Freight Island is putting its own spin on the world’s biggest beer festival this autumn, announcing Freight Island Presents Oktoberfest, an eight-day celebration taking over the venue across Thursday 1st – Sunday 4th October and Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th October.
Known for reinventing large-scale events in Manchester, Freight Island is throwing out the traditional Oktoberfest rulebook in favour of a bigger and bolder celebration, blending great beer, exceptional food and world-class entertainment into one unforgettable festival experience.
With free general admission tickets giving everyone the chance to join the party, guests can also level up their experience with paid table tickets, putting them right in front of the action and at the heart of the entertainment.
Running from afternoon until midnight, Freight Island’s Oktoberfest will feature a packed programme of live music, comedy, drag performances, DJs and immersive entertainment, transforming the venue into a high-energy beer hall unlike anything else in the city.
Oktoberfest beer
The drinks line-up will bring an authentic taste of Oktoberfest to Manchester, with Paulaner Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Gold and Steigl Grapefruit on the menu, alongside party kegs and specialty cocktails designed to keep the celebrations flowing late into the night.
Live Oktoberfest entertainment at Freight Island
Leading the celebrations is award-winning comedian Charlie Partridge as Master of Ceremonies, with Acid Klauss, the Ringmaster of Chaos, hosting party games and keeping the energy high with his hilarious hardcore beats and Bavarian beatboxing throughout the day.
Guests will also be welcomed by the Pretzel Twisters, who swap traditional brass performances for an all-out Oompah spectacular, while a duo of high-kicking drag legends Liquorice Black and Gisele bring glitter, spectacle and plenty of surprises to the festival. Adding to the soundtrack, DJ sets from Sister Amy Lou will keep the party going, bringing her signature energy to the beer hall and keeping guests on their feet long into the night.
Headlining the weekends is cult live act Oh My God! It’s The Church, bringing its unique mix of rock ‘n’ soul, gospel, comedy and audience participation, before DJs take over to keep the party going until midnight.
Sundays offer a more relaxed take on the festivities, inviting families to experience Freight’s Oktoberfest together. Alongside the live entertainment, on each Sunday children can enjoy arts and crafts, shadow puppet making and a Brothers Grimm-inspired trail, creating a playful daytime experience while retaining all the atmosphere, food and drink that make Freight Island’s Oktoberfest unique.
Book your tickets
Free tickets for Freight Island Presents Oktoberfest are available now here.
📍 Find Freight Island at 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY.
