Pack up your lederhosen and dirndl for the best Oktoberfest celebrations the world has to offer. Oktoberfest is a festival of music, food, and of course, beer, lots of beer, lots and lots of beer. Though Oktoberfest is popular all over the globe, some celebrations are bigger and better than others. Here’s your guide to some awesome festivals throughout the world.
Munich, Germany
For the best Oktoberfest celebration, you’ll want to go where it all originated. In Munich, they’ve got this whole thing down after more than 200 years. Though the 16-day event is called Oktoberfest, it kicks off in September. The mayor taps the first keg to begin the festival. After that there are parades, singing, rides, great food, and beer gardens where you’ll have more types of beer to choose from than you can keep up with. The Munich Oktoberfest is one of the biggest festivals in the world, and you’ll soon know why.
Helen, Georgia, United States
There are numerous Oktoberfest celebrations happening all across the United States, but most only last two to three days and are rather small in scale. The Helen Oktoberfest in Georgia, on the other hand, is the longest-running festival in the US and goes on from mid-September through October 28th. The word they like to describe for the event is Gemütlichkeit, meaning coziness and a cheerful mood. You’ll be treated like family while enjoying the best in German bratwurst and beer and listening to traditional German music.
Canberra, Australia
Australia has often been portrayed as a country that loves to party, and the Oktoberfest of Canberra will prove that Aussies do know how to have fun. Though the celebration only lasts three days, it doesn’t seem to bother these party-goers. Traditional German music and German dancers provide great entertainment while patrons wash down the bratwurst with as much beer as they can handle. There’s even a dirndl contest for the ladies. There’s no dirndl like a winning dirndl to get the mens’ lederhosen in a bunch.
Shanghai, China
It may be hard to picture Oktoberfest in China, but these folks know how to celebrate it right down to the lederhosen and knee-high socks. The party, which is held under a huge tent at the Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel Marquee is decked out in authentic German decor. Wooden beer kegs and beautiful women in dirndls to serve you add to the upbeat atmosphere. Food is plentiful and the variety unbelievable. Traditional German music to that old-time rock ‘n’ roll will keep the party going strong all night long. The event lasts for a week-and-a-half through the latter part of September.
For the latest deals on flights to Shanghai use the links below.
London Heathrow to Shanghai
London Gatwick to Shanghai
Manchester to Shanghai
Blumenau, Brazil
Blumenau is only second behind Munich in presenting the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the world. It was founded by German colonists in 1850, so you know they’re going to knock this festival right out of the park. They’ve also managed to offer both German and Brazilian music while still keeping with the tradition of a German Oktoberfest. The festivities last eighteen days with parades, shows, and bands to entertain. In addition to all the wonderful food and flowing beer, they have their own Queen and Princesses who are chosen each year. They go on to promote the festival throughout the coming year.
Throughout the world, Oktoberfest has become a popular celebration in more and more places. Though the focus is beer, it is truly a family event, so kids will have a great time too. There is plenty of fun to be had by everyone. This is one time you can overindulge and no one will notice or even care.