How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in the UK

Oktoberfest, the Bavarian beer festival, has transcended its origins in Munich and has become a celebration of German beer, food, and camaraderie globally. In recent years, the United Kingdom has wholeheartedly embraced the spirit of Oktoberfest, welcoming beer enthusiasts and revellers to partake in the festivities.

If you’re looking to experience the spirit of Oktoberfest right here in the UK, you’re in luck! We’ll walk you through the essential elements of celebrating Oktoberfest in the UK, from finding the best events to embracing the rich traditions and delicious cuisine that make this festival so special. So, dust off your lederhosen and prepare your steins because Oktoberfest in the UK is an unforgettable experience waiting to happen.

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a famous annual beer festival held in Munich, Germany. It typically takes place in mid-late September and runs through the first weekend in October, although the dates vary slightly from year to year. The festival has a history dating back to the early 19th century and has since become one of the world’s largest and most well-known beer festivals.

Oktoberfest is known for its variety of traditional German beers, usually served in steins. Alongside the beer, Oktoberfest offers a wide range of traditional Bavarian foods, including sausages, pretzels, roast chicken, sauerkraut, and various regional dishes.

Visitors can enjoy live music, typically provided by traditional Bavarian oompah bands and other performers. There are also amusement rides, games, and cultural events. Many attendees and staff at Oktoberfest dress in traditional Bavarian clothing, such as dirndls for women and lederhosen for men.

While the Munich Oktoberfest is the most famous, similar Oktoberfest celebrations are also held in other cities around the world, often featuring German beer, food, and culture.

How Much is Beer at Oktoberfest? 

The exact price depends on the specific type of beer you choose, but the official Oktoberfest prices of beer in Munich for Oktoberfest 2023 is between €12.60 and €14.90. Oktoberfest certainly isn’t the cheapest experience for beer lovers, which is why many people are hosting events taking place in the UK, whether that’s an official gathering or a party at home!

At our Oktoberfest event, Paulaner beer will only be £8 per stein!

How to Throw an Oktoberfest Party in the UK

Hosting an Oktoberfest party in the UK is a fantastic way to bring the vibrant spirit of this traditional German festival to your home. 

To host a successful Oktoberfest celebration, you’ll want to set the stage with the right ambience. Decorate with quintessential Oktoberfest elements such as blue and white streamers and rustic wooden accents reminiscent of Bavarian beer halls. 

When it comes to the centrepiece of any Oktoberfest party—beer—curate a selection that showcases a variety of German brews. Look for Märzen-style lagers to offer your guests a traditional tasting experience. 

The culinary delights of Oktoberfest are equally important. Serve up a feast of traditional German fare, including succulent bratwursts, soft pretzels, tangy sauerkraut, and savoury schnitzels. 

Entertainment plays a significant role in capturing the festive essence of Oktoberfest. Curate a playlist that blends traditional German music and folk tunes with contemporary hits. 

Incorporate fun activities to keep your guests entertained. Organise contests like stein-holding competitions and sausage-eating challenges to add an element of friendly competition.

 German Beers for Oktoberfest

You can’t celebrate Oktoberfest without German beers! Whether you’re throwing a party or just enjoying a casual drink at home, these are some of the best German beers for Oktoberfest you can find in the UK.

To be considered an official ‘Oktoberfest’ beer, only beer conforming to the German beer purity law and brewed within Munich can be served at the Munich Oktoberfest. There are only six breweries that meet that criteria that can officially call their beer Oktoberfestbier: Spaten Brauerei, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, Hofbräu, Augustiner, and Löwenbräu.

Hofbrau Oktoberfest Beer

Hofbrau brews this beer specially for the festival. It is a 6.3% full-bodied and rich brew, with a yellow-golden colour and white head. The Hofbrau Oktoberfest beer offers a bitter flavour with a hoppy dry finish and an aroma of sweet malts, plus notes of grass, grain and hay. This beer pairs well with Oktoberfest foods, but will be just as enjoyable on its own too!

Spaten Oktoberfest Beer

The Spaten Oktoberfestbier was created in 1872, becoming the first official Oktoberfest beer. It has a deep golden colour with a fluffy head, and offers a medium-bodied sip with the perfect balance of hops, bready malts and soft caramel notes.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Beer

Specially brewed for Oktoberfest, more than one million of these Paulaner beers are served at Oktoberfest each year. It is full-bodied and slightly hoppy, with a golden yellow colour. The Paulaner Oktoberfest beer is easy to drink and delicious.

Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Beer

The history of Munich’s Hacker-Pschorr goes all the way back to 1417 and even plays a leading role in the foundation of Oktoberfest, when Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria asked them to brew a special beer for his Wedding in 1810. That party became the annual celebration, and the festival is still held on land donated by Joseph Pschorr, who was brewmaster at the time.

Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Beer is considered one of the best – it’s slightly sweeter than the other Marzen beers – with biscuity and toffee malts. Yet it still has a good earthy kick with spicy hop notes and a tangy bitterness within this pale amber-coloured beer.

Lowenbrau Oktoberfest Beer

Lowenbrau’s Oktoberfest beer is a true celebration of Bavarian brewing. Enjoy a biscuity flavour with some soft spices, herbs and citrus. It boasts a bready, slightly herbaceous nose with a subtle sweet-malt undertone. The Lowenbrau pours as a clear golden yellow with a tall white head and offers a light, crisp finish.

Augustiner Oktoberfest Beer

Founded in 1328, Augustiner is Munich’s oldest independent brewery. The Augustiner Oktoberfest Beer is an authentic limited edition beer brewed in wooden barrels, imparting a sweet taste. Pouring a warm straw colour, the Augustiner Oktoberfest Beer offers aromas of biscuit, bread and grassy hops.

Oktoberfest Events UK 2023

From late September through October, there are lots of Oktoberfest events in the UK. Here at Havana House, we host our own Oktoberfest celebration each year to enjoy the best German beer alongside a perfect cigar pairing and traditional treats.

Havana House Davidoff Cigar and Oktoberfest Beer with Currywurst Event

Join us in our Windsor Cigar Courtyard on Friday 20th October 2023, for our annual Cigar and Oktoberfest Beer with Currywurst Event. The Oktoberfest beer will be freshly poured from our Paulaner Oktoberfest Keg and will be available by the Stein! Enjoy it alongside our homemade Currywurst, a very traditional German Beer Snack!

No Havana House event would be complete without a cigar, so we’re pairing the Paulaner with a fantastic Davidoff smoke – the Davidoff Nicaraguan Box Pressed Toro. To make the experience even more special, we will be joined by Anthony from Davidoff, who will be presenting our cigar for the evening!

Cigars and many other brands of German Oktoberfest Beer will be available to buy on the night!

Buy a ticket for the Oktoberfest event now to join us for this fantastic evening.