12 Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest that aren’t Munich

Munich may be the home of Oktoberfest, but if you can't make it to the main event, there are plenty of places to celebrate Oktoberfest 2018 in Europe -  check out the following 12 for starters...

Stuttgart

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Stuttgart’s version of Oktoberfest first took place in 1818 and continues to pull in the crowds to this day.

Local breweries set up shop in huge marquees that comfortably hold 5,000 people. There’s plenty of food options too - soakage shouldn't be a problem during your visit.

 

Flights to Stuttgart

Berlin

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Oktoberfest in Berlin equals one big tent, typical Bavarian specialties like pork knuckles, pretzels and roast chicken, plus beer, beer and more beer.

 

As well as traditional food and drink, you can expect non-stop brass band entertainment in and around the 1,600 square metre tent.

 

Entrance fees vary depending on what day you visit, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds we recommend heading on a weekday when it’s less busy. 

 

Flights to Berlin

Madrid

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Madrid brings a little bit of Bavaria to the city's WiZink Center, with sausages, bretzels and all the traditional food and beer you would expect to find in Munich.

 

Tickets can be booked online for the 3-day event which takes place from October 27th to October 29th 

Flights to Madrid

Barcelona

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Entry to Barcelona's Oktoberfest is free - you just have to reserve a table beforehand. Oktoberfest runs from  4th October for 11 days - that's plenty of time to guarantee your place.

 

Flights to Barcelona

Paris

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Oktoberfest Paris attracts visitors from all over Europe, with over 10,000 people raising a steiner at the festival each year.

 

Beers on offer include Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier, Paulaner Müncher Hell or the Paulaner Hefe-Weissier.

 

When it comes to festival eats,  be sure to try the famous crispy ham hock or the Tyrolean grilled spare ribs. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Flights to Paris

Marseille

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Two weeks after Oktoberfest leaves Paris, it rolls into Marseille to bring the festivities to the south of France. Head to Parc Chanot and you’ll find music, entertainment, and of course the famous Paulaner beer.

 

Flights to Marseille

London

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Oktoberfest in London began in 2004 and has been hugely successful, with over 180,000 attendees every year.

 

Spread out over two locations – Millwall Park from October 4th to October 14th and Canary Wharf from October 18th to October 31st – it’s arguably the biggest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany.

 

Flights to London

Manchester

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

By this stage of the list, you’ll know that Oktoberfest is about two things: beer and food. But Oktoberfest in Manchester brings so much more to the table...

 

Flights to Manchester

Glasgow

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Oktoberfest first came to Glasgow in 2013 and has become one of the most popular autumn events in the Scottish city.

 

With a capacity of over 2,500 people, the atmosphere is always electric at Queen's Park Recreation Ground.  This is one not to miss. Oktoberfest 2018 takes place from October 17th to October 21st.

 

Flights to Glasgow

Gdansk

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Every September and October, Oktoberfest comes to the beautiful Polish port city of Gdansk. Good news if you're watching your pennies -  this is one of the most budget-friendly options on the list.

 

Flights to Gdansk

Stockholm

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Stockholm Oktoberfest brings beer directly from Bavaria, with food and live bands to match. Expect a crowd of around 2,100 people as well as loads of Lederhosen, beer and music.

 

Entrance is free on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday and Saturday you’ll need to part with 60 krona (around €5) for entry. Or you can avail of one of their online deals and reserve a food and drink package for 415-485 krona (roughly €40 to €50).

 

Flights to Stockholm

Dublin

places to celebrate oktoberfest that aren't munich

Oktoberfest 2018 lands in Dublin on September 14th, bringing the festival atmosphere to George’s Dock until October 1st.

 

If anyone knows how to throw a massive beer bash, it's Dublin - expect a line-up that includes traditional Bavarian band Mostland Stürmer, a Bavarian DJ and of course, lashings of lovely beer.

 

 

Flights to Dublin

 

- Seán Walsh