Prost to Tradition and Community: Oktoberfest at Waganupa Brewing
Oktoberfest is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, camaraderie, and centuries-old Bavarian tradition. At Waganupa Brewing, we’re proud to carry forward this legacy, blending the spirit of Munich’s “Therese’s Meadow” wedding celebration of 1810 with our own Lake Almanor community flair. Join us as we explore Oktoberfest’s storied past and discover how Waganupa pours a local twist into every stein.
From Royal Marriage to Global Phenomenon
In October 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria wed Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and invited Munich’s citizens to her namesake meadow for five days of horse races, music, and merriment. The success of that inaugural gathering prompted the royal couple to repeat the festivities, birthing what we now know as Oktoberfest. Over two centuries, the event evolved—agricultural exhibits gave way to carnival rides, beer tents replaced simple stands, and today’s festival attracts millions worldwide, honoring Bavarian culture through oompah bands, traditional attire, and, of course, exceptional beer.
Honoring the Reinheitsgebot with Every Pour
Central to Oktoberfest and to Waganupa Brewing is the 1516 Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s Beer Purity Law mandating only water, barley, hops, and yeast in beer. This devotion to quality inspired our brewers when crafting both our signature American Lager and this year’s special schwarzbier release. We source the finest malts and hops—locally when possible—to echo the spirit of Hallertau hop growers and Bavarian brewmasters who perfected lager techniques centuries ago.
Lake Almanor’s Very Own “Wiesn”
Just as Munich’s Therese’s Meadow became villagers’ gathering ground, our brewery grounds serve as the community’s festive heart. This Oktoberfest, we’ve recreated classic Bavarian contests—Masskrugstemmen stein-holding and Hammerschlagen—with a Waganupa twist. Teams of friends will compete for prizes, live music, local art vendors, and family-friendly activities ensure everyone finds their place at the table.
Dress the Part—Bavarian Style Meets Northern California Flair
When lederhosen and dirndls first appeared in Munich’s fairs, they symbolized regional pride and practicality. Today, they connect wearers to a shared heritage. At Waganupa’s Oktoberfest, we celebrate this tradition with a costume contest—prizes include brewery merch and festival vouchers—while encouraging creative twists that reflect our community spirit (think denim dirndls or custom brewery-logo embroidery).
Building Community, One Stein at a Time
Oktoberfest began as a celebration of unity, and that remains its beating heart. Waganupa Brewing opened with the vision of creating a welcoming gathering place, where neighbors become friends and stories are shared over handcrafted beer. This October, as we tap our first schwarzbier barrel and declare “O’zapft is!” under the golden autumn sky, we invite you to raise a glass to both Bavarian heritage and the thriving local community that makes Lake Almanor so special.
Join us Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, for an Oktoberfest celebration that honors the past while toasting the future. Prost!