Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest Outside Munich: Long-Haul Destinations

Munich may be the birthplace of Oktoberfest, but the Bavarian celebration has taken root far beyond Germany. Across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, communities with German heritage — or simply a love for beer and festivity — host their own versions of the world’s most famous folk festival. If you’re looking for long-haul Oktoberfest destinations, here are some of the best places to raise a stein.

Oktoberfest in North America

Cincinnati, USA

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the largest Oktoberfest in the United States, attracting nearly a million visitors each year. The city’s German roots come alive with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and traditional music, but the highlights are uniquely American: dachshund races and the world’s largest chicken dance. It’s a lively, family-friendly festival with a distinctly Midwestern twist.

Denver, USA

Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Denver’s Oktoberfest mixes classic Bavarian traditions with the city’s booming craft beer scene. Over two weekends, the festival features stein-hoisting contests, keg bowling, and plenty of oompah music. Warm days and cool evenings make it the perfect setting to enjoy both local brews and imported German favourite.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada

In Ontario, the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo transform into Canada’s Oktoberfest capital. Settled by German immigrants, the region celebrates its heritage with parades, concerts, hockey tournaments, and multiple festhalls spread across the cities. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, it’s considered one of the most authentic Oktoberfests outside Europe.

Oktoberfest in Africa

Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria’s Oktoberfest, run by the German International School, has been a local favourite for decades. The three-day festival combines traditional Bavarian beer and food with a fairground atmosphere, complete with live bands and dancing. It’s a celebration rooted in community spirit, and a reminder of South Africa’s diverse cultural influences.

Oktoberfest in Asia

Yokohama, Japan

Japan’s largest Oktoberfest takes place at Yokohama’s historic Red Brick Warehouse, a waterfront landmark that provides a striking setting for Bavarian festivities. Authentic German beer is imported specially for the event, and visitors enjoy it alongside pretzels, sausages, and performances by traditional oompah bands. The mix of Japanese efficiency and German tradition makes for a festival like no other.

Oktoberfest in South America

Blumenau, Brazil

In southern Brazil, the city of Blumenau is home to the world’s third-largest Oktoberfest. Founded by German immigrants, the city embraces its heritage with alpine-style architecture, folk dancing, and a carnival-like atmosphere. Visitors flock to its beer halls and parades, where contests like drinking from metre-long glasses keep the energy high well into the night.

Villa General Belgrano, Argentina

This small town in Argentina’s Córdoba province feels like a slice of Bavaria in South America. Settled by German immigrants, Villa General Belgrano celebrates Oktoberfest with brass bands, folk dancing, and hearty German-Argentinian food. Its red-roofed chalets and scenic mountain backdrop make the festival especially picturesque.

You don’t need to be in Munich to experience Bavarian cheer. Whether it’s beer halls under the Brazilian sun, dachshunds racing through Ohio, or steins clinking on Japan’s waterfront, these long-haul Oktoberfests bring unique flavour to a timeless tradition.