The wildly popular beer drinking bonanza draws millions of lager lovers from across the planet for sixteen days of fun, festivities and hangovers.
But don't think you have to go to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest. The world's biggest beer fest has spawned copycat events all over the world.
And if you've been caught on the hop because you thought the clue was in the title and the Oktoberfest actually started in October, don't worry, we have a good selection that actually take place next month
So don your dirndl, lace up your lederhosen and let Skyscanner pull you a pint with ten of the best.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, September 17-20, 2009
Cincinnati, Ohio has its own version of Munich's phenomenon, called Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, which gets off to a roaring start with the Gemuetlichkeit Games – a round of German-related competitions. These games themselves would be enough to intrigue any potential visitors, with names like "The Running of the Wieners", the "Beer Barrel Roll" and the "Beer Stein Race". Rumored to be North America's largest Oktoberfest mimic, Zinzinnati has been around since 1976.
Shanghai Oktoberfest, Shanghai, China, September 16-26, 2009
The biggest of the Chinese Oktoberfest events, it has an elaborate menu that is an infusion of Asian and German dishes, with a little Hungarian goulash thrown in for extra excitement. And the beer selection is just as wide. In addition, there is even a ladies night, so take advantage of this eastern beer extravaganza girls!
Oktoberfest, Canberra, Australia, October 30-November 1, 2009
Ladies and gents will need their best Bavarian outfits for this particular German-styled fair, because there are dirndl and lederhosen competitions to be won. A stellar beer stein will also come in handy, with beer stein challenges to test your mettle. And don't miss out on the chance to try out your folk dance skills, or at least watch the pros perform instead.
Bierfest, throughout the British Isles, Aberdeen - October 1-2, 2009, London, Oct. 21-23, Glasgow – Oct. 22, Edinburgh – Oct. 23, Dublin – Oct. 30-31, Manchester – Nov. 19-20
A series of Oktoberfest-inspired Bierfests are held across the UK & Ireland, from Dublin to London. These 1-3 day events include typical Bavarian meals, music and entertainment with wenches dressed in dirndl serving out as much beer as you can drink!
Oktoberfest Blumenau, Blumenau, Brazil, October 1-18, 2009
One of the largest Oktoberfests outside of Germany happens in the unlikely location of Blumenau, a Brazilian city established by Germans in the mid 1800s. This year will see introduction of new beers to sample, as well as a bigger and better beer zone. And they'll need it too; around one million beer guzzlers are expected this year.
Rocktoberfest Japan, Okinawa, Japan, October 10-11, 2009
The brilliantly named Rocktoberfest is exactly what it implies; one big two-day rock (plus punk and metal) concert, held on Torii Beach on the sub-tropical island of Okinawa. With beer, bands and a beach all wrapped together, this is Oktoberfest – Japanese style!
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, October 9-17, 2009
Known as "Canada's Greatest Bavarian Festival", this autumn shindig is also a great value according to WestJet, who gave it a 2009 Value Award. Their "Millions of Monarchs" butterfly exhibit, Berlin art gallery, treasure hunt, and murder mystery train ride sets this party apart from the other ones, and it's especially good for families with kids who are of pre-beer drinking age.
Oktoberfest USA, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, September 25-October 3, 2009
La Crosse, home to a large number of German immigrants, has been the proud host of Oktoberfest USA since 1961. In a European spirit, each year an Oktoberfest Royal Family is crowned, which includes the choosing of Miss La Crosse, who can go on to become a candidate for Miss Wisconsin and even Miss America. Parades, family days, a half marathon and daily concerts are some of the highlights.
Oktoberfest Hannover, Hannover, Germany, September 25–October 11, 2009
To get a feel for what another Oktoberfest is like within Germany, head to the northern state of Lower Saxony. Seven different bakeries and several candy shops set up shop at the Hannover fest, so those with a sweet tooth will certainly be very pleased. Noted to be a very family-friendly event, the rides, games and adventures to be had there are unrivaled. Friday night fireworks displays and a lantern parade keep the good times rolling even after dark.
Fremont Oktoberfest, Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, Washington, USA, September 18-20, 2009
Oktoberfest re-creations are the most common in the US, so for the tenth recommendation we head back to American soil, but this time we're going to the west coast. Fremont's festival has some very unique aspects that go way beyond your average Oktoberfest offerings; the Texas Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest, a comedy show and Dog Day Afternoon give this Oktoberfest its own special flavor.
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