We may be heading towards the end of the month, but there’s still plenty of Oktoberfest fun to be had!
This vibrant world-famous event dates back all the way to Munich, Germany, in 1810. Originally a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, it became a tradition within the German city, slowly spreading out towards the rest of Germany as a nationwide celebration incorporating the country’s traditional food, drink and music. Of course, once any celebration has good food, good beer and good company at the heart of it, it isn’t long before the rest of the world wants in on the action!
These days, Oktoberfest has found its way to cities across the world, with barely a cultural capital across Europe and North America yet to set up its own celebrations. If you’re based around a city with a reputation for going big when it comes to annual holidays, chances are that there’s a colourful Oktoberfest celebration taking place near you.
With that said, here’s a rundown of the world’s greatest Oktoberfest celebrations – with many still underway!
United States
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio is home to the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States. The annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati festival has taken place since 1974 and has grown year on year since then, featuring a vibrant range of events, food outlets and – of course – plenty of traditional German beer. The festival kicks off with perhaps the most adorable Oktoberfest event on the planet, too, as 100 dachshunds dressed as hot dogs (because why not?) race to the finish like in the Running of the Wieners event.
This event is a record-breaker, too. In 1994, 48,000 participants (including the Prince of Bavaria) used the event as the setting for their successful attempt to break the world record for the largest chicken dance. Pretty cool, we guess.
OktoberFest NYC
It’s no secret that New Yorkers like to do everything bigger and better, so it makes sense that the post-pandemic OktoberFest celebrations in NYC last well over a month, with this year’s festivities kicking off on September 10th and set to continue until October 24th. Those heading down to the event can expect all the usual trademarks of a traditional Oktoberfest celebration – beer, bratwurst and lederhosen among them – with an unmistakeable New York City energy woven throughout. After all, if there’s one place outside of Germany famous for being the home of some top-tier giant pretzels, it’s NYC.
United Kingdom
Brick Lane Oktoberfest
There’s no shortage of vibrant Oktoberfest celebrations to be enjoyed across the English capital throughout the month and Brick Lane Oktoberfest is absolutely up there with the very best. Those situated within East London should get ready for a Bavarian bonanza like no other at Brick Lane Tap Room, with a top-class line-up of beer, food, cabaret, live music and DJs ready to transform the venue into the most vibe-filled German party this side of Bavaria.
Interested? We’d recommend all DDW subscribers check their inboxes for the lowdown on how to get involved with this one…
Manchester Oktoberfest
Can’t get enough of the festivities? Head north for even more traditional bavarian fun, as Oktoberfest comes to Manchester’s vibrant entertainment hub, First Street. This particular event prides itself on staying as close to the Munich festivities as possible, with German-brewed beer, traditional bratwurst and an authentic German oompah band in attendance. Be sure to stop by their official lederhosen store, too!
Europe
Oktoberfest Stockholm
Oktoberfest celebrations in Stockholm, Sweden are some of the very best in the world. As some of the earliest Oktoberfest celebrations from outside of Germany, there’s been plenty of time for this event to find its feet and become the biggest and best it could be. Those attending should gear up to experience the very best in German-inspired food and drink, all served up by the event’s famously beautiful ‘Heidi’ models to an eclectic soundtrack of German pop. Oh, and be sure to keep in mind that lederhosen is pretty much expected at this one!
Oktoberfest Munich
What better place across the world to experience Oktoberfest than the city where it all began? Munich’s Oktoberfest celebrations have evolved to get even better year after year – and even bigger, too. There’s nowhere else we’d personally rather experience these very German festivities than in Germany itself, where you can guarantee that each and every pretzel, stein, bratwurst and schnitzel that passes your lips is as authentic as it gets! Grab your tickets, tell your friends and plan your arrival in Munich ahead of the 2022 celebrations kicking off – you won’t want to miss a second of this one.
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