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Munich’s Oktoberfest is an internationally-renowned beer festival, responsible for traditions that are – somewhat loosely – observed by revellers and beer enthusiasts in cities around the world. Oktoberfest comes but once a year, however, and a year is a long time to wait to get your hands on a decent litre of German beer. With that in mind, we’ve compiled four of Germany’s best beer festivals, for the intrepid beer explorer to try out before Oktoberfest swings back around again.
Bergkirchweih, Erlangen
Bergkirchweih, in Erlangen, is the oldest Volksfest on our list, having first been held in 1755. The festival traditionally begins on the Thursday before the Pentecost each year, making it the perfect festival to make the most of the Spring weather. Speaking of weather, Bergkirchweih is home to one of the largest-ever Biergartens, which can seat more than 10,000 drinkers at a time!
Gäubodenvolkfest, Straubing
Gäubodenvolkfest is a Volksfest held each August in Straubing, and, like Oktoberfest, combines all the fun of the fair with a number of beer halls and local traditions to create a wonderfully bespoke event, with plenty to make it a family friendly excursion. Gäubodenvolkfest is one of Bavaria’s largest Volksfests, and unique amongst the larger festivals in only allowing beer brewed by Straubing brewers on premise. Such breweries include Karmeliten and Irlbacher, making the festival a must-visit on account of the beer quality alone.
Berlin Beer Festival
The world-renowned Berliner Bierfestival takes place in the first week of August each year, and is set apart from the Oktoberfest-adjacent Volksfests on this list by its embracing of the wider beer scene. The three-day festival incorporates beers from countries and regions around the world, giving you the opportunity to embark on a taste-tour of the global beer scene. This sheer variety is coupled with an eclectic line-up of live performance, funfair attractions and delicious street food offerings from innumerable vendors, making for a jam-packed weekend of fun and indulgence.
Springfest, Munich
Lastly, Munich is not content with hosting just one beer festival a year. As a counterpart to Oktoberfest in late Summer, mid-Spring brings Springfest, Oktoberfest’s ‘little sister’ with a similar atmosphere and less of the crowds. Springfest is a firm favourite for the locals, making for a calmer and less tourist-y affair, but with no compromise on the quality – and volume – of beer available to quaff. There is no shortage of attractions, either, with funfair rides and big-top tents to make it a true Springtime Volksfest.