You may be surprised to learn that the Oktoberfest celebration of today started out very differently. The first Oktoberfest was actually a royal wedding celebration which took place on October 12, 1810 when the crown prince of Bavaria married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Today, the celebration involves drinking German beer, eating traditional Bavarian foods, playing games and enjoying traditional folk music. You can join in the festivities and celebrate German culture by adding festive Bavarian flair to your store with some creative event ideas your customers will surely love.
Amp Up the German Theme
No Oktoberfest celebration is complete without German flags, colors and decorations. There are a variety of cost-effective ways to create an authentic event space. For example, you can print Oktoberfest posters and hang them around your store and include custom banners and flags to add height and dimension to your festivities. When you design your décor, opt for traditional German colors like Bavarian blue and white or play up the national palette of yellow, black, and red.
Make your guests feel as if they’ve been transported to Munich with authentic elements like German music and food. Here’s a list of top songs played in German beer tents during the celebration for you to consider. Once you’ve set the tone with music and décor, it’s time to curate a special tasting menu or promote discounts and contests to get your customers excited for the big event.
Pint-Sized Promotions
Oktoberfest is a great way to cross-promote your fall specials. Celebrate the season with targeted promotions that increase customer turnout and boost sales. Everyone loves a free gift and using promotional items like shirts, hats, and mugs is a great way boost brand awareness and customer satisfaction. Offer your guests a welcome gift with their event ticket and include discounts, product catalogues and, of course, branded swag to commemorate the festivities.
You can partner with other local businesses to reach new customers and increase event turnout. If you can find German-owned businesses, this is a great promotional addition for an Oktoberfest event.
Prep Your Store for the Fest
Get your store in the Oktoberfest spirit with custom step & repeat banners, table covers, and signs. Use these items to share your upcoming event announcements and include important information like event dates and times as well as featured acts or offerings. You can also use signage to promote Oktoberfest-themed products. When it comes to merchandising, make sure you place complimentary items with one product display so customers can conveniently shop for their must-haves.
You can print special shirts for your staff with your logo and the event information on them. This option is great because it promotes your brand and the event simultaneously while also helping customers easily spot store employees. Lastly, it’s important to prep the exterior of your store. Window decals, Oktoberfest displays, flags and balloons all work together to create a welcoming atmosphere passersby will notice. Place an outdoor banner at your entrance with event details if you want to generate higher event attendance.
Outstanding Outdoor Set Ups
The Munich-based celebrations largely occur outdoors under covered barns and beer tents. You can bring this same feel to your event with custom canopies and table covers. Set up outdoor food and beer tasting stations and give customers a tasting menu checklist so they can choose which items they want to sample.
Add flags to your event entrance to set the tone for a lighthearted and fun celebration. Directional signs and banners with event features will make it easy for attendees to navigate the event space and access the stations they want to explore.
Fun Ways to Get Your Guests in the Spirit
Help your guests get in the Oktoberfest spirit with a step & repeat photobooth display. Have costumes and props like lederhosen and steins available for your customers’ close ups. Make signs with your store’s logo and an event hashtag then encourage guests to post their pictures on social media and tag your business account. Guests will enjoy getting these fun photo-ops and you will get organic brand exposure too.
Games and contests are other great ways to get your guests involved. You can host traditional Oktoberfest competitions like yodeling contests and beer races or come up with something unique. Offer discounts and prizes for winners to incentivize participation. Guests will appreciate fun ways to enjoy the event and have a bit of fun competition too.
Oktoberfest is right around the corner so you need to start planning your event if you want it to be a success. Pick your theme, order your marketing products, and set an event itinerary as soon as possible. Use these tips to spark your creativity. It’s easy to plan the perfect Oktoberfest even with a bit of planning and the right marketing strategy.
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