Published on
September 23, 2025
Oktoberfest, originally celebrated in Munich, Germany, is the world’s largest beer festival, drawing millions of visitors every year. However, the festive spirit of Bavaria has spread far beyond Munich’s famous beer tents, inspiring alternative Oktoberfest celebrations across the globe. From the lively streets of Brazil to the bustling port of Yokohama, Japan, cities around the world have adopted and adapted Oktoberfest’s vibrant atmosphere, making it easier for festival lovers everywhere to enjoy a Bavarian experience.
In 2025, Oktoberfest celebrations will take place in more diverse locations than ever before. Whether it’s savoring traditional German beer while dancing to oompah music or enjoying local twists on Bavarian dishes, these global festivals offer something special for everyone. Here are some of the best Oktoberfest events outside of Munich that should be on every beer lover’s travel list.
1. Cannstatter Volksfest, Stuttgart, Germany: A Tradition of Two Centuries
While Munich is the epicenter of Oktoberfest, Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart has earned its reputation as the second-largest beer festival in Germany. This festival, which runs from September 26 to October 12, 2025, in the Cannstatter Wasen area, brings in up to four million visitors every year. Celebrating its two-century-old tradition, the festival is not just about beer; it also honors its agricultural origins with a grocer’s market, fruchtsäule (a column decorated with fruits and vegetables), and a parade featuring military and historical bands.
With eight large beer tents accommodating up to 6,000 people each, Cannstatter Volksfest provides an authentic Oktoberfest experience with a local twist. Beer enthusiasts and families alike can enjoy the festive atmosphere, traditional food stalls, and exciting carnival rides, making it an essential stop for any Oktoberfest lover.
2. Oktoberfest Blumenau, Brazil: A German Tradition in the Heart of South America
In the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, Blumenau hosts the world’s third-largest Oktoberfest from October 8 to 26, 2025. While Brazil might seem like an unusual setting for such a German-inspired celebration, Blumenau has strong historical ties to Germany. The city was founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, and this heritage is still reflected in the charming half-timbered buildings and Alpine-inspired architecture.
During the three-week event, 700,000 visitors gather to enjoy parades, beer drinking contests, folk dancing, and beauty pageants. Visitors can sample authentic Bavarian dishes, including goulash and spätzle noodles, while sipping on Spaten and Löwenbräu lagers. For a deeper dive into the city’s brewing history, a visit to the Blumenau Beer Museum offers insight into the local beer culture that has thrived since the city’s founding.
3. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, USA: America’s Largest Oktoberfest
In the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati takes place from October 18-21, 2025. It is known as America’s largest Oktoberfest, attracting up to 800,000 visitors each year. This high-energy festival celebrates the city’s strong German heritage, dating back to when German immigrants first settled in Over-the-Rhine in the 19th century.
The festival features over 100 food and beer stalls, and fun events like the Running of the Wieners, where dachshunds race dressed as hotdogs, and the world’s largest recorded chicken dance. The festival, which also relocated to a new venue at Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, continues to attract beer enthusiasts with its lively atmosphere and vibrant celebration of German traditions.
4. Oktoberfest Pretoria, South Africa: A Fun-Filled Fundraiser
South Africa’s longest-running Oktoberfest, held in Pretoria, is much more than a celebration of German beer—it also serves as a fundraiser for the German International School in the capital city. From September 11-13, 2025, up to 10,000 people will come together for this festive event, which features traditional German oompah bands, funfair rides, and classic German food, including pork knuckles, schnitzels, and bockwurst.
The event is known for its authenticity and family-friendly atmosphere, especially on Saturday, which is dedicated to family fun with live music and games. This Oktoberfest is a celebration that brings together German heritage, local culture, and community spirit.
5. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Canada: A Munich-Inspired Celebration
Ontario’s Kitchener-Waterloo area is home to one of the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Germany. This event, which runs from September 26 to October 18, 2025, has been a staple of the local community for over half a century. It celebrates the rich German heritage of the area, with 700,000 visitors attending each year. The festival includes a keg tapping ceremony, a Thanksgiving Day parade, and plenty of live music, dancing, and delicious German food.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is one of the most well-established festivals outside Germany, offering an authentic experience with the additional charm of the region’s unique cultural fusion. Visitors can enjoy everything from sizzling schnitzels to beer-fueled dance-offs in this annual celebration of Bavarian culture.
6. Denver Oktoberfest, USA: A Craft Beer Wonderland
Nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers one of the longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States, coinciding with Denver Beer Week. Held over two weekends in September 2025, the festival takes place in the Ballpark District, where Bavarian traditions merge with Colorado’s craft beer culture. The festival features classic Bavarian activities, such as oompah music and chicken dances, alongside a vibrant lineup of craft breweries and local vendors.
Among the unique events is the Stein Hoisting competition, where participants compete to hold a filled stein for as long as possible. The festival also features keg bowling and a silent disco, making it a lively and diverse celebration of both beer culture and local creativity.
7. Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza, Argentina: A Picture-Perfect Festival
Held in the picturesque town of Villa General Belgrano, Argentina, the Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza celebrates its 60th year in 2025. Located in the Calamuchita Valley, the festival offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. With a distinct Alpine aesthetic, this festival blends German traditions with local Argentine flavor. Visitors can enjoy beer tapping ceremonies, live music, and beer contests while sampling locally brewed beers.
The event draws crowds for its authentic atmosphere, and the region’s German influence is reflected in its architecture, culture, and even the food, offering sauerkraut, spätzle, and other Bavarian delicacies.
8. Yokohama Oktoberfest, Japan: A Bavarian Extravaganza in Asia
For those seeking an Oktoberfest experience in Asia, Yokohama in Japan offers one of the most authentic celebrations. Running from September 26 to October 13, 2025, this festival attracts over 130,000 visitors each year. Held at the Red Brick Warehouse, the event features official Bavarian festival beers, German music, and traditional German food alongside Japanese craft beers and cocktails.
This celebration beautifully merges German and Japanese cultures, providing a unique Oktoberfest experience in one of Japan’s most vibrant cities.
Conclusion: A Global Oktoberfest Experience
Oktoberfest has evolved from its Munich origins to become a global celebration enjoyed in countries around the world. Whether it’s the stormy coast of Vancouver, the beer halls of Blumenau, or the bustling streets of Denver, Oktoberfest brings people together to celebrate Bavarian culture, beer, and community spirit. With diverse events offering unique twists on the traditional celebrations, there’s an Oktoberfest for everyone to enjoy, no matter where in the world they may be.
