When you think of Oktoberfest, Munich naturally comes to mind—hey, it is where it all began. With its huge beer tents, oompah bands, and Bavarian flair, it’s hard to beat, for sure.

But Oktoberfest fever has spread to corners of the world you might not expect. So here are six major Oktoberfest celebrations  and where and when they’re happening this year.

Munich, Germany – The Mother of All Oktoberfest Celebrations

Let’s start at the source. Munich’s Oktoberfest has been running since 1810, and it’s still the biggest beer festival in the world. Six historic breweries keep the beer flowing, giant tents spill over with music and good cheer, and there’s just as much food as there is beer—think roast chicken, giant pretzels, and sausages galore. If you want the authentic experience, this is the one.

Oktoberfest in Munich 2025 runs from September 20 to October 5, spanning 16 full days of beer-fueled celebrations

Cincinnati, USA – The Biggest Outside Germany

Cincinnati takes its German roots seriously, and it shows during “Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.” This festival is the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich, drawing hundreds of thousands to the streets of downtown. Expect parades, dachshund races, tons of sauerkraut, and plenty of local and imported beer. It’s big, loud, and very American in all the best ways

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati brings the party to Cincinnati’s riverfront from Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21, 2025. It’s packed with steins, bratwurst, quirky events like the Running of the Wieners, and a record-breaking Chicken Dance>

(Courtesy Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada – A Serious Canadian Twist

This Ontario twin city region has deep German heritage, and its Oktoberfest is Canada’s largest Bavarian celebration. Polka bands, schnitzel dinners, and beer halls keep the vibe authentic, while the Thanksgiving Day parade (timed with Canadian Thanksgiving) adds a local spin.

Canada’s largest Bavarian bash runs from Friday, September 26 through Saturday, October 18, 2025. It’s an 18-day cultural marathon packed with polka, food, festhalls, the famous Thanksgiving Day parade, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit.

Blumenau, Brazil – Samba Meets Stein

Head to southern Brazil and you’ll find one of the most colorful Oktoberfests outside of Germany. Blumenau, settled by German immigrants, hosts a festival that’s part Bavarian, part Brazilian carnival. Expect lederhosen alongside samba, and beer mugs clinking in tropical weather—it’s a one-of-a-kind mash-up.

Oktoberfest Blumenau, . (Author Diegoodorizzi Wikimedia Commons Public Domain) bing

In Blumenau, the Oktoberfest scene swings into gear from Wednesday, October 8 to Sunday, October 26, 2025—18 days of Bavarian tradition with a tropical twist. There’s samba rhythm amid beer tents and lederhosen, set in the beautiful Parque Vila Germânica.

Brisbane, Australia – A Fest For The Ages Down Under

Australia has plenty of German influence, and Brisbane’s Oktoberfest is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest. Held over two weekends, it’s full of traditional food, music, and dancing, with a friendly, family vibe. Think beer tents, Bavarian folk shows, and yes—plenty of pretzels.

Brisbane’s version, “Oktoberfest in the Gardens,” takes over the Showgrounds on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1 PM to 9 PM — complete with bier, bratwurst, and festive competition
Meanwhile, the many events put on by the Brisbane German Club stretch across several weekends in October:

• October 3–5 (Fri–Sun)
• October 10–12 (Fri–Sun)
• October 17–19 (Fri–Sun)
• October 24–26 (Fri–Sun)

Tokyo, Japan – Asia Meets Munich

Japan’s love of beer and festivals makes Tokyo’s Oktoberfest a natural fit. Multiple events pop up around the city in autumn, often with an added touch of Japanese precision. Expect authentic German imports poured alongside Japanese craft beers, plus a chance to see Tokyo locals and tourists alike singing along to Bavarian drinking songs.

Tokyo offers both a spring and an autumn Oktoberfest in Shiba Park:

• Spring edition: May 16–25, 2025
• Autumn edition: September 12–23, 202

Bottom Line

Wherever you find yourself this fall, chances are there’s an Oktoberfest nearby—so dust off your designer lederhosen, refresh you polka mix tape and join the toast.