Chances are not everybody, for one or other reason, might be able to land in the Bavarian capital of Munich this year to enjoy their golden nectar amidst hordes of clinking, clanking and dawdling beer fans. The mega Oktoberfest 2015 officially kicks off on September 19 but there are equally, not-to-be-missed spins of this crazy fest that extend the beer-swilling revelry in these 7 locations worldwide.
#1 Blumenau Oktoberfest (Brazil)
Everyone’s welcome to the beer festivities in Brazil’s “Little Germany” aka Blumenau that celebrates the German heritage of the city.
Everyone’s welcome to the beer festivities in Brazil’s “Little Germany” aka Blumenau that celebrates the German heritage of the city. Nineteenth century German pharmacist and thinker Hermann Bruno Otto Blumenau is often regarded as the founder of this town that today boasts of over 320,000 citizens of Germanic origin.
Ever since 1984, the city has organized a beer festival with close to 700, 000 beer crazy fans traveling south to celebrate. The three-week fest offers unique local twist that includes fusion of Brazilian and German music, hints of Samba in regular German dance moves and combination of German-themed crafts with local Brahma beers. Those who choose to dress the authentic German way interestingly get a waiver on the entrance fee. What sets this event apart from Munich fest is that in true Brazilian style the beer party and entertainments go on until the little hours of the dawn.
When: October 7-25
#2 Cincinnati Oktoberfest (U.S.A.)
More than 600,000 beer lovers are expected to converge at the infamous beer festival this year in Cincinnati making it largest Oktoberfest celebration within US.
More than 600,000 beer lovers are expected to converge at the infamous beer festival this year in Cincinnati making it largest Oktoberfest celebration within US. This year’s festival will begin with annual running of over 100 wieners or German Dachshunds in addition to having events like ‘World’s Largest Chicken Dance, Stein Hosting Championship and World Brat Eating Contest. With lots of craft brews and German delicacies like Brats, Strudels, Cream puffs, Sauerkrauts, Metts, Pretzels, and more, you are sure to be regaled at this fest.
When: September 18-20
#3 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest (Canada)
Outside Germany, which is the second-largest Oktoberfest globally? Yes, you guessed it right—it’s the Kitchener-Waterloo festival. The 2014 iteration of Oktoberfest saw roughly 700,000 beer lovers who chowed down more than 25,000 pretzels and 50,000 sausages. Beyond good fun, this Oktoberfest also boosts the local economy in a big way — around $ 21 million were generated in last year’s event alone!
As you witness Bavarian dances, official keg-tapping, 1-liter steins of beer, scrumptious German cuisines and communal drinking across long rows of tables, you are sure to be teleported to the real deal at Munich. However, uniquely Canadian nuances like free-flowing local beers, rock concert and a barrel-rolling contest would surely jolt you back to senses.
When: October 9-17
#4 Hong Kong Oktoberfest:
If you’re going to be in Hong Kong during mid-October and early November, probably a visit to Marco Polo German Bierfest
If you’re going to be in Hong Kong during mid-October and early November, probably a visit to Marco Polo German Bierfest is sure to satisfy your longings for wursts, lederhosens, steins and extravagant good times.
Down high gravity, rare lagers, greet your beer heroes, partake in song and dance routines, and take photos with charismatic beer maids at this ‘largest Bavarian celebration’ in Asia. Are you ready to party?
When: October 16 – November 7
#5 South African Oktoberfest:
Wing a trip to sunny South Africa to check out some amazing beer festivals in the three cities of Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town this season.
Don’t lament how you could have made it to the Oktoberfest in Germany but fate willed otherwise. Swing a trip to sunny South Africa to check out some amazing beer festivals in the three cities of Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town this season.
Inspired by the German Oktoberfest, each event will find you in any of the large (4000-seater) tents, catching some sport on big screens, or knowing about food and beer pairings while sipping nice, cold incredible specials.
Revel in pure craft beer nirvana in Durban tasting dozens of brews and gorging on sausages and salads amid gala balls and fun contests. Cut yourself lose and celebrate all things ‘bier’ in Cape Town by sloshing 100s of interesting beers and participating in exciting contests.
When: Durban: September 19-21
Johannesburg: October 17-19, 24-26
Cape Town: November 14-16
Know more about interesting Places to Visit in South Africa
#6 Brisbane Oktoberfest (Australia):
Experience Bavaria head on during the Brisbane festival, touted as Australia’s largest Oktoberfest. It draws crowds upwards of 30,000 and over a course of two weeks showcases traditional German cuisines, conventional German lagers like Helles, Dunkelbier, Weisbier etc and savories like schnitzels, plethora of bratwursts, schnitzels, sauerkrauts and pork knuckles. From keg-rolling competitions to performances by cow-bell ringers, leg slappers and popular yodelers and from exciting Beardmister contests to captivating Miss Oktoberfest Brisbane shows, uber loads of entertainment await you at the Brisbane showgrounds. Are you ready to embrace your inner German yet?
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