When you hear "Oktoberfest," your mind probably jumps straight to Munich, Germany, with massive beer tents, lively oompah bands, and people dressed in traditional dirndls and lederhosen. While Munich is the undeniable king of Oktoberfest, this beloved Bavarian festival has gone global. Cities all over the world have embraced the tradition, hosting their own versions of the celebration with unique local twists.

These festivals are more than just an excuse to drink beer; they are a celebration of community, culture, and the cheerful spirit of gemütlichkeit—a German word for a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. From the mountains of Colorado to the beaches of Brazil, Oktoberfest has become a worldwide phenomenon. So, grab your stein and get ready to explore 10 of the best Oktoberfest celebrations you can find outside of Munich.

1. Oktoberfest Blumenau – Blumenau, Brazil

It might seem surprising to find one of the world's largest Oktoberfest celebrations in Brazil, but the city of Blumenau in Santa Catarina has a deep connection to its German heritage. Founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, the city hosts an epic 18-day festival that attracts over half a million visitors each year. The event takes place in the Parque Vila Germânica, a charming complex designed to look like a traditional German village.

The festival kicks off with a grand parade featuring floats, folklore groups, and marching bands. Inside the park, you’ll find multiple beer halls serving both German and Brazilian brews, along with food stalls offering classics like bratwurst and pretzels alongside local Brazilian favorites. A unique highlight is the National Competition of Chopp in Meter Drinkers, where contestants see who can drink a meter-long glass of beer the fastest without spilling.

2. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest – Ontario, Canada

As Canada's largest Bavarian festival, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is a nine-day celebration that proudly honors the region's strong German roots. The event is spread across numerous festhallen (festival halls) and venues in the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. Each hall has its own unique atmosphere, but all are filled with traditional music, dancing, and, of course, plenty of beer.

A major highlight is the annual Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade, a nationally televised event with colorful floats, performers, and the festival's beloved mascot, Onkel Hans. The festival also features a variety of family-friendly events, including a fun run and multiple cultural happenings that showcase German music, art, and history. It's a community-wide celebration that truly captures the authentic spirit of the festival.

3. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – Cincinnati, USA

Billed as "America's Oktoberfest," Cincinnati's celebration is a massive street festival that takes over downtown for a weekend each September. With a large population of German-Americans, Cincinnati goes all out for this event, which draws hundreds of thousands of people. The festival is famous for its quirky and fun events that you won't find anywhere else.

One of the most popular events is the "Running of the Wieners," where dachshunds in hot dog bun costumes race to be crowned the winner. Another must-see is the "World's Largest Chicken Dance," where thousands of people, led by a celebrity grand marshal, flap their arms in unison. The food is a major draw, with vendors serving up an incredible amount of bratwurst, pretzels, and other German delicacies.

4. The London Oktoberfest – London, UK

For several weekends in the fall, London transforms parts of the city into a bustling Bavarian village. The London Oktoberfest sets up massive beer tents in various locations, creating an authentic atmosphere complete with long wooden tables, blue and white decorations, and live bands flown in from Germany.

The vibe is energetic and festive, with thousands of people singing along to classic German Schlager music and participating in traditional drinking songs. You can enjoy a variety of German beers served in giant steins, along with a menu of hearty food like schnitzel, wurst, and dumplings. It's a fantastic way to experience the energy of a Munich beer tent without leaving the UK.

5. Qingdao International Beer Festival – Qingdao, China

Known as the "Asian Oktoberfest," the Qingdao International Beer Festival is one of the largest and most famous beer festivals in Asia. The city of Qingdao has a historical connection to Germany, which established the world-famous Tsingtao Brewery there in 1903. The festival, which takes place in August, is a massive, month-long event that attracts millions of visitors.

The festival features huge beer tents hosted by breweries from all over the world, including many German favorites. It’s a spectacular blend of German tradition and Chinese culture, with carnival rides, games, and elaborate performances. The opening ceremony is a grand affair with parades and fireworks, setting the stage for a month of celebration.

6. La Crosse Oktoberfest – Wisconsin, USA

Held in a region with a rich German heritage, the La Crosse Oktoberfest in Wisconsin is a beloved tradition that has been running for over 60 years. The festival is known for its two parades: the Torchlight Parade, which kicks off the event with illuminated floats, and the Maple Leaf Parade, a massive daytime procession.

The festival grounds, or "Festgrounds," feature multiple stages with live music, from traditional polka bands to modern rock groups. There are also carnival rides, craft markets, and plenty of food and beer. A unique tradition is the tapping of the Golden Keg, a special brew created just for the festival, which officially marks the start of the celebration.

7. Leavenworth Oktoberfest – Leavenworth, USA

The entire town of Leavenworth, Washington, is designed to look like a Bavarian alpine village, making it the perfect setting for an Oktoberfest celebration. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth hosts its festival over three weekends in October. The town’s charming architecture provides a stunning backdrop for the festivities.

The celebration includes four venues with live music, German beer, and traditional food. Each Saturday, there is a procession through town featuring villagers in traditional dress, marching bands, and the ceremonial tapping of the keg. The combination of the beautiful mountain scenery and the authentic Bavarian atmosphere makes this one of the most picturesque Oktoberfest celebrations in the world.

8. German-American Festival – Toledo, USA

This festival in Toledo, Ohio, is one of the largest and oldest ethnic festivals in the region. Organized by the German-American Festival Society, it is a true celebration of German culture and heritage. The event features traditional German music, folk dancing, and, of course, a wide selection of German beers and wines.

The food is a major highlight, with authentic dishes like potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, and a variety of homemade pastries. The festival also includes a Swiss steak dinner that is a local favorite. It’s a family-friendly event with a strong focus on community and preserving cultural traditions.

9. Frankenmuth Oktoberfest – Frankenmuth, USA

Frankenmuth, known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," hosts an Oktoberfest that holds a special distinction: it was the first Oktoberfest outside of Munich to be officially sanctioned by the German Parliament. This seal of approval means the festival is recognized for its authentic representation of the original Munich event.

Held in the beautiful Heritage Park, the festival features authentic German entertainment, food, and beer. You can enjoy music from German bands, watch traditional dancers, and sample a variety of imported German brews. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, offering a genuine taste of Bavarian hospitality.

10. The Bavarian – Sydney, Australia

While not a standalone festival, The Bavarian is a chain of German-inspired restaurants across Australia that hosts epic Oktoberfest celebrations throughout September and October. With locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities, they bring the spirit of the festival to life with special menus, imported Oktoberfest beers, and festive decorations.

The restaurants are transformed into lively beer halls, with staff dressed in traditional attire and live oompah bands playing on weekends. They offer special Oktoberfest packages and host fun competitions, like stein-holding contests. It’s a great way to get a taste of the celebration without committing to a massive outdoor festival.

Your Stein Awaits

From Brazil to Japan, the spirit of Oktoberfest is alive and well all over the world. These celebrations prove that the joy of good beer, hearty food, and lively music is a universal language. Each festival offers its own unique flavor while honoring the traditions that make Oktoberfest so special.