Oktoberfest Copies: Where the Wiesn is Celebrated Abroad

Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year to the Theresienwiese in Munich. It was first celebrated there in 1810. The old tradition originally comes from the Bavarian capital. Nowadays, the festival is celebrated in many cities all across Germany. And there are even some Oktoberfest versions in other countries!

We've heard about the craziest Oktoberfest copies around the globe. Below, we introduce you to the places and tell you what to expect there.

Denver is the capital of the U.S. state of Colorado and is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. If you're passing through the Rocky Mountain National Park, you have the opportunity to visit the annual Denver Oktoberfest in September. It has been held since 1969, and in 2024 it takes place on the weekends of September 20th to 22nd and 27th to 29th.

The city claims to be America's number one beer city. During the festival week, there is a wide variety of events, including beer tastings, a talent show, a 'long-dog race,' and music performances. A costume competition judges outfits with extravagant lederhosen, elaborate braided hairstyles, or a chicken hat. The celebrations also serve as the kickoff for the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) of the Brewers Association.

Even with drinks and food, you get the real Oktoberfest flair: Just like in Munich, the golden barley juice of the Munich traditional brewery Spaten is served in Denver as well. Alongside it, sauerkraut, chicken, and of course pretzels are offered, following Bavarian tavern tradition. The American 'pretzels' are, however, fried.

Qingdao has more in common with Germany than just Oktoberfest. The port city in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong has been a sister city of Wilhelmshaven since 1992. Qingdao was founded as a German colony in 1898 and was then called Tsingtau. Today, that name belongs to a local brewery, one of China's largest, and according to the city of Wilhelmshaven, it ranks among the top 10 worldwide. Tsingtao beer has been brewed according to the German Purity Law since 1903-and of course, it is also served at the annual 'Asian Oktoberfest.'

The International Beer Festival has been held in Qingdao since 1991. Over the years, it has grown into Asia's largest annual beer festival, hence it is known as the Asian Oktoberfest. With over three million visitors, it is considered one of the largest Oktoberfests in the world. However, the Chinese celebrate it in the summer:

This year, the event was held from July 19th to August 11th. During the festival week, according to 'That's Qingdao', more than 2000 beers from over 40 countries and regions are served, including Tsingtao beer from China, Beck's from Germany, Corona from Mexico, Kirin & Asahi from Japan, Carlsberg from Denmark, Heineken from Holland, Tiger from Singapore, and Budweiser from the States.

Instead of a meadow, Golden Sands Beach on the west coast of Qingdao serves as the main venue. Additionally, celebrations occur in the Laoshan district, Licang World Expo Park, and the city of Pingdu. Numerous beer tents are set up, where artists perform.

International visitors also receive plenty of free beer. If you're visiting Qingdao, you should check out the historic old town and take a walk on 'Beer Street,' home to China's first beer museum and the famous brewery.

Brazil also celebrates Oktoberfest, even in the corresponding month: Since 1984, the festival has been held annually in the city of Blumenau in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. This year, it is scheduled from October 9th to 27th.

'Music, joy, tradition, energy, and lots of excitement, all combined in a place that represents a small part of Germany in Brazil. That's Oktoberfest Blumenau, the second-largest in the world and the largest in America!' according to the event page. In addition to various beers, more than 150 traditional German dishes like pretzels, bratwurst, strudel, and spätzle are offered.

The event takes place in the Parque Vila Germânica event park, where German-style houses are located. During the festivities, parades march through Rua XV de Novembro, with participants dressed in Bavarian costumes.

One of the craziest Oktoberfests around the globe includes the Kitchener Oktoberfest in Kitchener, Ontario. The '56th Annual Bavarian Festival' is scheduled this year from September 27th to October 19th.

According to the event description, Kitchener Waterloo-Oktoberfest has had its own traditions since 1969 and has developed into 'the largest Bavarian festival in North America with the largest Thanksgiving Day parade in Canada.' Diverse family and cultural events are held in the fest halls scattered throughout the city.

Incidentally, Kitchener was known as Berlin until World War I and was considered the capital of German immigrants in North America. Today, both the flair and the mascots dressed in costumes, 'Uncle Hans' and 'Aunt Frieda,' who greet visitors, still remind of those times.

The Oktoberfest in the U.S. city of Cincinnati, Ohio, is, according to the event page, the largest of its kind in the USA. This year it will take place from September 19th to 22nd at a new location in Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove. Since 1976, the rich German heritage has been celebrated annually here-with reportedly over 808,000 participants in 2023.

Besides a huge tent that holds 1,000 people, you can expect an entertainment program with German music, traditional dance, and circus performances. Of course, there is also plenty of food, from bratwurst to pretzels, everything you would want to feast on at a real Oktoberfest. And the best part: admission is free!

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net.