Germany’s favourite excuse for inebriation and merriment cranks into gear on September 19 and runs until Sunday October 4. Our intrepid researchers and stunning models Stephanie Wang and Mark Tjhung show you how throw the perfect Oktoberfest party. Photo by Calvin Sit

Drindl They’re in short supply, but Steph found a raunched-up version of a drindl (traditional German dress) at Partyland (Basement, Shop B, 51 Wellington St, Central, 2147 9283) for $268.

Lederhosen Finding lederhosen in this town is as hard as finding a sober soul in a Munich beer hall. But you can get them made-to-fit at tailors Matteo (3/F, 530-532 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay, 2342 8887) and Fortune Costume (Rm 202, 2/F, 23 Hillwood Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2367 5018). Mark’s spunky little hat is from Partyland (Basement, Shop B, 51 Wellington St, Central, 2147 9283) and cost $98.

Beer Germany is home to a load of great beers. We like Erdinger Weissbier ($16.90 from Wellcome), Lowenbrau Lowenweisse ($9.90 for a King Can, Wellcome), and the five-litre mini-kegs of Paulaner Yeast Beer ($210, City’super).

Wine Yeah, we know Jacob’s Creek isn’t exactly German, but this is a good, cheap Riesling (a German specialty). If you’re willing to pay more, grab a bottle of Dr Loosen Riesling Kabinett 2007, available at Waston’s Wine Cellar (various stores) for $180.

Sauerkraut Don’t forget your sauerkraut. To be honest, this stuff is a bit of a hassle to make, so you’re better off nabbing some at a supermarket. City’super sells 810g of Kuhne Sauerkraut for just $19.

Potato salad No fest would be complete without it. Boil some spuds, add bacon, sugar, white wine vinegar, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper – and you’re done.

Pork knuckle If you can’t find a pork knuckle at your local butcher or supermarket, ask for one pre-roasted from King Ludwig Beerhall in Stanley (2899 0122), Tsim Sha Tsui (2369 8328), or Wan Chai (2861 0737).

Tablecloth Get a large tablecloth especially made in Bavarian colours at Kin Wah Piece Goods Hong (G/F, 146 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po, 2380 7471). $115.

Pretzels Buy thick leavened pretzels for $9 each from Das Gute (various stores, including Times Square, 2506 9488, and Sogo Tsim Sha Tsui, 3556 1212).

Flag Get a German flag made by Nam Keung Flag Makers (Rm 205, Bonham Trade Centre, 50 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2544 8764). $180.

Bread Load up on famous German breads at Das Gute (various stores, including Times Square, 2506 9488, and Sogo Tsim Sha Tsui, 3556 1212). Red tea walnut bread $9; nutty sesame stick $12; butter roll $4.50; raisin bread $13.

Bratwurst It’s a sausage fest! Get your bratwurst and frankfurters in packs at Taste or Wellcome supermarkets. Prices range from $18.90 for an eight-pack of cheapo frankfurters to the high-class Dietz Rotewurst, at $80 for four pieces.

Beer steins Grab a fist full of beer with giant glass steins, available at King Ludwig Beerhall (Stanley, 2899 0122, TST, 2369 8328, and Wan Chai, 2861 0737), $80 for one litre, $60 for half a litre (empty). Or look for cheaper deals at Japan Home Centre (various stores).

Oktoberfest events

Too lazy to DIY? Check out these alternatives. Don’t be fooled by the dates – the real Oktoberfest starts in late September.

Marco Polo Oktoberfest Drinking contests, a feast, and a band from Munich. October 19 to November 24, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.gbfhk.com, $100.

King Ludwig Beerhall Beer wenches, German singers, set meals, and shuffling competitions. October 16-24 at Stanley, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wan Chai outlets.

Erdinger Oktoberfest The beer brand’s first annual Oktoberfest, with food, fun, and wheat brews. October 30 & 31, Happy Valley Racecourse, $190.

Happy Valley Jockey Club Oktoberfest Cheap beers, races, and games for cash prizes Every Wed during October, Happy Valley Racecourse.

Biergarten Traditional German tunes, special beer mugs, and discount dishes. October 16-31. 8 Hanoi Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2721 2302.