Thomas Gottschalk's Oktoberfest review: Traditional costume already in August?

Thomas Gottschalk's Oktoberfest review: Traditional costume already in August?

The anticipation for the 190th Oktoberfest is great! On September 20, 2025, the Oktoberfest opens its doors on Munich's Theresienwiese and attracts millions of visitors. One who is particularly in the spotlight is the popular entertainer Thomas Gottschalk, who will enrich the festival with his charm. Known for his participation in many Oktoberfests, he was critical of the tradition that many people wear traditional costumes from August onwards and described himself as a “fashion grouch”. Nevertheless, he remains loyal to the lederhosen that he always wears on the holidays and will ride to the opening on a float with his wife Karina Mroß, as merkur.de reports.

At the start of the festival there will also be a tapping of a keg, traditionally at 12 p.m., which this time will be carried out by landlord Siegfried Able and not by Gottschalk. Gottschalk's family and friends are there, including daughter Melinda and son Roman, who traveled from the USA with his wife Melissa. Karina Gottschalk, who made a wonderful impression at her first Oktoberfest as Thomas' wife, said that it “felt perfect”. A private party in the Marstall tent rounds off this special day, and a big family dinner is planned for the Gottschalks next Monday, while the younger son Tristan cannot be present due to his soon-to-be offspring. Arnold Schwarzenegger is also expected to be a prominent visitor, which adds to the very personal charm of this Oktoberfest.

Tradition meets trends

But it's not just the appearances of stars that cause excitement. Traditional costume fashion has evolved over the years, and Oktoberfest fashion 2025 sets completely new accents. Uwe Blacharowicz, owner of the Trachtenoutlet & Store in the Olympia shopping center, keeps an eye on the latest trends and has a few tips up his sleeve. Velvet dirndls, which are particularly popular this fall, give women a touch of luxury. In addition, the main colors red, green and blue remain popular, while pastel tones such as lilac and lavender bring a fresh touch to traditional costumes, as tz.de reports.

For men, leather trousers up to the knee are still very popular, and knee breeches are also enjoying greater popularity again. Lederhosen in classic colors such as brown and beige remain timeless. The individual design options for traditional costumes and the ability to put together the perfect outfit ensure ever more creativity and expression among Oktoberfest visitors.

The mix of tradition and new trends promises an exciting Oktoberfest 2025. It remains exciting to see how the people of Munich and their guests will celebrate the Oktoberfest! And who? Nobody dares to say that, because entering the festival tents is supposedly an art in itself that only certain lucky people can master!