Can’t Make it to Germany? Celebrate Oktoberfest in One of These Cities

When: September 30-October 10, 2022

Though it’s not specifically called Oktoberfest, Argentina’s National Beer Festival has all the hallmarks of the German celebration. Held in Cordoba’s Villa General Belgrano, which was founded in 1930 and is modeled after a traditional Alpine village, the fest was first launched by some of the town’s German immigrant residents in 1960. Each year, the fest attracts thousands of visitors over its two weekends, many of whom are clad in traditional German dress and come to pay homage to the event’s Oktoberfest queen.

When: September 16-18, 23-25, 2022

Denver is a city that loves its beer. The mile-high region hosts the Great American Beer Fest each October, but for those looking for an event with a little more German flair, there’s Denver Oktoberfest, held over two weekends in September. Held since 1969, the fest has the distinction of being one of Colorado’s largest tributes to beer, drawing about 350,000 people each year. Grab a beer and check out some keg bowling, or perhaps the annual Long Dog Derby, in which the region’s cutest dachshunds compete in a test of speed.

When: October 5-16, 2022

Turns out Munich isn’t the only Oktoberfest in Europe! Barcelona’s celebration takes place in the city’s Plaza Universo each year for about two weeks and is free to attend. Pop into the event’s big central tent, where you’ll find more than a few bars to patronize, as well as Bavarian foods like sausage, pork knuckle, and spätzle. Polka bands and DJs are set to play throughout the event, and there’s even a “best traditional Bavarian” costume contest for attendees.

When: October 5-23, 2022

Latin America’s biggest Oktoberfest, Blumenau’s event draws almost as many people as the fest in Munich. Held over 19 days in October, the fest has been rolling since 1984, when officials and business owners in the Alpine-themed town of Blumenau, Brazil got together to create an event to both promote tourism and celebrate German culture. Today, the fest advertises all sorts of wonders to visitors, including more than 150 different Bavarian food favorites, from goulash to strudel. 

When: September 30-October 2, 2022

Held in Texas’s picturesque Hill Country, Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest is a celebration of crafts, food, and more than 50 beers from all around the world. Fredericksburg bills itself as the “Polka Capital of Texas,” and the fest’s oompah-heavy lineup supports that moniker. There’s even an “OkTUBAfest” planned, in which anyone who plays a tuba or sousaphone is invited to come and jam out, as well as a much-ballyhooed yodeling contest.

When: October 7-9, 14-16, 2022

The only authentic Oktoberfest in Australia, Brisbane’s annual festival takes place over two weekends in October. Held at the Brisbane Showgrounds, the festival boasts multiple biergartens, a German trivia contest, an auto show, a Miss Oktoberfest contest, and even a strongman competition, in which teams of two or more must complete tasks like krapfen (jelly donut) eating, endurance-based stein holding, and keg rolling. Festivities begin at midday and go well into the night, so go hungry and well-rested.

When: October 20-23, 2022

Now in its 43rd year, Tulsa Oktoberfest is six days of German-themed fun. There’s keg-rolling and dachshund dashes, free family days, and plenty of delicious Bavarian food. The fest also boasts a robust selection of over 300 beer taps spread out over 140,000 square feet of festival grounds. Grab a bratwurst and take a turn around the maypole.

When: September 29-October 1, 2022

Billed as the longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest, LaCrosse, Wisconsin’s has quite a bit of small-town charm. The whole thing kicks off with a senior citizen breakfast at the fest’s Hofbrau Haus before launching into craft beer celebrations, torchlight parades, and even a special Festmaster’s Ball. If you’re into beer, you’re in luck, too, because the fest’s suds roster is surprisingly robust for an event of its size.