“Oktoberfest” may have originated in Munich back in the early 1800s, but it has since spread all over the world. After all, who doesn’t love a party full of Schweinebraten (roast pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstl (sausages), Brezeln (pretzel), Sauerkraut (cabbage) and of course – German beer. Here are The Agency’s pick of Top 10 Oktoberfests. Prost!
1. Munich Oktoberfest
Munich, Germany
This is the original and granddaddy of all Oktoberfests. Held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, it is a 16-day non-stop party of beer, food and fun, with more than 6 million people from around the world attending. oktoberfest.de
2. Oktoberfest Blumenau
Blumenau, Brazil
The world’s second biggest Beer Festival, The Oktoberfest Blumenau is billed as “a triumph of music, dances, colors and some excellent iced beer, served in “chopp” (mugs).” oktoberfest-brazil.com
3. Kitchener–Waterloo Oktoberfest
Waterloo, Canada
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the largest Bavarian festival in North America with nine days of celebration and events ranging from barrel races to dances. And lots of beer drinking, of course. oktoberfest.ca
4. Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Leavenworth, WA
Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Leavenworth hosts its annual Oktoberfest over three full weekends with four venues of activities catering to the entire family. leavenworthoktoberfest.com
5. Oktoberfest USA
La Crosse, WI
This blending of the German Oktoberfest with Americanized style is one of the best celebrations in the U.S. and features parades, pageantry, and music along with plenty of beer and bratwurst. oktoberfestusa.com
6. Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati
Cincinnati, OH
With nearly half a million people attending every year, this is America’s largest Oktoberfest, with downtown Cincinnati serving as the venue for German food, live music, dancing and more. oktoberfestzinzinnati.com
7. Marco Polo German Bierfest
Hong Kong
Even Hong Kong gets in on the Oktoberfest action with this ‘Bierfest’ – now in its 22nd year – overlooking the Victoria Harbour. gbfhk.com
8. LA Oktoberfest
Los Angeles
Our hometown’s Oktoberfest touts its “hottest buxom beer maidens serving Bavarian brews,” which may explain why it’s already sold out. laoktoberfest.com
9. Mount Angel Oktoberfest
Mount Angel, OR
This small town was settled by German immigrants in the 1800s and still has the feel of a Bavarian countryside village. Its Oktoberfest is Oregon’s oldest and the state’s largest folk festival. oktoberfest.org
10. Denver Oktoberfest
Denver, CO
Called “The Best Oktoberfest” in the U.S. and “One of the country’s biggest and longest running traditions” by Maxim Magazine and USA Today, the six-day festival annually draws over 350,000 people. thedenveroktoberfest.com
