How Oktoberfest Was Celebrated in the 1960s

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Oktoberfest, the annual Bavarian beer festival, is known for its Pilsener- and Hefeweizen-induced revelry. But the fête, which this year began on Sept. 19 and ends on Oct. 4, has been tamed in recent years by the rules enforcing quiet hours that aim to increase its appeal to families and curb a spike in brawls.

But back in 1961, when LIFE dispatched photographer Stan Wayman to document the drunken debauchery, the party atmosphere was unmistakably intact. His photos, which never ran in the magazine, depict a carefree camaraderie: merrymakers dancing on tables, raising giant beer steins high, shout-singing songs between sips. The only evidence of quiet is a photo of two men, one man’s hat covering his face, who appear to be rethinking the number of steins they’ve just consumed.

Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.

Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
A happy reveler at Oktoberfest, Germany, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Beer, cigarettes and song at Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Toasting the next drink, Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Women dance on tables, Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
A giant keg of beer looms above the crowd, Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Festival-goers go on rides, Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Dancing on tables, Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Men wear feathered caps at Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Women drink from large beer steins at Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Reaching to clink glasses, Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Scene from Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Oktoberfest in Germany, 1961.
Two tired revelers take a moment's rest, Oktoberfest, 1961.Stan Wayman—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

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Write to Eliza Berman at eliza.berman@time.com