Oktoberfest across the world

The world’s largest “Volksfest”( the People’s fest) , Oktoberfest is here! Kicked off on the 20th September this year, we bring to you some of the best Oktoberfest celebrations from across the world.  Choose your pick!

Munich: The place where it all began is, undoubtedly, the best place to experience the Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest was first held to celebrate the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810.One can drink beer by the litre, eat traditional Bavarian food such as pretzels (with a diameter of 15 inches), in any of the 14 beer tents being put up this year. Listen to live brass bands playing traditional Bavarian music as well as more up-to-date music, and enjoy yourself with hundreds of other people from all over the world, dancing and singing the hours away. Don’t miss the Grand Entry of the Landlords and Breweries and the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen Parade. The festival will be held from the 20th September until October 5th this year.

Melbourne: Melbourne is set to host “Oktoberfest in the Gardens” for the fourth time now, and in a big way. The one day event will feature a massive outdoor beer hall, 6 diversely stocked bars, authentic German food stalls, a sideshow alley, roving performers, traditional German entertainment, on stage competitions and a long list of bands and DJ’s playing throughout the afternoon and evening. There will be a large selection of imported and local beers, cider and a range of other beverages available at competitive prices.

Blumenau, Brasil: Brasil’s version of the festival is known to be the second largest Oktoberfest celebration across the world, with about 700,000 people visiting the city annually. To be held from 8th to 26th  October, the festival will feature street bands, beer from the official brewery, and also from a few local craft breweries.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada: An hour’s drive from Toronto, Kitchener and Waterloo are two areas in Canada that have deep German roots. Known to be the third largest  Oktoberfest celebrations in the world after Munich and Blumenau, it attracts over one million visitors annually. The nine day fest includes a “Rocktoberfest”, and a parade which is held on Canadian Thanksgiving.

Denver, USA: The Denver Oktoberfest is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The six day festival is touted to be one of the best in the USA, with singing contests and other performances. Besides some great bier, brats, and music, this version of Oktoberfest also features fireworks, stein hoisting, and a Long Dog Derby complete with a costume contest.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s Oktoberfest, ironically known as the “Marco Polo German Bierfest” has been a regular annual event for 20 years now, and is touted to be the best in Asia. The Marco Polo hotel hosts the events in a tent overlooking the Victoria Harbor. Authentic German delicacies like roast pork knuckle, Oktoberfest beers, the Notenhobler, a German band, are the major features of the festivities here.

Goa: Oktoberfest in Goa, India’s party destination, is just that, another great party! With some great EDM artists, DJs, and lots of beer, this three day festival has been a huge success in the last few years. The festival is to be celebrated over a weekend, from 31st October to 2nd November.