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Oktoberfest is the world’s largest volksfest (German for “people’s festival”), featuring a beer festival and a travelling carnival. Originating in Munich, Germany, this annual celebration typically happens from late September to the first weekend of October, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. It’s a jubilant gathering where visitors partake in the merriment and don traditional Bavarian attire; including lederhosen (traditional leather breeches worn by men) and dirndls (traditional dress worn by women and girls). The heart of Oktoberfest celebrations lies in their vast beer tents, where German beers are served in litre-sized steins and are paired with hearty Bavarian cuisine like pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken. Traditional music and dancing fill the air, creating a lively atmosphere where attendees can immerse themselves in Bavarian culture.
While Munich’s Oktoberfest stands out as the largest and most renowned, there are many other places to celebrate Oktoberfest outside of Munich. Some you’ll find in other German cities, while others are right here in Asia. Keep on reading to find out more!
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Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany beyond Munich
1. Stuttgart
The Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart is the city’s very own take on Oktoberfest. It is also the second-largest beer festival in the world after Munich’s Oktoberfest. Held in the district of Cannstatt, the Volksfest typically begins one week later than Oktoberfest.
Compared to its more internationally renowned sibling, this is smaller in scale, with fewer visitors and smaller beer tents. This also implies that the Cannstatter Volksfest offers a cosier regional experience. If you are looking for a more family-friendly atmosphere and yearn for a more local feel, Stuttgart Cannstatter Volksfest might be a better alternative for you.
2. Nuremberg
Other than Munich’s Oktoberfest, you can also consider the Nuremberg Old Town Festival (otherwise called Nürnberger Altstadtfest). This annual celebration in Germany showcases the city’s rich heritage and offers a unique blend of traditions, entertainment, and culinary delights. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charming atmosphere of the Nuremberg Old Town, where the cobblestone streets come alive. Alstadfest is a time when both locals and tourists come together to celebrate Nuremberg’s history and culture, making it one of the best Oktoberfest in the world.
Where else to celebrate Oktoberfest around the world
3. Cincinnati, Ohio – United States
The largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is an annual weekend festival in the city of Cincinnati. First held in 1976, it attracts an estimated 500,000 visitors every year.
One of the festival’s highlights is the massive chicken dance, where thousands of participants join in to dance to the iconic chicken dance music. Fun fact: In 1994, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati made history by setting the world record for the world’s largest chicken dance, with an impressive participation of more than 48,000 individuals. Based on the original German Oktoberfest, the “American Oktoberfest” has become a beloved tradition in Cincinnati, that welcomes people of all backgrounds to experience joy and camaraderie in the heart of the Midwest.
4. Blumenau – Brazil
The inception of the Oktoberfest of Blumenau dates back to 1984, following a flood of the Itajaí-Açu River. Its primary goal was to aid the city’s economic recovery and boost the spirits of its residents.
At the Oktoberfest of Blumenau, a “queen of Oktoberfest’ is chosen every year. 10 candidates don traditional costumes and compete in the categories of posture, catwalk, communication skills, beauty, and friendliness.
Another key highlight of this Oktoberfest is the national competition of Chopp in Metre Drinkers. Participants must consume a metre of beer (equivalent to a 600ml tulip glass) without spilling or removing the glass from their lips. The winner will be the one who finishes in the shortest amount of time.
5. Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario – Canada
Another one of the best Oktoberfest in the world has got to be the one held in the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo in Ontario. Billed as Canada’s greatest Bavarian festival, it usually starts in October, on the Friday before Canadian Thanksgiving, and runs till the Saturday after.
While these Oktoberfest celebrations are best known for their beer-based celebrations, in Canada, they also have a parade that is held on Thanksgiving. As the only major parade on Canadian Thanksgiving, it is televised throughout Canada and portions of the northern United States.
Wondering why it is held in the surrounding areas of Waterloo region? Apparently, Kitchener was formerly named Berlin. There are many Canadians of German ethnicity (most of whom speak the language) reside in or near here, too.
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6. London, England – United Kingdom
Get ready to raise those beer steins, as we head to a few Oktoberfest venues around London. Kicking off with the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the United Kingdom is the one at Market Halls on Oxford Street. Like other Oktoberfest celebrations that serve the usual German food and steins of refreshing beer, this one has a live oompah band, live MCs, and DJs who will spin the decks until 11pm.
Another Oktoberfest venue is the one in Brixton. This party is making its London debut in 2023 at the nightclub, Electric Brixton. You can anticipate a delightful combination of hearty German cuisine, lively music, and amusing comedy.
You can also consider the Official Camden Oktoberfest. This celebration features an iconic electric ballroom fully decked out with traditional Bavarian beer, halls with large beer tables, Oktoberfest bunting, and many more!
7. Hong Kong
Let’s continue our journey in search of more Oktoberfest around the world. Next up: Hong Kong. Similar to London, Hong Kong also has a variety of venues for you to choose from, each offering its own unique blend of German beer, food, and entertainment.
First up, we have Frites Oktoberfest! This year, Frites Central is embracing the triumphant return of Oktoberfest. With eight outlets located across the country, Frites Central brings to Hong Kong the best of German delicacies, including lowenbrau steins, pretzel towers, sauerkraut, and more. The great food, incredible brews, and convivial settings guarantee you an enjoyable experience!
Another Oktoberfest you might want to consider is BaseHall’s annual Oktoberfest. This multi-concept food hall at Jardine House transforms into a traditional Bavarian beer tent with plenty of German-inspired snacks, traditional games and entertainment — and, of course, beer. It offers a unique blend of Hong Kong’s and Germany’s cultures, making it a must-go event for those looking to experience Oktoberfest in this vibrant city.
8. Melbourne – Australia
Meanwhile, in the Land Down Under, you can check out Oktoberfest in the Gardens in Melbourne! This Australian Oktoberfest usually takes place in spacious outdoor venues, and this year’s event will be held at the beach. So, expect stunning natural backdrops with views of the ocean, sunset, and coastlines. You will also get to hear the sound of waves, feel the sand under your feet, and take in the fresh sea breeze. This allows you to immerse yourself in the Bavarian culture and enjoy a fun-filled day with your friends.
9. Qingdao, Shandong – China
As part of the Qingdao International Beer Festival, a yearly celebration is held in Shandong. Here, you can savour beers from across the globe while experiencing Chinese culture, making it one of the more unique Oktoberfest celebrations on our list.
The festivities include concerts, beer tastings, and even activities like the underwater beer-drinking challenge. Don’t forget to visit the Qingdao Beer Museum and set aside some time for a leisure stroll through Zhongshan Park. For those who don’t like beer, there is also a wine museum for you to tour around.
10. Yokohama – Japan
Experience a truly remarkable Oktoberfest in Yokohama, Japan! In a span of three weeks in October, the city goes all out by transforming the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse into an expansive beer hall. The interior decor faithfully mirrors that of traditional Munich beer halls, making Yokohama a convincing substitute. Initially launched in 2003, the festival has steadily grown, drawing in a crowd of over 130,000 attendees.
Situated conveniently along the waterfront in Yokohama city centre, getting to the party is a breeze. Expect the classic German fare and live performances by German bands, ensuring an authentic Oktoberfest experience.
Note: Yokohama is just 20 minutes from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train!
11. Villa General Belgrano, Province of Córdoba – Argentina
Argentina’s Oktoberfest is the second-largest in South America, surpassed by the one in Brazil. Every year, Villa General Belgrano hosts the National Beer Festival, spanning two weekends in October. This beautiful mountain village in Central Argentina transforms into an alpine-style town, luring in thousands of visitors. The spirit of German heritage shines brightly, with many attendees donning lederhosen and dirndls.
Don’t miss the captivating parade of communities, where a delegation from an array of countries — including Germany, Denmark, Scotland, and Spain — put on their traditional attire and march through the heart of the town. At the festival grounds, the beer garden boasts vendors serving up delectable German classics like Frankfurt sausages, smoked pork ribs, and, of course, bratwurst. Explore yet another one of the best Oktoberfest around the world!
12. Singapore
In a small yet vibrant and modern city-state, Singapore proudly presents its own rendition of Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest at Swiss Club Singapore stands out as one of the most sought-after local Oktoberfest celebrations! It proudly features the award-winning 10-piece Bavarian brass band, Musikkapelle Partenkirchen: the same ensemble that has graced every Swiss Club Oktoberfest event for the past 23 years.
Prepare for a lively evening filled with dancing, singing, indulging in delicious food, and raising your stein in celebration! You can consider bringing your little ones to join in on the Oktoberfest festivities, too; the event also features captivating magic shows, entertaining games, and more!
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There you go: — the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the world! Which one captured your interest? Nonetheless, we hope you will have a blast this month at these various Oktoberfest outside of Munich! Let us know how much fun you had over at our Facebook or Instagram page!
Featured image credit: Oktoberfest in the Gardens | Official Facebook Page
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