Oktoberfest is now over in Germany, so it seems about right that it’s just getting started in South Africa – we’re not known for our punctuality after all. I thought I’d do a quick round up of Oktoberfest celebrations happening around SA so that you can spend your time dusting off your lederhosen and getting your dirndl out of storage instead of trawling for places to wear them.

I challenge South Africa’s fest organisers to sell pretzels as big as the ones you get at Munich’s Oktoberfest (pic taken in 2005)

Eastern Cape

20-22 October: Oktoberfest at Lorraine German Club (Gqeberha)

Book ahead for this popular fest, with authentic oompah music from a band flown in from Munich. The fest is boasting the longest bar in SA, but as it’s sponsored by Castle Lager, you probably won’t find much in the way of festbiers. Tickets from R80 via Quicket.

Gauteng & North West

7 October: WortHogs Oktoberfest, Copper Lake Breweries (Lanseria)

Gauteng’s homebrew club is hosting their annual Oktoberfest, though it’s as much about all other styles of beer as it is about festbier. Tickets are R150 which allows you unlimited tasters throughout the day. There’s live music and stuff for non-beer-drinkers to sip on as well. Tickets available on Quicket.

7 October: Oktoberfest at Ale House (Broederstroom)

More of a mini beer fest than an Oktoberfest, you can expect beers from Binary Brewworks, Roeks Beer, Jomp Brewing and of course, Ale House itself. There will be live music, craft stalls and plenty of food. Gates open at 10am and tickets are R180 via Quicket.

7 October: Oktober Bierfest at Emperor’s Palace (Jo’burg)

Part Oktoberfest, part general booze fest, with a range of beers plus gin, rum and brandy on sale. There’s a live oompah band and a kids’ area (unsupervised; bring your own entertainment). Tickets are R250 via Quicket (kids pay R50).

13-15 October: Oktoberfest at Capital Craft (Pretoria)

There will be imported German beer, there will be pretzels and sauerkraut, big long tables, sausage for days, warm apple strudel and schnitzel (ask about the noodles). No entry fee, but bookings essential – WhatsApp 081 877 6924 to book.

21 & 22 October: Drysdales Oktoberfest (Modderfontein)

As well as live music (including some oompah) there will be sausage and sauerkraut, festbier brewed on site and rugby on the big telly, beer brewed on site. Tickets R120 via Quicket.

Western Cape

8 October: Oktoberfest at Banana Jam Cafe (Cape Town)

Expect a range of German-style beers brewed for the event, including a new weissbier and of course an Oktoberfest lager. There will be steins to fill,  pretzels to eat and sausage galore, plus oompah music (and perhaps a little German techno if last year is anything to go by) blasting out of the speakers. Entrance is free but it’s wise to book a table.

21 October: Wilderer Oktoberfest (Paarl)

Originally scheduled for lateSeptember, Wilderer’s annual fest was rained off and moved to the end of October. It’s always a good time, with excellent German-style beer from CBC and a live oompah band. You’ll want to dress up for this one as there’s a best-dressed competition, as well as a bunch of traditional German games. Bookings essential. R50 cover fee (includes your first beer).

22 October: St. Beeryard Oktoberfest (Stellenbosch)

Bring your picnic blanket and listen to blues tunes from Albert Frost while chowing down on eisbein and sampling the new release rauchbier from Kennel Brewery. Tickets are R120 via Quicket and include your first pint. Under 14s free.

28 October: Berg River Brewery Oktoberfest

There will be live music, German snacks, and plenty of beer brewed on site. Live music and a prize for the best dressed. Tickets R120 via Quicket.

28 & 29 October: Octoberfest at Soul Barrel Brewing (Franschhoek)

There’s free entry and lots of festbier on tap at this, the final fest of the season. Soul Barrel have once again done a collab festbier with CBC – a beer designed to be drunk by the litre, so make a plan to get home safely afterwards. Free entry, bookings recommended.

Got something to add? Drop me a line.

Looking for more beer events in South Africa? Check out the events calendar here.