It’s time to take your dusty lederhosen out of the bag because Oktoberfest is returning to Birmingham. With amazing German street food, oompah bands and lively performances, Birmingham’s hospitality venues are getting ready to welcome customers for an ale out party.
From The Old Crown in Digbeth to Heidi’s Bier Bar on Broad Street, the party hubs have planned several days of entertainment - including fancy dress and bratwurst eating competitions.
Everyone is encouraged to dress up for this German beer festival, which goes back to 1810. It was supposed to be a one time party in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. However, it turned into an annual party in Munich, Bavaria and it has grown to be a global phenomenon.
Before you enjoy the German Christmas Market in Birmingham, you can enjoy a slice of German festivities at the Oktoberfest events this month. Here are eight places to enjoy Oktoberfest:
5. Zumhof presents Oktoberfest!
Grab your Lederhosen’s coz it’s Oktoberfest. There will be live music, dancers, Bavarian themed host, confetti drops, keg tapping and so much more on September 30 from 4pm to 2am. Every ticket will include entry, a 2 pint stein of bier and a freshly cooked pretzel. Tickets are £16.75. | Google Maps
6. Oktoberfest Food Fest at The Bond, Fazeley Street, Digbeth
On October 7, from 12pm - 4pm and 4:30pm - 8:30pm, experience a Bavarian feast, grab a stein, as Seasonal Markets brings its Oktoberfest celebrations to The Bond. Highlighting the best of Birmingham’s vibrant street food scene, the event will feature a carefully curated selection of food stalls, including Nanny Bills, Fat Snags, Yardbirds, Mac OG, That’s Mature, Filthy Butties, Kebab Cartel, Surf & Slice and Baked in Brick. Tickets are £7.50, kids under 12 go free (no ticket required) and it is a dog friendly event! | Burger Fest
7. The Old Crown to host Oktoberfest
The Old Crown will be hosting this year’s Oktoberfest celebrations in Digbeth! On Saturday 14th & 21st October, they’ll be celebrating the event’s seventh year with live brass bands from Birmingham Conservatoire, as well as local favourites Heavy Beat Brass Band. The gardens of Birmingham’s oldest pub will be transformed into a Bavarian beer hall for two nights of fantastic themed events this October. Alongside the live brass ensembles, the pub will be serving up German-themed street food in their covered gardens, as well as steins full of tasty German beer.Early bird tickets for both dates start from £5, get them now at Design My Night. | The Old Crown
8. Bundobust, Birmingham city centre
This Oktoberfest, Bundobust are dusting off their Lederhosen, shaking the spice rack over a range of German classic dishes, and brewing some world class beers to pair with them. Available exclusively in Bundobust venues, the limited edition Oktoberfest specials will be available from Friday 15th September until Sunday 15th October. From their iconic Bundo Pretzel to Moong & Sauerkraut Fritters, it’s a cultural mashup worth experiencing. | Bundobust