Oktoberfests are hosted all over the world, but it’s probably no surprise that Ireland and the British Isles, hold some of the best outside of Germany. If you’re hoping to enjoy a stein of the finest Bavarian lager, along with brats, frankfurters and more, you can enjoy Oktoberfest with an Irish or a British twist. It’s all up to you where you go, but these are some of the top to attend in the region.
Oktoberfest Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast is not only a great destination to visit any time of the year, with its colorful blend of history, art, fantastic food, hopping nightlife, and the incredibly impressive Titanic Museum, but the Northern Ireland capital also hosts a great Oktoberfest. You can expect a wide range of beers, Bavarian cuisine, traditional Bavarian costumes, live music and DJs, competitions and games.
Official Website
Select dates in September and October
London Oktoberfest
England’s capital city also loves Oktoberfest. Referred to as the Real Oktoberfest, it is complete with a traditional Bavarian Oompah band playing classic British pop and rock with sing-a-longs and dancing on the benches. Expect plenty of stein-lifting and traditional Dirndl dresses.
Official Website
Select dates and locations in late October and early November
Edinburgh Oktoberfest, Scotland
Beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland also hosts Oktoberfest complete with live Bavarian music, from the traditional Oompa variety to great German Schlager. Specially brewed Bavarian beer will be served along with German foods like pretzels, schnitzel and bratwurst. You can add more to the Halloween twist by taking a ghost tour of the underground part of the old city and visiting Edinburgh Castle, where shadowy figures of lost souls are said to lurk.
Official Website
October 5th-8th, 2023
Manchester Oktoberfest, England
Manchester brings out the steins for its epic Oktoberfest event. Dance in your best Bavarian dress to the live German music on the benches with the booze-filled days in tents, with people from near and far coming to celebrate the event with lots of German beer and food. The city itself is home to some great museums to explore when you’ve had your fill of beer, including the Manchester Museum, best known for its Egyptian collection that features over 16,000 artifacts and 20 human mummies.
Official Website
October 13th-14th, 2023
Depot Oktoberfest - Cardiff, Wales
The Real Oktoberfest comes from Munich to Cardiff as well, taking place throughout the month of October, featuring fabulous street foods, craft beer and live music as well as authentic Munich brews that are served at the original Munich Oktoberfest. and table service from waitresses in traditional Bavarian dress. Cardiff also offers lots to do with quirky shops in ornate arcades, the 11th-century Cardiff Castle and picturesque river views. Millennium Stadium, one of the architectural landmarks in the city, offers the chance to pick up Wales’ rugby union souvenirs at the shop that sits alongside it.
Official Website
Select dates in October
