Get ready to raise your beer steins and embrace the Bavarian spirit because Oktoberfest is almost here! But wait its only September!? Well, despite its name, Oktoberfest actually kicks off in September each year, and carries on for just over two weeks so get a move on with the planning!
Originally a Munich celebration of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese’s marriage in 1810, this colossal beer bash now has folks around the world celebrating with a hearty "Prost!"
Sprawling tents with thousands of merry-makers, millions of litres of beer being guzzled, German music filling the air – if you want a slice of the biggest beer festival on the planet then don your finest lederhosen and find yourself an Oktoberfest near you with our guide below.
Or… host your own Bavarian bash and serve up some stunning Oktoberfest foods and drinks (also listed below!)
What should you drink at Oktoberfest?
No surprises here, it’s all about German Beer.
So many German producers will release Oktoberfest specials, but we like the hoppy, fruity profile of Hofmeister, made in the heart of Bavaria.
Erdinger is another that you can’t wrong with, in particular their Weissbier with its gentle spice and lively flavours.
For Alcohol-Free Oktoberfests, we have to shout out Lucky Saint, a classic, refreshing lager with a hoppy, citrus finish and they’re German too.
Not everyone likes beer of course, and why should you miss out on all the Oktoberfest fun? Well, sticking with the German theme, get stuck into their Pinot Noir. Did you know that they are the third largest producer of this varietal, labelling it Spätburgunder – it is so distinct. Also, that way, if anyone has a go at you for drinking Pinot at Oktoberfest, you can tell them it’s Spätburgunder and they’ll probably accept it. It’s a cool-climate red berry wine, with lots of crunch, acidity, tartness and we find it so refreshing and easy drinking – give it a go!
What should you eat at Oktoberfest?
Bratwurst is a must. Grilled onions, brioche buns, good German mustard, sauerkraut on the site – mouthwatering… and the best thing is, it all goes so well with hearty, refreshing German bier.
Other than that, Schnitzel is traditional, as our roasted almonds (often sugared as a kind of candy), all kinds of potato dishes, Currywurst and Pretzels.
Where should I go for Oktoberfest around the UK?
Oktoberfest UK, the largest tour in the country is coming to the following cities in the SOUTH OF ENGLAND, bringing authentic German bier, live oompah bands, bratwurst on the sizzle and some of Europe’s biggest Oktoberfest tents:
Chelmsford – Central Park – Friday 6th and Saturday 7th October
Crawley - Southgate Park - Friday 6th & Saturday 7th October
Guildford - Stoke Park - Friday 13th & Saturday 14th October
Milton Keynes - Campbell Park - Friday 13th & Saturday 14th October
Southend - Priory Park - Friday 20th & Saturday 21st October
Beverley - Beverley Racecourse - Friday 20th & Saturday 21st October
Colchester - Lower Castle Park - Friday 27th & Saturday 28th October
Plymouth - Central Park - Friday 27th & Saturday 28th October
For more information click here.
In BRIGHTON, there’s Oktoberfest Bottomless Brunch at Post Cook & Bier Haus every Saturday throughout the celebrations, with oompah, DJs, tables dancers and three litre sizes of Bavarian beer.
For more information click here.
LONDON obviously has a tonne of Oktoberfest events such as:
Craft Oktoberfest:
- E&C Brewgarden (Friday 6th October and Saturday 7th October with 12+ craft beers in London’s biggest beer garden)
- Kraft Dalston (Saturday 21st October with Korean-German fusion before Berlin techno until 2AM)
- Mayfair Cyrpt (Saturday 14th October for the first time, a full meal and drink package for Oktoberfest).
For more information click here.
There are so many Oktoberfest events across London, like Oktoberfest At Pergola Paddington, Oktoberfest Brixton, Munich Cricket Club, Craft Beer Cruise, ALToberfest and Camden Oktoberfest, from budget options to lavish blowouts. Find one near you and Lederhosen up!
In MANCHESTER, the sprawling Freight Island will host an all-singing, all-dancing beer half on Friday 29th September and Saturday 30th September.
For more information click here.
In SHEFFIELD, Stein Haus offer a complete Bavarian offering with all the bands, dancers and live DJ sets you could wish for on Saturday 14th October.
For more information click here.
Honestly, as a nation we’ve fully embraced Oktoberfest and we can’t list every event here, so if you’re not in one of the hubs above then don’t worry, because there’s almost certainly somewhere transformed into a beer hall near you offering Oompah bands, bratwurst, schnitzel, and sloshing steins.