Events Oktoberfest

Think Germany, think Oktoberfest: with gigantic beers, brass bands and lederhosen. Hamburg, too, has its offshoot of this Bavarian event.

Oktoberfest ─ Visit Hamburg's Oktoberfest Parties

Some might think that the world-famous Oktoberfest is as German as it gets. Brass bands, large beer steins, dirndl dresses and the ever-present Lederhosen come to mind. In reality, it is mostly Bavaria — Germany's largest and southernmost federal state — that has shaped this image of Germany. It's in the Bavarian capital, Munich, where the world-famous Oktoberfest is celebrated annually. Hamburg, however, has a few Oktoberfest events to offer as well, despite being located some 800 kilometres north of Munich.

Oktoberfest in Hamburg

Geographically, the two cities couldn't be farther away from each other — all the more reason to bring the Oktoberfest to the Elbe river. Hamburg, which has its own gigantic public festival in the DOM funfair, suddenly trades in the roasted almonds and candy apples for Weisswurst (Bavarian veal sausages), pretzels and, of course, beer. The Mass (large drafted beer served in a glass or earthenware mug) plays an integral part in the festivities. In this light, minor inconsistencies, like September being the month when Oktoberfest is celebrated, shouldn’t be questioned too rigidly.

See the table below for examples of locations that generally offer Oktoberfest-themed events in September and October.

Wandsbeker Wiesn	Marquees, music, traditional beer tapping
Hofbräuhaus restaurants	Bavaria-based chain with three locations in Hamburg
Bergedorfer Oktoberfest	Hamburg’s largest Oktoberfest celebration
Hamburger Oktoberfest in der Fischauktionshalle	Bavaria-themed parties at the famous Fish Market
Ahrensburger Oktoberfest	Live music and Bavarian specialties
Schenefelder Oktoberfest	Beers and Pretzels in front of Schenefeld's city hall.