Oktoberfest is inextricably linked to Munich and the Theresienwiese.
But hype around "the world's the world’s biggest folk festival" has gotten so big in recent years that now it's possible to join some kind of Oktoberfest celebration in cities all over the world - from every state in Germany to London or even as far as Yokohama.
The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810, as part of the celebrations to mark the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. (This year marks the 190th because the event was cancelled during major upheavals including the Franco-Prussian War, World War I, World War II and the Covid pandemic.)
The festival took place on a meadow outside Munich, which was named "Theresienwiese" (or Therese's Meadow) in the bride’s honour, and included horse races and a grand public celebration.
If you can't make it to Munich to experience the original this year, here are some alternative Oktoberfest celebrations you can check out:
Berlin
In Berlin, the Spreewiesn Oktoberfest features traditional Bavarian bands, festive tents, specialties like roast chicken and cheese Spätzle, and themed events including "Gay Wiesn" and "Wilde Wiesn" parties. It's on from September 13th to November 8th at the Postbahnhof in Friedrichshain, near to Ostbahnhof.
Another favourite in the capital is the Oktoberfest at the Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin, running from September 20th to October 11th.
Hanover
In Hanover, the Oktoberfest takes place from September 26th to October 12th at SchĂĽtzenplatz and includes a special festival brew from Privatbrauerei Herrenhausen.
The event is family-friendly with discounted prices on fairground rides on Wednesdays and fireworks every Friday at 9:45pm, alongside a Miss and Mister Dirndl & Lederhosen competition.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt's Oktoberfest runs from September 18th to October 12th, at the Festhalle Frankfurt. Tickets are priced at around €35, including a reservation and a welcome drink.
Hamburg
In Hamburg, the main Oktoberfest event takes place at the Fischauktionshalle from September 27th to October 12th. For two weeks, the historic fish hall transforms itself into a corner of Bavaria with live bands, traditional dishes, and classic MĂĽnchner beers including Spaten and Augustiner.
DĂĽsseldorf
Düsseldorf’s Oktoberfest, held at Messe Düsseldorf from September 25th to October 12th offers multiple fest tents, modern amusement rides, and Bavarian culinary delights.
A standout feature is the impressive Oktoberfest parade through the city on the opening day.
Leipzig
Leipzig’s Oktoberfest, from September 26th to October 12th, takes place at the Agra Messe Leipzig grounds. Known for its warm and regional atmosphere, the event showcases traditional music, dance performances, and local beer specialties.
Stuttgart
Not exactly an alternative Oktoberfest, more an alternative to Oktoberfest, the Cannstatter Volksfest is a major traditional folk and beer festival held annually in Stuttgart at the Cannstatter Wasen fairgrounds along the Neckar River.
This year, the 178th edition of the festival runs from September 26th to October 12th.
The Cannstatter Volksfest has a distinct Swabian character with a mix of traditional harvest festival roots, modern fairground attractions, hearty regional food like “Maultaschen” (Swabian filled pasta) and large festival tents offering local beers and live music.
Bremen
The Freimarkt Bremen, from from September 26th to October 12th is one of Germany’s oldest and largest funfairs, with a history dating back to 1035 when Emperor Conrad II granted the city the right to hold a free market.Â
Alongside more than 50 rides and attractions like roller coasters and a Ferris wheel, visitors can look forward to watching the Freimarktsumzug on the second Saturday, a grand procession featuring colourful floats, marching bands, and thousands of spectators cheering "Ischa Freimaak!" ("It’s Freimarkt!").Â
Nuremberg
Nuremberg has one standout festival available for visitors who would like to experience a touch of the Oktoberfest vibe, but aren't willing or able to make the trek down to Munich for the real deal.
The Nürnberger Altstadtfest (Old Town Festival) claims the title of the largest old town festival in Germany held annually in the historic city centre, in the Insel Schütt and Hans-Sachs-Platz areas. This year it takes place from September 19th to October 5th.
Nürnberger Altstadtfest celebrates Franconian culture with traditional regional food such as onion tart and freshly pressed wine, alongside plenty of beer, live music, family programs, fairground rides – and jousting fishermen on the Pegnitz river.
International Celebrations
Well beyond Germany, even on the far side of the world, Oktoberfest celebrations bring just a bit of the Bavarian spirit (and plenty of Munich's beer) far and wide.
No matter where in the world you find yourself, you can probably find some kind of Oktoberfest party going on around this time of year. But here are just a few of the recommended international Oktoberfests that you may want to check out if you're nearby:
In the UK, a chain of Alpine-themed bars and restaurants called Albert's Schloss is hosting Oktoberfest events at each of its locations in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool from September 20th to October 12th.
In the United States, two standout Oktoberfest events are the Zeeco Oktoberfest in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest in California.
The first runs from October 16th to 19th at River West Festival Park and offers over 200 taps of German and local beers. The second runs from September 6th to November 8th in the scenic mountain town of Big Bear Lake, Southern California.
In Australia, fans can celebrate Oktoberfest on October 18th at Catani Gardens in Melbourne.Â
In Japan, the Yokohama Oktoberfest 2025 takes place from Friday, September 26th to Monday, October 13th at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.
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