About Oktoberfest

Celebrating Oktoberfest in Australia

Oktoberfest is one of the world's best-known celebrations of German and Bavarian culture, and it has become a much-loved event on the Australian social calendar. While the original Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Australia has embraced the tradition with its own fantastic mix of German food, beer, music, entertainment and good times.

Oktfest.com.au is an independent guide to Oktoberfest celebrations across Australia, helping you discover places to eat, drink, party and enjoy the Bavarian spirit during the Oktoberfest season.

From traditional German restaurants and beer halls to large outdoor festivals, pubs, hotels and special events, Oktoberfest provides plenty of opportunities to get together with friends, family, workmates or your social group.

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest began in Munich in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festivities included a public horse race and proved so popular that the celebration was repeated the following year, establishing the beginnings of what would become the world's most famous beer and folk festival.

Despite its name, the main Munich Oktoberfest is now traditionally held from September into early October. The change from October to September dates back to the 19th century, when organisers moved the festival earlier to take advantage of warmer weather and longer days.

Today, Oktoberfest is about much more than beer. Traditional food, live music, dancing, costumes, carnival-style entertainment and the social atmosphere all form part of the experience.

Oktoberfest Food, Beer and Bavarian Traditions

For many people, Oktoberfest is an excuse to enjoy some of the best-known flavours of German and Bavarian cuisine.

Think German sausages, bratwurst, schnitzels, pork knuckle, sauerkraut, pretzels and hearty Bavarian dishes, accompanied by German beer, cider or other drinks. Australian Oktoberfest celebrations often combine these traditional favourites with contemporary menus and local hospitality.

Music is another essential ingredient. Oompah bands, traditional German songs, dancing, yodelling and plenty of audience participation help create the distinctive Oktoberfest atmosphere.

And, of course, there is the opportunity to dress for the occasion. Lederhosen and dirndls have become instantly recognisable symbols of Oktoberfest, adding another element of fun to celebrations across Australia.

Oktoberfest Events Across Australia

You don't have to travel to Germany to enjoy an Oktoberfest celebration.

Across Australia, Oktoberfest is celebrated in major cities and regional communities, with events ranging from large-scale festivals to intimate German dinners, beer-hall celebrations and themed parties.

In Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and elsewhere, restaurants, breweries, hotels, clubs and event organisers embrace the Oktoberfest season with their own interpretations of the Bavarian tradition.

Some events focus on authentic German food and beer, while others turn Oktoberfest into a full-scale party with live entertainment, competitions, dancing and festival activities.

Find Your Oktoberfest Celebration

Oktfest.com.au is here to help you make the most of the Oktoberfest season.

Whether you're looking for Oktoberfest Melbourne, Oktoberfest Sydney, Oktoberfest Brisbane, Oktoberfest Adelaide, Oktoberfest Perth or celebrations closer to home, our guide brings together ideas and opportunities for enjoying this colourful annual celebration.

Oktoberfest is a great reason to get a group together, try some traditional German food, enjoy live entertainment and raise a stein with friends.

So gather your friends, get your lederhosen or dirndl ready and start planning your next Oktoberfest celebration.

Prost!