Not that we need an excuse to drink copious large glasses of beer, don lederhosen or a dirndl and tuck into a big ole’ bratwurst but the Oktoberfest celebrations taking place this autumn do help. From oompah bands to beer tapping taking place, here’s our guide to some of the best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Manchester with a foaming pint of wheat beer at. Prost!
1. Bierkeller
Why go to Germany when Germany can come to you? Celebrate a day of beer-fuelled fun at Manchester Bierkeller. Don your dirndl or lederhosen and fill your steins to the brim. Enjoy authentic Bavarian food like brats, hog rolls, schnitzel, pretzels, kraut and wursts and plant-based eaters needn’t worry as there will be plenty of veggie friendly options too. Taking place on both 14th and 15th October, there will be DJs, live music, bands, and so much more that’s bound to get you singing, stomping and dancing the night away from 8pm to 2am. Find your Oktoberfest tickets here.
2. Salt Dogs
Oktoberfest starts on Saturday 17th September and Manchester’s Salt Dogs has some insane deals coming for you. From 17th September til 3rd October you can get involved in the celebrations by bagging yourself two Dortmunder steins for £15. Feeling hungry or need to soak up some of that beer? Salt Dogs are also offering a Dortmunder stein and a hot dog for £10. In order to kick off Oktoberfest in Manchester in true fashion, Salt Dogs will be hosting a night of partying and indie bangers on Saturday 17th September, 4pm til late.
3. Albert’s Schloss
It’s no surprise that this German-inspired establishment in Birmingham would be celebrating with an Oktoberfest party. In true Albert’s Schloss-style, the fun bar is celebrating Oktoberfest, with nightly shows and entertainment, delicious steins of German beer and plenty of Oktoberfest-inspired grub. Dance, sing, drink and eat up until October 3rd, when the party will be officially closing for the year. Find out more here.
4. Manctoberfest
Taking the iconic Oktoberfest and giving it a proper Manc twist, Manctoberfest is back in town for a weekend this October, and it’s set to be beer-tastic. Taking place at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre between September 30–October 2, the lively event will combine the Bavarian-themed extravaganza with some of the best indie and rock music hailing from Manchester. Revellers will get to experience a slice of Munich without the need for a passport: there’ll be music, beer, food and dancing all under one roof without even leaving the city. Grab your tickets here.
5. Escape to Freight Island
Celebrate Oktoberfest this year in the ginormous Ticket Hall at Escape to Freight Island! Join all the fun for a weekend of German beer, comedy comperes, oompah bands and special food offers. Freight Island’s Oktoberfest event will take place on the weekend of September 23-25, going on til late in the night on Friday and Saturday. And for a taste of Germany, why not tuck into a kebab from One Star Doner?
6. BrewDog
Do you like German beer? Good! Because for one day only in September you can get your hands on some fine German beer at Manchester pub, BrewDog, to celebrate Oktoberfest. BrewDog will be hosting a beer showcase on September 22 featuring their favourite hard-hitting German lagers and it’s one way to perk up your Thursday. Plus, there’s nothing quite like grazing on wonderful wings or feasting on loaded fries with a refreshing lager. Beers, scran and dog-friendly- what’s not to love?