Oktoberfest isn’t, as many people might think, reserved for those lucky enough to make it to Munich for the world’s largest Volksfest (or folk festival, for those of us whose school-level German may or may not be a little rusty). Being a good adopter of all things celebratory, our capital city has made Oktoberfest London a thing, proudly announcing that it’s the largest copycat location in the whole of the UK. While we’re unsure what kind of level of competition there is for that title, we’re certainly glad this growing German tradition has been welcomed with open arms on our shores.
While it’s no secret that beer is involved (in 2014, 7.7 million litres were served in Munich over 16 days), Oktoberfest is really a social event. Because of this, it’s great for groups, so we recommend booking a big table or booth for a day of festivities. Many venues offer packages with drinks on arrival or even bottomless beer for the entire event.
If you’re looking for Oktoberfest London activities look no further, we’ve gathered together all the places you can don your lederhosen free of judgement, while enjoying the dulcet tones of an Oompah band over a beer or four with your friends. There are of course the main festivals, which are spread out over the weeks across London, but smaller, independents all celebrate in their own ways which can be just as much, if not more, fun than the real deal. Below you’ll find the big hitters alongside some smaller offerings from people doing their own thing on the side.
We’ve included plenty of info for each one, including where and when they are happening and how much tickets cost. We’ll be adding to this guide in the run-up to kick-off, so be sure to check in for the latest updates. Prost!
When is Oktoberfest London on?
In 2024, there are a few different places to celebrate Oktoberfest, but the overall dates in London run from mid-September to mid-November, although there will probably be events going on around the capital before and after that.
Confusingly, Oktoberfest doesn’t actually start in October. We’ve done some fine detective work and it turns out traditionally Oktoberfest did begin in October, but now has its roots firmly planted in September so revellers can make full and fine use of September’s warmer weather. It now often starts in September with a fixed end date, of the first Sunday of October, which leaves a couple of weeks prior to that for celebrations.
What is Oktoberfest London?
Oktoberfest began life in Germany in 1810, before making its way to us. It started as a wedding celebration when Bavarian crown prince Ludwig married princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen on the 12 of October. Five days later, on the 17 of October, they arranged a party for the people (to spread their regal celebratory joy) which included all sorts of festivities including horse races. Each year following that fateful date the tradition was upheld, with an agricultural show and a celebration of beer added to the mix somewhere along the way, making the event roughly what we know it as today.
Oktoberfest London tickets
Lots of the main Oktoberfest London events are ticketed, so be prepared to pay around £10 on average for entry to any organised party. Some smaller bars and pubs may be running promotions around the times of the festivities for free though, so keep your eyes peeled, and there is a completely free festival in Elephant and Castle for any south London dwellers. More details below.
Where is Oktoberfest London on?
There are a few official seeming celebrations when it comes to Oktoberfest in London, with locations including places like Millwall, Olympia, The Docklands and Moorgate all putting on a show across the few weeks from September through to November. Below we’ve got more details on each party, to make choosing one (or the many) you’d like to attend that little bit easier. These are mostly ticketed, but a few are free for impromptu partying.
KERB X Gipsy Hill: Oktoberfest Tap Takeover
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Why: Along London’s vibrant South Bank lies KERB at The Understudy. Newly refurbished, the National Theatre bar is set to feature a line-up of Gipsy Hill beers and guest ales, spirits by East London Liquor Co. and wine from a brilliant array of independent makers this autumn. This event doubles as an exclusive launch of Gipsy Hill’s newest Festbier ‘Blumen’, which will be available as a stein for £10. It’s certain to evoke the Oktoberfest spirit. As well as this, KERB at The Understudy features an incredible food trader offering from London's diverse eating scene. Guests will be able to tuck into food from Lucky’s Hot Chicken, which is famous for its six-spice level Nashville hot chicken.
Where: The Understudy, The National Theatre, SE1 9PX
When: 28 September - 2 October
How much: Entry is free!
Wunderbar Oktoberfest
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Why: If there's one venue in London that knows how to party, it's Pergola Paddington. This autumn, the stunning rooftop will be transformed into a Bavarian beer hall adorned with garlands, streamers, bunting and barrels. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there are prizes to be won every day. While you can sit down with your stein, you'll find it hard to stay still with the various oompah bands and DJs getting the crowd moving. Sip on Wunder Beer, a Camden Town Brewery creation exclusive to this event, and chow down on delicious German food. For groups of up to 20, there are dedicated beer booths to reserve while the rest of the space is kept for walk-ins.
Where: 4 Kingdom Street, London, W2 6PY
When: 30 September - 30 October
How much: Tickets are from £15, with each ticket including a beer or a beer cocktails. Entry is free on Wednesday and Sunday nights, although there is no oompah band performing on those nights
BOXPARK Oktoberfest
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Why: BOXPARK is bringing back Oktoberfest this year at its Croydon and Wembley venues. Oktoberfest fancy dress is highly encouraged, with oompah bands, live music and DJs performing to get the party started in true Oktoberfest style. BOXPARK will also serve Bavarian-style street food, and there will be traditional Bavarian games, stilt-walkers and lederhosen outfits to keep partygoers entertained.
Where: 99 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LD; 18 Olympic Way, Wembley HA9 0JT
When: Croydon 8 October; Wembley 22 October
How much: Tickets from £30 for two people, including guaranteed entry and jugs of Staropramen
Bierschenke Oktoberfest
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Why: Bierschenke is hosting traditional German parties throughout October at their two London venues – Tower Hill and London Wall. The team here have decked their halls with special decorations to set the scene and the staff will of course be donning dirndls and lederhosen. Throughout the evening you’ll be treated to live music from an oompah band, while there will be sharing platters of wurst going around. As you might expect there will also be plenty of beer, and the best part is the party is free!
Where: 4 London Wall Buildings, Blomfield Street, EC2M 5NT
When: 18 September – 2 November (closed on Sundays and bank holidays)
How much: Free
Oktoberfest South London
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Why: 'Brixton’s biggest Oktoberfest' might not be an overly impressive tagline, but the party here is sure to give you everything you could want from such an evening. With the very finest suppliers hailing straight from Germany itself, there will be wursts shipped in from the Black Forest, authentic beers and waiters and waitresses in traditional dress. There is also due to be a live brass band, a DJ and even comedians performing between sets to keep the good times going.
Where: Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, SW2 1RJ
When: 1 October
How much: Tickets cost £20 for general admission and up to £280 for a table of eight people with two pints per person included
The Official Camden Oktoberfest
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Why: If you’re a North London dweller then the party is coming to you too, with this all-singing, all-dancing affair. A range of German beers will be on offer for punters to enjoy, alongside food from London’s own Herman ze German and a 10-piece brass and drum band who are signed up to play a mix of covers, classics and oompah beats. At this fast-paced energetic party you can expect challenges and competitions alongside the usual drinking and dancing, so make sure to bring your game face.
Where: Electric Ballroom, 184 Camden High Street, NW1 8QP
When: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October
How much: From £20
Oktoberfest Millwall Park
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Why: Sure, Millwall might not be the first place you’d think of as a Munich replacement, but with two separate celebrations here in October it acts as a cultural hub for all things German. The organisers will even let you hire Lederhosen and Dirndl at the event for £29 a pop if you embarrassingly turn up without your costume sorted. The event is hosted in a huge circus tent and there is always live music, with singing and dancing at (or on) your benches and tables encouraged from the team on the ground. There are also special family days at this iteration of Oktoberfest London, with slightly more subdued activities planned, and soft drinks available for the kids.
Where: Millwall Park, Manchester Road, Isle of Dogs, E14 3NQ
When: 3 – 6 October and 10 – 13 October
How much: From £5
Craft Oktoberfest London
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Why: This event is hosted by Kraft Brewery, the taproom at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle. Housed within the larger market space, this free party is shaping up to be quite the affair with the organisers having upped the capacity to match the demand of last year. They promise ‘no dark circus tents, no plastic ‘steins’, no cheap fancy dress city boys, no expensive tickets, no VIP areas and most importantly only great independent beer.’ This is one for the true beer fans, with small breweries all coming together to bring a lineup of delicious drinks to South London’s party crowd. There will, of course, be bratwurst, pretzels and a band.
Where: Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR
When: 23 September - 9 October
How much: Free, but you are encouraged to register for the event in any case so that the team can judge capacity pre-opening.
London Bierfest
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Why: This one is strictly for city slickers, with it being marketed as a hospitality event (ie, probably don’t turn up merry with a band of your mates). If a little team building is what you’re in the market for though, this is perfect. Because of the higher spend from the clientele here, you can expect a fun-filled day packed with entertainment, from table service delivered with flair to circus performers taking centre stage. If you’re a traditionalist you can rest easy in the knowledge that there will of course be plenty of German food and beer as well as Oompah bands.
Where: Old Billingsgate Market, 16 Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6DX
When: 19 & 20 October
How much: From £169 include unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks as well as platters of German food.
Big fan of beer? Check out our round up of the best pubs with rooms, where you can turn a pint into full-blown holiday!