Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany from September 21 to October 6, 2013, but the work has already begun. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/23/europe/gallery/oktoberfest-2013/index.html">View photos of this year's festival.</a>
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany from September 21 to October 6, 2013, but the work has already begun. View photos of this year's festival.
AFP/Getty Images
Construction of the 180th Oktoberfest started in mid-July.
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Construction of the 180th Oktoberfest started in mid-July.
AFP/Getty Images
There are 14 tents at Oktoberfest this year -- plenty for a motivated beer lover to choose from.
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
There are 14 tents at Oktoberfest this year -- plenty for a motivated beer lover to choose from.
AFP/Getty Images
Beer sold in the tents must conform to the Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian Purity Requirements) and be brewed in Munich. The lowest alcohol beer in 2013 is 5.8% ABV.
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Beer sold in the tents must conform to the Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian Purity Requirements) and be brewed in Munich. The lowest alcohol beer in 2013 is 5.8% ABV.
AFP/Getty Images
Munich Oktoberfest, which opens to the public on September 21, draws millions of visitors and is the biggest beer fest in the world.
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Munich Oktoberfest, which opens to the public on September 21, draws millions of visitors and is the biggest beer fest in the world.
AFP/Getty Images
Locals call Oktoberfest "die Wiesn" after the fairgrounds themselves.
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Locals call Oktoberfest "die Wiesn" after the fairgrounds themselves.
AFP/Getty Images
A worker decorates chandliers at the Schuetzen Festzelt three weeks ahead of Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
A worker decorates chandliers at the Schuetzen Festzelt three weeks ahead of Oktoberfest.
AFP/Getty Images
Waitress Kathi holds four beer mugs for the coming Oktoberfest event .
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Waitress Kathi holds four beer mugs for the coming Oktoberfest event .
AFP/Getty Images
Dieter Reiter, Munich major candidate 2013, holds the official 2013 Oktoberfest one-liter beer glass during a presentation at Hacker Festzelt on the Theresienwiese.
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Dieter Reiter, Munich major candidate 2013, holds the official 2013 Oktoberfest one-liter beer glass during a presentation at Hacker Festzelt on the Theresienwiese.
AFP/Getty Images
Interior view of the Loewenbraeu Festzelt
Oktoberfest 2013: The work begins —
Interior view of the Loewenbraeu Festzelt
AFP/Getty Images