Oktoberfest shopping list: what to buy and bring

An Oktoberfest shopping list needs more than beer and pretzels. Plan serving quantities, chilled storage, buffet equipment and enough sturdy tableware for the full guest count. Beer mugs, water glasses and plates disappear quickly once food and drinks are served at the same time. This guide helps you check the items people most often forget, including coolers, food warmers, serving platters, allergen information and practical table supplies.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Beer tablesqty 8
Beer benchesqty 16
Buffet tablesqty 4
Bar cabinet
Folding chairsqty 12

Tableware

Beer mugsqty 100
Water glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Dessert platesqty 90
Forksqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12

Decorations

Blue and white buntingqty 6
Oktoberfest bannersqty 4
German flagsqty 6
Diamond-shaped garlandsqty 8
Beer wreath decorationqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12
Napkin holdersqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Menu boardsqty 4
Chalk markersqty 6
Name badgesqty 90

Equipment

Refrigeratorsqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 6
Gas barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Kitchen tongsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 12
Oven mittsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 6
Outdoor lightsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24

Catering

Groceries
- Pilsner beer - 120 bottles
- Weizen beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Radler - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Pretzels - 100 pieces
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Butter - 2 packs
- Sausages - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian sausages - 20 pieces
- Chicken sausage rolls - 30 pieces
- Sauerkraut - 8 jars
- Red cabbage - 6 jars
- Potatoes - 12 kilogram
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 5 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Roasting sauce - 3 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Fried onions - 3 bags
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- White cabbage - 3 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Apple strudel - 6 pieces
- Vanilla sauce - 4 packs
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Sunflower oil - 2 bottles
- Vinegar - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 can
- Salt - 1 pack
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Garlic powder - 1 canister
- Cumin - 1 can
- Dried parsley - 1 canister
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper hand towels - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 20 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 8 pairs
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms

Tips

Plan around 2–3 beers per guest for the first hour, then about 1 beer per person for each additional hour. Add water as well: at least 500 ml per guest for a three-hour event.
Allow 1 large pretzel per guest, plus 10% extra, and provide bread or rolls alongside the buffet. Buy sauces and dips in 100–150 ml per 10 guests so the serving bowls do not run dry.
Count one beer mug and one water glass per guest, then add 10% spare. For a buffet, provide roughly one plate, fork and knife per guest, with extra serving spoons and platters for every main dish.
Arrange refrigerated storage before shopping day. Keep beer, meat and dairy chilled, and use coolers or refrigerators with enough space for the drinks needed during the first service period.
Do not leave decorations and information until the last day. Set aside blue-and-white bunting, banners, flags, menu boards, chalk markers and name badges at least 48 hours before the event so missing items can still be replaced.

Frequently asked questions

How much beer do I need for an Oktoberfest?: Budget for 2–3 beers per guest during the first hour and about 1 beer per guest for every additional hour. For 30 guests over 4 hours, that is approximately 150–180 beers, depending on the drinking habits of your group.
How many pretzels should I buy for Oktoberfest?: Buy 1 large pretzel per guest and add 10% extra. For 30 guests, plan on at least 33 pretzels, plus bread or rolls if they are part of the buffet.
What tableware is needed for an Oktoberfest party?: Provide one beer mug and one water glass per guest, plus 10% spare. Plan one plate, fork and knife per guest, and add dessert plates if cake or another dessert is served.
When should I buy and chill Oktoberfest drinks?: Buy shelf-stable drinks and dry goods 2–3 days ahead. Chill beer and other drinks at least 12 hours before serving, and check that refrigerators or coolers have enough capacity before the delivery or shopping trip.

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