volksfest is not, everyone is German or an enthusiastic expat. That said, the State Fair atmosphere didn't do too much for me. I prefer the wine festivals, myself.

We went to Oktoberfest in 2009 and had the absolute time of our lives. I want to stress that it was an absolute "bucket list" thing to do in my lifetime. The most amazing part of the Octoberfest was that so many people can get together, drink beer all day and not have to fight each other. You should definately go. I will say that it is a more mellow crowd during the day and a younger crowd at night. We walked back and forth to the fair grounds from our hotel and never had any security concerns. Just a bunch of friendly people having a good time. We met and spoke with people from all over the world. A special "shout out" to the Austrailians who were especially lively and fun to hang out with.

Plus although Munich is a big city, it has the feel of a small community....

I highly recommend this festival in Forcheim (Upper Franconia) http://www.alladooch-annafest.de/ I've gone the last two years and had a fantastic time. It is much different than Oktoberfest. 1. The beer is better. About 8 local Franconia breweries brew a festbier just for this event. Since Franconia is the true brewing heartland of Germany you can hardly go wrong. 2. Seating is easy. There are 24 open bier kellers (i.e. beer gardens with cellars) with plenty of seating and no need for a reservation (unless you want a premium seat). 3. Numerous bands playing. Everyting from Oompah to classic rock. 4. Beautiful outdoor setting in a forested hillside. 5. NOT overrun by tourists. Most of the people you'll encounter are local Franconians or Bavarians that have journeyed to be at the festival. 6. Very friendly. Standing on a table and singing along and drinking with fellow fest goers is standard behavior. The locals are very friendly towards foreign visitors at the event. 7. Plenty of food, rides, etc. It's as much fun as it looks in the pictures on the website linked above.