Despite the name Oktoberfest, this well-loved event actually begins on September 16 and runs through until October 3.
Essentially a massive celebration of everything Bavarian, the annual two-week event is hard to beat for a boozy time – expect an endless flow of Steins, pretzels, dancing, traditional dress and German fun.
While we do things a little differently Down Under, in Germany true to Bavarian culture, Oktoberfest only sells beer from within the city limits of Munich throughout the festival.
Locals refer to the festival as ‘Wiesn’ and you can’t start drinking until the Munich Mayor says ‘O’ zapft is’ and opens the first keg at noon. The beer brewed for Oktoberfest is extra strong with at least 6% alcohol – best to line your stomach with delicious German fare before starting a drinking session!
Originally a celebration to honour Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage in 1810, the event has turned into a massive beer event over time not only in Germany, but around the world!
Want to join the fun in Australia, here are three venues to say ‘Prost’ to Oktoberfest:
Expect authentic German cuisine, cooked homestyle to traditional recipes at Bavarian Blue on Main Road in Wellington Point. This well-loved Brisbane restaurant takes diners' tastebuds to Bavaria in surrounds of chunky wooden table settings, an eclectic mix of artwork and cuckoo clocks on the walls.
Book a group table and say Guten tag to German music and traditional, home-cooked share platters with tempters like pork knuckle, schnitzel, Frankfurter, bratwurst, pan-fried potatoes and salad, washed down with a Kolsch Light Lager.
Boasting stunning ocean vistas of Moffat Beach, Moffs on Seaview Terrace offers a tempting fusion of Mod Oz and Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of German and Austrian flavours. This fresh, airy, contemporary restaurant exudes a cool coastal vibe with a breezy alfresco area, vibrant murals and white furniture settings.
Stop in on Friday, September 22 and 29 for live German music and beer on tap, along with shared platters of pork knuckle and sauerkraut, or bratwurst, weisswurst and Frankfurter, finished with a shot of Schnapps after dinner…danke schon!
Wunderbar memories are made at Zum Kaiser restaurant on Vulture Street in Woolloongabba, where traditional hearty German fare awaits diners. Located in the historic Brisbane German Club, this relaxed, casual dining destination exudes a friendly vibe ideal for joining family and friends for a bite to eat.
Don’t go past warm pretzels and butter as a snack, followed by German potato croquettes and creamy cheese and chive sauce; then devour pork schnitzel, mashed potato and seasonal vegetables, finishing with housemade apple strudel, brown sugar, cinnamon sauce and vanilla ice cream.
