With origins dating all the way back to the early 1800s, Oktoberfest has easily earned the title of one of the world's largest and most famous festivals [1]. Every September, thousands of lederhosen-clad attendees gather for more than two weeks of parades, live music, amusement rides, and, of course, copious amounts of food and beer [2]. Munich is home to the Bavarian tradition, but many other cities across the globe host their own Oktoberfest-inspired celebrations, complete with steins, brats, and traditional garb. From Midwest USA all the way to Tokyo, here are nine Oktoberfest festivals around the world worth checking out. Prost!
Tokyo
Every Fall, Japan's capital city comes to life with pretzels, German beer, traditional Bavarian music, and other festivities. Travel expert Sarah Jasmine Labib, trip leader and on-road content creator at Topdeck Travel [3], told POPSUGAR, "Japan has quite a few Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the country, but Tokyo's may just take the cake. This year's festivities mark the 23rd year of the celebration, filled with on-stage events, dancing, and, of course, tons of beer and food."
Cape Town, South Africa
Labib also recommended South Africa's most popular coastal city for an authentic, Munich-style bash. "With traditional activities such as log sawing and beer lifting, as well as more giant pretzels and bratwurst than you can imagine, Cape Town is a great place to celebrate the holiday in style."
Sydney, Australia
The Oktoberfest party down under is a continent-wide affair, bringing the action from city to city before culminating in Australia's largest metropolis. Labib told us, "Australia's Oktoberfest in the Gardens is a countrywide tour that goes to Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne before its last stop in Sydney. The festival is based on German tradition and includes massive beer halls, food stalls, performers, a silent disco, and a variety of competitions. Many even dress in the traditional lederhosen and dirndls!"
Cincinnati
You don't need to leave the country to get your fill of German sausages, overflowing steins, and tons of competitions. For nearly 40 years, Cincinnati streets have come alive every September for the annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, celebrating the Midwestern city's German roots — with events like the Beer Stein Race and Running of the Weiners, of course!
Dubai
Dubai's Oktoberfest revelry is scattered throughout the city, as Labib told POPSUGAR that many of the hotels, bars, and restaurants throw their own festive bashes. She also recommended the Dubai Sports City Complex, as it's famous for hosting one of the city's biggest celebrations.
Hong Kong
A transformation washes over Hong Kong every Fall, where waterfront terraces become biergartens and traditional drinks are traded for steins of Paulaner. You'll find special German-inspired menus, beer drinking competitions, and traditional Bavarian live music at venues all over the city. Labib told us the celebration at Marco Polo Hotel, Hong Kong's longest-running Oktoberfest bash, is one for the books.
Edinburgh, Scotland
If you're in the UK this Fall, get ready for a party you won't soon forget in Scotland. Labib told POPSUGAR, "Scotland's hilly capital welcomes Oktoberfest celebrations in West Princes Street Gardens with live music, activities, and food. This year's event is Halloween-themed, so expect some scary costumes as well!"
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
Dubbed "Canada's Great Bavarian Festival," the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is said to be the largest celebration outside of Munich. This nine-day festival has nearly 50 years under its belt and today attracts over 700,000 visitors. Expect to find a huge selection of hearty German grub, traditional live music, and all the beer you can drink. A Miss Oktoberfest is also crowned every year.
Blumenau, Brazil
This city in Brazil is so serious about its German heritage and Oktoberfest, it even gives out free beer during the celebration every year. Blumenau's festival is rooted in tradition, featuring folklore shows, traditional German dances, and daily parades.