Every fall, something extraordinary bubbles up from the brew kettles and town squares across the globe: Oktoberfest season. While Munich’s world-famous Wiesn might get all the headlines—and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype—it’s far from the only place where steins are raised, brass bands play into the night, and beer hall dancing becomes a full-body workout.
From the German heartland to South America’s most unexpected Bavarian town, these are the five best and most popular Oktoberfest celebrations in the world—each one serving up its own unique mix of heritage, celebration, and suds.
Munich, Germany – Oktoberfest (Wiesn)
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Munich’s Oktoberfest—locally called Wiesn—is the mother of all beer festivals. Held annually on the Theresienwiese fairgrounds, this is where Oktoberfest was born back in 1810, and it still sets the gold standard for every celebration that’s followed.
It all kicks off with a ceremonial keg-tapping by Munich’s mayor and the cry of “O’zapft is!” Then come the parades: costumed marchers, horse-drawn brewery wagons, marching bands, and riflemen in traditional gear winding their way through the city. But it’s inside the massive beer tents where the real action happens.
Each tent has its own personality, from the legendary Hofbräu-Festzelt (where you’ll meet partygoers from all corners of the world) to Augustiner’s tent, famous for pouring from wooden barrels. For a dose of history, step into the Oide Wiesn, a throwback section of the grounds where heritage dances, vintage fair rides, and old-world vibes take the spotlight.
And while beer is king, don’t sleep on the food: roasted duck, pork knuckles, pretzels the size of steering wheels, and enough apple strudel to make you rethink dessert forever.
Stuttgart, Germany – Cannstatter Volksfest (Wasen)
Often overshadowed by Munich, the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart is actually one of the largest beer festivals in the world—and it leans heavily into local Swabian culture. It’s not just a party, it’s a point of pride for the region.
The Volksfest started as an agricultural celebration in 1818, and that heritage still shows. Look for the Fruchtsäule (Fruit Column) at the entrance, a colorful monument to harvest abundance. Then head straight for the beer tents, which may not be as internationally known as Munich’s, but are just as lively—and arguably more authentic.
Live brass bands play everything from oompah to Euro pop, dirndl-clad servers navigate packed aisles with arms full of Maßkrüge (one-liter beer mugs), and locals embrace the festival with all their heart. The Wasen funfair, with its massive Ferris wheel and retro rides, adds a touch of nostalgia. You’ll also find dedicated family days, folk parades, and maybe even a costume contest or two.
It’s the kind of festival where you can raise a stein with your tablemates one minute and be pulled into a circle dance the next.
Blumenau, Brazil – Oktoberfest Blumenau
Yes, you read that right—Brazil. In the heart of Santa Catarina, the city of Blumenau was founded by German immigrants and still embraces that heritage in full Technicolor.
Each October, the city transforms into a full-blown Bavarian dreamland, and Oktoberfest Blumenau has become the largest German cultural festival in the Americas. And while it stays true to tradition—lederhosen, dirndls, folk music—it does it all with a distinctly Brazilian flair.
Nightly parades wind through the fest grounds, each more elaborate than the last. Stilt-walkers, costumed dancers, float processions, and marching bands light up the city. The “Chopp em Metro” contest (drinking a meter-long glass of beer without spilling) is a crowd favorite, and there’s even a pageant to crown the Oktoberfest queen.
Inside the festival’s cavernous pavilions, you’ll find German and Brazilian beer, sausages sizzling on open grills, and families dancing polka until late into the night. It’s festive, it’s proud, and it’s absolutely worth the trip.
Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada – Oktoberfest
Canada’s largest Oktoberfest takes place in two neighboring cities in Ontario: Kitchener and Waterloo. Once known as Berlin (before it was renamed during WWI), the area still holds tight to its German roots, and it shows.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest spans several weekends, with events scattered across multiple Festhallen—each offering its own blend of music, dancing, schnitzel, and beer. You’ll find everything from traditional folk nights to Oktoberfest-themed yoga classes, making it a surprisingly versatile festival.
One of the biggest draws is the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, broadcast nationally and featuring marching bands, float processions, and costumed revelers. There’s also a barrel race, beer stein hoisting contests, and the Miss Oktoberfest Gala.
Locals love it. Tourists are welcomed in. And for many Canadians, this is the Oktoberfest they grew up with.
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA – Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
If you’re looking for something a little quirky, a little loud, and 100% fun, Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is your spot. Known as the largest Oktoberfest in the United States, it draws hundreds of thousands to the city’s downtown riverfront every year.
What sets this one apart? Two words: wiener dogs.
The “Running of the Wieners” kicks things off—dozens of dachshunds in hot dog costumes sprinting toward the finish line to the sound of cheering crowds. From there, the energy never lets up. There’s the (in)famous World’s Largest Chicken Dance, which takes over the city square with thousands of people flapping and spinning together. There are brat-eating contests, beer gardens, and polka bands on every corner.
Despite the party atmosphere, there’s a lot of family-friendly fun here, too. Arts and crafts, local food vendors, and free performances make it easy to bring the whole crew along.
